PROVYS Introduces Sphere, a Scalable Broadcast Channel Management System
Accompanying image shows members of the PROVYS team at IBC 2024.
PROVYS Technologies, a global provider of broadcast software solutions, announces the introduction of Sphere, a secure television channel management system developed to meet the needs of broadcasters at every stage of their evolution. Available in Lite, Pro and Enterprise versions, Sphere enables broadcasters of all sizes to control the entire content acquisition, licensing, branding, scheduling and transmission process.
Harnessing the latest web technology, Sphere’s modern architecture and comprehensive quality assurance are designed to ensure seamless operation, combined with advanced customer instance governance and world-class security.
“Launched at the 2024 International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam, September 13th-16th, Sphere leverages nearly 30 years of broadcast industry experience that PROVYS has accumulated since the company was founded in 1995,” says Josef Vasica, CEO. “Our approach is centred around your content, ensuring it is front and centre throughout the process.
“You start by introducing your material and entering all the relevant data associated with it. Sphere allows you to manage legal information effortlessly, ensuring that your contracts and licences are up to date, while freeing you from administrative obligations. Then open your scheduler and watch your plan come to life in minutes. Sphere’s intuitive interface gives you a visual representation of your schedule.
“With just one click, you can brand your channel and take care of the secondary events, placing all your commercials and promos in the right spots. When you are satisfied with the final result, a single keystroke exports the playlist. Just press PLAY and Sphere triggers the entire playout automation process, leaving you time and energy to focus on your content and your audience.
“Sphere works with most traditional playout systems as well as Stream Circle, another product in the PROVYS portfolio.”
“Our aim as a company is to be a one-stop shop, providing all the tools needed to meet each customer’s specific requirements,” adds Karel Votroubek, Chief Commercial Officer. “Sphere is based on a series of smart modules that can be combined to handle every element of the workflow from content ingest, graphics creation, video and audio editing and QA to terrestrial, satellite, cable or IP online delivery. The response from visitors to IBC 2024 confirms that we are on the right track and gives us the confidence to keep pushing forward. Sphere symbolises our commitment to innovation, embracing new trends while remaining firmly rooted in our deep-rooted knowledge and tradition.”
PROVYS Sphere is available in three versions, each designed to increase efficiency in different broadcast environments:
Sphere Lite is a web-based software tool for planning and scheduling of linear channels at small and medium-sized TV stations. Affordable and easy to use, it is offered as an out-of-the-box managed service. Features include asset management, programme/commercial/promo scheduling for linear transmission, EPG, rights handling, secondary event handling, broadcast and audience statistics and music usage logging. Basic support is included.
Sphere Pro is a flexible software tool for both linear and non-linear broadcasting. Designed for any team, it supports advanced workflows, including automated live event handling, content acquisition, programme planning, scheduling, rights management, and content publishing to any platform. Custom integrations with third-party products are possible via the PROVYS API. Sphere Pro is available as a web-based or Windows desktop application with customisable system configuration. Sphere Pro also includes 8/5 Bronze or 24/7 Silver technical and user support.
What sets Sphere Pro apart from Sphere Lite is that the PROVYS team offers a tailor-made solution, ensuring the system is fully adapted to the customer’s specific needs. By customising the project, PROVYS can incorporate best practices directly into the customer’s workflows, optimising efficiency and streamlining operations for their unique broadcasting requirements. Features supplementing those in Sphere Lite include extension to non-linear and smooth sport planning with imported metadata.
Sphere Enterprise is a comprehensive management solution for large TV networks. Designed for larger teams, it supports linear and online broadcasting and includes licence key-based options for TV production and advertising sales. Available in managed service and on-premises versions, Sphere Enterprise supports custom integrations, user screen customisation and full system configuration. Features additional to the Sphere Pro toolset include ad sales and production management. 24/7 Gold technical and user support is included.