Fully scalable News and Traffic system

Neuron is a MOS-compatible, template-based system that integrates graphics creation and management into most common newsroom, continuity and broadcast traffic operation environments, allowing users to integrate high-quality pre-defined 3D graphics to their workflow without the constant input from the Graphics Department. 

Neuron is fully scalable and can be tailored to match any client’s requirements. Initially designed for news operation, Neuron currently integrates in most common broadcast workflows, transcending the newsroom to support continuity and broadcast traffic.

Fully scalable, modular solution 

Neuron allows journalists, producers and other users with no prior 3D graphics knowledge to input data into pre-defined templates that are then updated in the system and added to a rundown list for transmission in the playout area. Additionally, Neuron allows for the integral management of templates and finished graphics through the broadcast workflow including traffic and branding. Neuron is a complete and scalable system that comprises various modules and plugins to allow the integration in any broadcast workflow, no matter how complex. 

Beyond the Newsroom 

Neuron can provide a channel with a complete, shared and centralized control and management system for all kind of graphics. The system integrates seamlessly in the newsroom but transcends the news requirements to include branding or animated promos. The playout of these graphics can be performed as the workflow requires, by creating, managing and scheduling playlists, or even directly from the continuity or traffic system. 

Neuron components

Neuron is a MOS-compatible, template-based system that integrates graphics

Neuron Content 

Allows editing of template graphics. It is not required where Neuron is integrated with third party newsroom systems, and in complex systems can be used as a backup to deliver real-time on-air 3D graphics.

Neuron Controller 

Software module that allows the preview, playout, editing and customization of graphics.

Neuron Client 

A plug-in to select the templates, or review the list of created graphics, to customize the final graphics. As part of Brainstorm’s MOS integration, it works inside the newsroom environment.

Neuron SnapServer 

Dedicated render system that centralises and provides graphics preview for the journalist and full resolution graphics, images or movies.

Neuron Manager 

Provides floating licenses in the newsroom. 

Neuron Gateway 

Manages MOS communications with the Newsroom systems. 

Neuron eStudio Player 

The eStudio engine to play the Neuron graphics.

Template-based graphics 

Neuron supports Brainstorm’s SmartTemplates for easier data input and graphic updating. This feature expands the graphics possibilities and flexibility of the newsroom, allowing faster on-air delivery. Data can be automatically retrieved and then modified from external data sources such as databases, spreadsheets and similar applications, or even RSS feeds, with such automation speeding the process and reducing the margin for error. 

Graphics templates can be designed and created in Brainstorm products such as eStudio or Aston or in industry-standard tools (Photoshop, After Effects, 3D Max and many other) and then imported into Neuron. Templates can be as simple or complex as required. 

Transition effects 

SmartTemplates provide sophisticated replacement and transition effects and enable simple graphics to be combined to create more complex ones.

Multiple format support 

Neuron is resolution independent, supporting SDI and HD-SDI inputs and outputs with video and key. Works in any HDTV flavour plus PAL and NTSC.

External data applications 

SmartTemplates link seamlessly to external data sources, and can collect data from applications such as spreadsheets, databases, feeds or websites.

Comprehensive workflow 

Broadcast graphics workflows can be complicated with content coming from many sources. Neuron integrates and simplifies the process, supporting the playout of graphics and templates created in Brainstorm products or in other software packages. 

So, once a series of templates are created they can be added or imported into the system and modified at any time. Users working at their own desktops, individually yet in a collaborative manner, can log on to the system to access templates and update them for subsequent addition to a schedule. From their workstation, users can see a preview picture or movie of the graphic they have created before adding it to the rundown.

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