AETN UK Steps into the Future With Signiant File-Based Workflow

System Replaces Tape-based Operations to Accelerate and Secure International Content Movement

AMSTERDAM (September 10, 2010) – Signiant, the leading developer of content supply chain solutions, announced today that AETN UK, a joint venture between A&E Television Networks and BSkyB, has chosen Signiant to help facilitate its transition from tape to file-based operations. The installation is part of a larger investment that also includes Avid ISIS storage with Avid Interplay database management.

AETN UK broadcasts channels including HISTORY™, Military HISTORY™, Bio™ and Crime & Investigation Network™ and delivers its content to a number of partners including  BT Vision, DMC (Digital Media Centre) and BSkyB, and also to multimedia platforms including Brightcove, a video streaming platform. In order to deliver a growing amount of content more quickly and cost-effectively to its expanding network of international partners, the organization needed to move away from a system based on HDCAM tapes and implement an integrated content supply chain management solution.

Tony Gill, Broadcast Operations Manager, AETN UK, said, “We considered other suppliers, but we preferred the look and feel of the Signiant system, and had great confidence in the Signiant team. We also knew that some of our key partners, including DMC and NBC, were already using Signiant, so the knowledge that we would not have to break down barriers or convince others to join us was very attractive.”

Gill continues, “We are keen to embrace new technologies that enable us to streamline our operations and open new business opportunities. While the Signiant solution is exactly what we need now, it is also adaptable and scaleable so that it can grow and develop alongside our business, and it also allows us to make VOD business models viable.”

AETN UK will install a Signiant Media Controller and five agents at sites including Sky and DMC. Initially the Signiant system will be used to deliver all content domestically and internationally. Over time AETN UK will start to receive files from parent company AETN and third parties in the UK.

David Nortier, EMEA Managing Director, Signiant, said, “I am delighted to announce that AETN UK has chosen Signiant technology for the launch of its tapeless project. AETN UK will be able to derive benefits from day one, and they will be an important member of this already established Signiant community.”