Suppose I want to set up a TV station to run unattended. Let’s assume that my output is a NTSC composite signal accepted by a commercial cable company for broadcast (with their permission, of course). What I need is the hardware/software to store video, play it, and schedule playings for at least a week ahead.
All video shows would originate from DVD or VHS sources; nothing live (at least for now). They would be converted to data storage long before broadcast.
I envision a PC with sufficient data storage, and the amount needed could be calculated based on the number of hours of different programs that we expect to run for a week. Many will be repeated, so that reduces the overall storage needs. A WAG is 400GB would be adequate.
Next I need some way of scheduling the playing of video shows at desired times. Perhaps they would be played real time and the video card’s NTSC output would provide the necessary signal conversion?
So my guess is the critical component here is the scheduling software. Anyone know what that could be? How can I set up a daily video play schedule?
A good option would be the ability to run PowerPoint slide shows anytime video shows weren’t on the air. That way we could have static pictures and announcements looping continuously as filler.
The ability to upload video and PP data over the Internet and control all functions over the Internet would be highly desirable. Also the option to control and switch to one or more external DVD or VHS players in the schedule would be nice, so we wouldn’t be forced to always convert a VHS tape to computer data.
In case you’re wondering, this mental exercise is preparatory to a possible upgrade for our community Public Access Cable channel. Right now, we have a stack of VCRs and DVD players, but they can’t be administered remotely and it’s a pretty limited and clunky arrangement. I would like to consider going slightly higher tech if it is affordable.
Any ideas?