GB Labs-ToolsOnAir Partnership

UK manufacturer GB Labs announced a collaboration providing an integrated storage platform for the ToolsOnAir broadcast suite from ToolsOnAir Broadcast Engineering GmbH.

The GB Labs-ToolsOnAir partnership streamlines media production workflows by utilising GB Labs’ multi-tier shared storage at the heart of broadcast, asset management and playout workflow operations. ToolsOnAir users can store and access media files and projects stored on any part of the storage network, with GB Labs offering its customers a complete product portfolio that includes The Space online platform, Echo nearline devices and LTO archive appliances.

GB Labs sales and marketing director Ben Pearce commented: “Increasingly producers are reliant on video-optimized storage for every part of the workflow, be it ingest and editing or archive and playout. The GB Labs range gives ToolsOnAir’s customers a complete and scalable storage ecosystem that delivers excellent performance, stability, capacity and ease of use.“

Neil Anderson, ToolsOnAir International sales manager, explains the collaboration benefits that the new relationship offers to its users: “A number of key clients have already invested in Space storage and have given us very positive feedback. Space’s speed and its ease of configuration, make it an ideal platform for ToolsOnAir customers. We are therefore delighted with this partnership which kicks off in earnest at Broadcast Asia 2015 in Singapore.“

GB Labs’ range of tier 1 shared storage devices gives broadcasters the opportunity to select the most appropriate format for their needs. Developed originally as a traditional rack unit, Space is available in a multitude of configurations including a low-profile 1RU system, a portable tower unit and as a mobile desktop appliance.

Pearce adds: “We worked closely with ToolsOnAir to help the Formula-E broadcast team manage its fast turnaround programming from race venues around the world. Its production crew selected Space 3RU because of its stability, ability to support multiple HD editors and its suitability for their portable production unit. The success of this project cemented the relationship between GB Labs and ToolsOnAir and we have great hopes for the partnership going forward.“