Endemol UK Consolidates Workflows With Object Matrix

Multi-platform entertainment company Endemol UK Ltd has complemented its recent UK content management installation with the integration of a nearline storage tier using MatrixStore from Object Matrix Ltd.

Systems integrator root6 Ltd, who worked with Endemol to design the original searchable and scalable system, supplied the 60TB MatrixStore cluster which fits smoothly into the existing infrastructure, providing a centralised storage hub for a variety of workflows including automated AS-11 deliverables and H.264 content generation for Endemol’s YouTube channels.

“A key advantage of our new storage and archiving system is that it’s feature-rich with metadata,” explains Endemol head of IT Mark Cotterel. “This makes our content more searchable and accessible and easier to monetise. MatrixStore’s disk-based object storage with its customisable DropSpot interface fits neatly into our way of working.“

Previously, the company kept DigiBeta and HDCAM SR tapes on site and at a separate storage facility, but the new system makes its content more accessible and retrievable.

root6 workflow engineer David Skeggs explains how the system works: “Tapes get digitised as high-res HD masters, using MXF format AVC100. These are stored on LTO-6 tape using the Front Porch DIVArchive system, which drives the Spectra Logic T950 library. All content ends up on LTO tape and Front Porch is the management layer on top of that. A proxy of the content is also protected near-line in MatrixStore. This is the media that everyone looks at, via the Imagen website – a customised media management and publishing system from Cambridge Imaging. Here, they can search and utilise Endemol’s content. Meanwhile, the high quality master copy is kept on LTO-6 tape which can be recalled if necessary.“

“When designing our infrastructure we were cognizant that creating disparate storage silos for each workflow was not scalable nor operationally efficient. We chose MatrixStore for our nearline tier as it provides the flexibility to service not only our current workflows but opens the roadmap in line with the requirements of the business,” stated Cotterel.

MatrixStore is designed to scale in capacity, performance and workflows. MatrixStore vault technology enables Endemol to position its nearline storage tier for Imagen, DIVA and post-production workflows. New workflows for different departments also requiring secure storage are also under consideration.

Cotterel says the reason he brought in root6 was because he wanted a strategic partner for the installation: “I wanted a strategic partner who could share the experience – not a company who would simply leave after supplying the product. I wanted a partner we could rely on for their technical expertise, but at the same time we wanted to be able to control things ourselves. We haven’t felt forced down a particular solution path – it’s been very collaborative.“

Root6 supplied following Object Matrix products to Endemol
as part of this enhancement to the workflow: