Harris launches network-based automation protocol for controlling broadcast audio/video devices

CINCINNATI (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Continuing a tradition of developing de-facto industry standards for broadcast equipment automation and control, Harris Corporation has introduced NDCP (Network Device Control Protocol). A successor to the widely accepted VDCP (Video Disk Control Protocol), NDCP was developed by Harris Automation Solutions and is designed to provide broadcasters with an open, network-based standard for control of audio/video devices.

"Broadcast equipment functionality and architecture have changed significantly over the past several years, and the needs in terms of equipment control have also evolved," says Jim Woods, vice president of Harris Automation Solutions, a business unit of Harris Corporation's Broadcast Communications Division. "Consolidation and remote operation of broadcast facilities are wide-spread industry objectives today, and we developed NDCP to help broadcasters control devices over almost any network, making centralization of their automation system, remote control of equipment at multiple station locations, and the associated cost savings a reality."

Built on TCP/IP as a public protocol using XML, NDCP is both easy to implement and provides an open, platform-independent solution for connectivity via local or wide area networks. It is asynchronous, time-based and uses a master/slave model.

NDCP has already been distributed to several key manufacturers of video/audio devices so they can program interfaces based on its standards. When it is implemented, NDCP will enable broadcasters to control the recording and playback of material through audio/video or data ports and manage the content of a device. If multiple devices are linked via a network, NDCP can also manage the transfer of media assets between those devices. NDCP will be able to control most of the broadcast equipment used in transmission, from a one-channel character generator to a video server with hundreds of channels--all from one unique connection instead of multiple connections with lots of wiring and overhead.

Founded in 1988, Louth Automation was acquired by Harris Corporation in January 2000, and became Harris Automation Solutions. This business unit is the premier supplier of media management and automation systems worldwide. These systems control over 3,000 broadcast and cable channels and support a broad range of broadcast devices, including video disk servers, VTRs, cart machines, switchers, still stores and other devices. Harris provides innovative automation solutions to meet the complex needs of today's DTV, multi-channel and global network environments, as well as the mandate for seamless and scalable automation.