Omneon, Inc., a provider of scalable media server and active storage systems, and Pharos, a developer of software architecture for desktop content management, have been selected by HBO Asia to provide an infrastructure upgrade that will enable a fully file-based workflow for HBO’s Singapore facility. The combination of Omneon MediaGrid active storage and ProXchange transcoding with Pharos Mediator content management and Playtime automation will allow HBO Asia to achieve greater efficiency as it delivers programming to a base of 31 million subscribers across 22 countries in Asia.

“We have a good working relationship with Omneon and have confidence in the reliability of the company’s Spectrum™ media server system,” said Vincent Teo, senior vice president, technology and operations of HBO Asia. “By adding MediaGrid active storage and deploying advanced media management and automation from Pharos, we have a solution that delivers an efficient workflow and meets our requirements for cost-effective easy expansion to support the growth of our Asian operations.”

HBO Asia will incorporate a 60TB MediaGrid active storage system from Omneon as a central storage platform along with new Playtime automation and Mediator content management systems from Pharos to deliver 12 SD channels to air. The Singapore-based media company will also use an Omneon ProXchange high-performance transcoding system to support its media repurposing operations. The system will be in operation in the last quarter of 2008.

“HBO Asia needed a more efficient workflow to ingest and manage content for its new sophisticated 3-D presentation style and an automation solution to better manage complex secondary events, subtitles, multiple languages, and local ad breaks,” said Russell Grute, director of marketing at Pharos. “Mediator content management and Playtime automation in combination with Omneon storage provides a complete, tested package able to handle the demands of such a large-scale operation.”

Pharos Mediator will streamline HBO’s workflow and provide media logistics for traffic, library, and ingest operations. Mediator will manage all transfers between the Omneon storage subsystems and integrate the existing data tape library to provide end-to-end media lifecycle management. Mediator also supports future operations like screening, compliance editing, and approvals, and could manage future HD and VoD services.

In addition to its MediaGrid purchase, HBO Asia has upgraded its existing Spectrum server with increased system bandwidth and six additional playback channels to be used as squeeze channels.

“As a leader in home entertainment, HBO Asia understands the importance of delivering timely, high-quality programming to viewers,” said Geoff Stedman, Omneon senior vice president of products and markets. “A streamlined file-based workflow will help HBO achieve its goals of greater efficiency with easy expansion capability.”