Virage, which makes video content management and publishing products for companies like Yahoo! and CNN, Tuesday unveiled its latest platform.

The San Mateo, Calif.-based company's VS Production automates acquisition and provides desktop access to frame-accurate, low-resolution video. The solution is based on the company's Rich Media Application Platform.

The solution was demonstrated at this week's National Association of Broadcaster's conference in Las Vegas.

"Many facilities are transitioning to server-based video," said Virage senior vice president of marketing and strategy Dave Girouard. "But most have yet to enjoy the benefits that a managed digital environment can offer. We've put together a simple, elegant, and cost-effective content management solution that is the foundation of a networked production environment. Whether you're considering an all-digital workflow or a hybrid tape scenario, Virage can help you create better content in a fraction of the time, at a fraction of the cost."

Virage said the VS Production process begins by centralizing and automating the acquisition of incoming video content, whether from tape, satellite feed or digital transmission. Using the Virage SmartEncode process, content is simultaneously indexed and encoded into frame-accurate MPEG-1 and broadcast-quality MPEG-2. Next, VS Production provides browser-based search and review of all available content, including desktop access to frame-accurate MPEG-1.

In addition, the software allows any user to assemble and preview frame-accurate playlists right from the desktop. Playlists can then be exported as an edit decision list (EDL) to a variety of popular edit systems. After editing, finished content packages can be added to the system for final review and approval.

The video platform also supports Avid ALE, CMX 3600 and OMF editing systems.

Virage also announced support for the Grass Valley Group ContentShare platform for distributed media asset management. During the acquisition phase, Virage can command, configure, and control encoding with the Profile XP products. In addition, VS Production allows users to search and browse for any content on a Profile XP server.

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