Automated Video Distribution Write Track Media Automates Video Distribution at the Associated Press

The Associated Press uses Write Track Media's AppleScript–based solutions in many of their production workflows. In addition to automating graphics for the AP Website and automating Election Night 2000, the most recent example is The Associated Press Video Department's new automated video distribution solution.

The process of preparing video for distribution to The Associated Press Members via the Internet can be very time consuming. Once a source QuickTime Movie is created, it has to be processed through Media Cleaner Pro which results in a multi–level folder structure that contains four QuickTime movies, a Real Video file, and a JPEG graphic. In addition, the new Quicklime movies have been saved in various formats for different speeds of download, including a 28.8k version, a 56k version, and a T1 version. Once these files have been generated they need to be transferred to six different FTP sites in a variety of combinations. For some servers, an XML file is desired – adding to the laborious process.

Now, thanks to myFactory® this entire process has been fully automated. myFactory is Write Track Media's industrial strength AppleScript–based folder watching utility that can turn any electronic workflow into a high–tech automated assembly line. It can be configured to watch an unlimited number of folders, performing specific actions as items arrive in the folders. In addition, myFactory can be used to automate almost any other type of task, such as routine system maintenance, compiling reports, information distribution, file server cleaning and archiving and much more. It can also automate video processing and distribution via the Internet.

Whenever an AP Computer operator drops a QuickTime Movie file into a watched folder, myFactory runs it through Media Cleaner Pro and waits for the resulting media files to be generated. It then logs on and distributes these to the correct FTP Sites in the correct combinations, automatically creating the XML file when required. Once complete, it begins processing any other Movie files that have been dropped into the queue. The entire process is completed without any human intervention. It even verbally announces when certain types of errors have been detected.

Write Track Media's AppleScript solution has allowed The Associated Press to hand this previously time–consuming, labor intensive task to several automated, unmanned machines, freeing their employees for other tasks. So impressed with the improvements to their workflow, The Associated Press is now working with Write Track Media to expand the solution, allowing for the separation of narrow and broadband video file preparation and distribution.

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Established in 1994, Write Track Media, Inc. develops innovative workflow automation products and solutions that eliminate repetition and allow people more time to focus on their highest creative potential. The company's unique approach to building custom solutions has been praised by many of their impressive list of clients including Adobe Systems, BMG, Dreyfus, Kraftmaid Cabinetry, Random House, Sony Music Entertainment, The Associated Press and more. The award winning technologies utilized by Write Track Media's developers include AppleScript and FileMaker Pro. Write Track Media is a member of the Apple Developer Connection, FileMaker Solutions Alliance, and TECSoft Developers Consortium.

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Write Track Media
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