How the ContentDepot® Works:
A Program Distribution Life Cycle
The scenario below describes in general how live and stored programs are distributed via the ContentDepot. Live programs are any programs that must be passed through the ContentDepot immediately to the stations in real-time. Stations may air live programs directly or store them for later use. Stored programs are programs that have been created in advance of their intended transmission or airdate.
Program Series Developed
A producer develops a concept for a live or stored program series or special and enters the program profile information (including audio samples) into the ContentDepot via a web interface. Electronic notifications are automatically generated to interested stations, and the program sample is available for station preview online.
Features:
- Interactive website that:
- Allows stations to audition and download programs, promos, and associated materials.
- Gives producers a centralized and searchable location for marketing, storing, and displaying programs and materials
- Program concept testing opportunity for producers
- Automatic electronic notification to stations based on expressed interests
Episode Entry/Scheduling
The producer enters detailed information (run-downs, language advisories, promo text) about the program into the ContentDepot. NPR Distribution staff schedule live programs for distribution. The ContentDepot confirms the schedule and will track and store the associated audio when it becomes available. Interested stations will be alerted to the program and can subscribe to the program or a single episode at any time prior to transmission.
Features:
- Program metadata captured in centralized location
- Enhanced automatic electronic notification to stations based on expressed interests
- Scheduling, confirmation, and automated tracking provided by the system
Subscription
Using tools in the ContentDepot, station program directors subscribe to programs or series of interest. Subscription is the process of a station using the web to notify the ContentDepot that it wants to receive a program or episode when it is sent over the satellite. Subscriptions at a series level automatically subscribe the station to all episodes of that series. The station can establish its local schedule and routing instructions during the subscription process. The ContentDepot then adds the station to the distribution address list for that program. Throughout the subscription process, producers can view the list of stations that have subscribed to their program.
Features:
- Program subscription establishes transmission recipients for scheduled delivery
- Series delivery can be requested by a single subscription
- Subscription tracking simplifies paperwork for stations
- Subscription lists provide producers with program usage information in advance of transmission
Program Submission
For a stored program, producers send the program into the ContentDepot by one of several methods:
- File upload via a web interface.
- Streaming/upload from a system Point of Presence (called "uplinks" in today's system).
- Mailing physical media (CD, DAT) to ContentDepot staff.
The digital file is then captured and stored by the ContentDepot.
Features:
- Electronic file upload provides time-saving mechanism for producers to submit programming
- Centralized asset management system establishes archive of public radio program information
- Electronic submission available any time via the web interface
Transmission
At the scheduled transmission time, the ContentDepot transmits the audio file and its associated metadata. Live programs are fed directly into the ContentDepot at this stage (in lieu of step 4). The live program is received by the stations and routed to storage or air. Stored programs can be cached in the station's ContentDepot equipment or stored in the station's own automation equipment. For stations with Internet connectivity, confirmation of the file transfer status will be automatically sent to the ContentDepot.
Features:
- Point to multi-point, reliable transmission using IP (internet protocol) over satellite technology
- System automatically checks for complete file transmission and notifies if errors were encountered
- Internet download available as an option for missed programs and programs of short duration
Station Playout
At the time specified in the station's local schedule, stored programs are decoded and streamed from storage in either analog or digital format with associated automation-control cues.
Features:
- Playout occurs from the station's automation system
- Integrated IP technology for live and stored programs streamlines station equipment and processing
Usage Reporting
The ContentDepot presents the producer with a listing of all stations that have subscribed to its programming—for audition or to air.
Features:
- Producers can report data online
- Easy web-based submissions