Omneon Video Networks today announced that The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), the Virginia Beach, Va.-based television ministry headed by Pat Robertson, has selected the Omneon Spectrum™ server as the foundation for its transition from analog to digital television production. CBN is using the server as a playout device for studio production of programming including the network's flagship program, "The 700 Club," and also to support fast clip access at edit suites during post production.

"The Omneon server is a key part of our analog-to-digital transition, offering increased flexibility through instant access to video clips and versatility in controlling server channels," said CBN Director of Engineering Kent Denton. "We chose Omneon for their modular approach to system architecture, as well as their very competitive price point. Also, any future system expansion will be simple with Omneon because any new component is able to plug into our existing system."

The new Omneon system at CBN is a 16 MediaPort system with 600 hours of MPEG-2 storage. CBN is using the server system in conjunction with DNF Controls' Shotbox controllers and Accom Axial editors for production of the network's original programming, syndicated to a number of networks and more than 200 broadcast television stations domestically. The facility also produces a significant amount of programming for international markets.

"Because we are working in a post-production environment, we need the ability to control server channels from multiple locations," added Denton. "Omneon's ClipTool software provides basic machine control functions, such as record, play, load clip, and set trims, from any PC we choose on our network. This makes it incredibly easy to set up a new ingest station or to load clips for our editing processes."

An exceptionally cost-effective and scalable video server infrastructure designed for the professional television industry, the Omneon Spectrum™ server simplifies and streamlines broadcast operations while maximizing use of existing hardware and software systems. Omneon's server system is built on an open architecture that allows it to support a broad variety of third-party applications for control and transmission, media management, archiving, and collaborative production. As a result, stored media can be shared among many users and applications.

The scalable, distributed architecture of the modular Omneon Spectrum™ server system also offers users maximum flexibility in scaling system components and capacity in small or large increments as desired. The system is available in a broad range of configurations to meet the specific needs of each installation.

Learn more about Omneon's server solutions at www.omneon.com.

About Omneon
Omneon Video Networks is the leading provider of cost-effective and flexible networked media server solutions for the broadcast and video industry. The company′s unique strategy integrates a strong foundation in broadcast with the best practices of information technology - giving its customers the best of both worlds. Because Omneon Spectrum media server systems are based on an open and advanced architecture, broadcast and video professionals are able to minimize both upfront and ongoing expenses, while gaining the flexibility to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Omneon pioneered the use of open systems in broadcast and, as a result, receives wide support from the application developer community. Visit Omneon on the Web at www.Omneon.com.

About Christian Broadcasting Network
Forty years ago, Pat Robertson launched his broadcasting organization, The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). Not only was CBN the first Christian television station in Virginia, it was also the first in the nation. Now one of the largest television ministries in the world, with its many subsidiary and affiliate organizations, CBN goes beyond the bounds of broadcasting in its mission to reach the world with a message of hope from the Bible.

CBN is a multifaceted nonprofit organization that provides programming by cable, broadcast, and satellite to approximately 200 countries, with a 24-hour telephone prayer line. Chief among CBN's broadcasting components is The 700 Club, a daily television program featuring Pat Robertson, Terry Meeuswen, Gordon Robertson and news anchor Lee Webb. On the air continuously since 1966, The 700 Club is one of the longest-running programs in broadcast history. Seen in 96% of the television markets across the United States, the show's news/magazine format presents a lively mix of information, interviews, and inspiration to an average daily audience of one million viewers.

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