Offering up to four channels of HD/SD, master control switching, graphics, automation and video storage in a single IT server rack, WideOrbit Inc., has announced the launch of WO Master Control.

WideOrbit provides the most advanced software solutions for end-to-end broadcast and cable operations – from proposal to order, scheduling to automation, billing and aging, the company stated.

Fully integrating IT and DTV into a complete solution that fits on a single IT server rack, WO Master Control exemplifies a new generation of master control innovations. Traditional broadcast master control equipment is a complex array of video servers, switchers, graphics software, automation computers, specialized software and miles of wiring. With multiple racks of equipment, it is often costly to install, maintain, upgrade and scale the complicated.

“Television stations and networks pioneered video playout in the 1940s and ‘50s using a complex web of very expensive audio and video hardware,” stated Eric R. Mathewson, founder and CEO of WideOrbit. “With the advent of modern video playout hardware based on standard IT architecture and some tremendously talented software developers at our development partners and WideOrbit, we are able to offer the industry a ‘leapfrog’ solution.”

Delivering file-based interoperability with Edge Servers, WO Master Control is modularly designed for easy customization. Offering playout with creative graphic branding for up to four HD/SD channels per server; powerful IT servers store media and, with on-board automation. WO Master Control delivers unrivaled station automation functionalities. They offer on-board automation and content storage for each server with live MC switching, including PIP and branding.

In April 2010, the company expanded modules for CRM, analytics and proposal capabilities with the release of WO Sales 2.0, sales management software. A Web-based, next-generation software, WO Sales was developed to meet the needs of media sales professionals. It includes three cross-integrated modules WO CRM for sales and account management; WO Analytics for advanced sales reporting, the company stated in a press release.