Asset Management for Post & Broadcast, MAM, PAM or DAM?
I assume you’re reading this article because you have already decided storing hard drives and camera media in a desk drawer is not a good idea and you’re looking for a better way to manage your content. Time to skip past the many stages of grief related to lost media and awkward file sharing, and move forward with improving the accessibility and uses for your content resources.
Some really good news
With recent advancements in virtualization and cloud resources, the cost and ease organizing your media has taken a quantum leap forward. First let’s agree on some terms for the common types of asset management systems.
Post and broadcast production asset management systems:
In most post and broadcast environments, a Production Asset Management system (PAM) is perfect. For Larger applications or tighter integration with other business systems, a Media Asset Management system (MAM) is a more functional and customizable choice. Digital Asset Manager systems (DAM) can be used for post and broadcast, however MAMs are typically used with DAMs to provide better workflow functionality.
Secure Sharing & Remote Access
PAMs, MAMs or DAMs consider secure files sharing with coworkers and clients to be a core feature. Assets can be directly accessed via browsers or other applications, saving everyone time and effort. To minimize bandwidth for these purposes, proxy (low resolution) versions of the files are used with access to the full resolution version for download as needed. This is the single most important issues when determining system hardware and cloud resources.
Clients requiring remote access or working on mobile devices can also require real-time proxies. In general, the more proxies you need, the more processing you’ll need. If your demands moves beyond a few editors or require real-time proxies, special hardware or dedicated cloud/virtual services may be required (ie: it can get expensive quickly). However the flexibility and benefits may be well worth the extra costs.
MAMs, Future Proofing & APIs
For larger applications, MAMs can provide real-time access to data for other business systems. This opens up functionality for ecommerce, traffic, compliance and many other crucial business functions. Communication with other business systems is usually managed through a common application programming interface or “API”. The need for APIs is largely related to customization and real-time data sharing. For systems requiring customization or sharing program data, API is a big feature. If you think APIs will become important for your future needs, this may determine if the extra cost for a MAM compared to a PAM is a good value. If you invest in a MAM, you should confirm the API documentation is well maintained and supported by the manufacturer.
Ease of Use Is Everything
Editors don’t like to leave the editing application while they are working. For this reason, PAMs or MAMs that allow editors to access and manage assets from within a workflow application’s user interface are highly valued. To accomplish this, the MAM or PAM asset features appear as a panel or menu option. This is a big time saver as bouncing between applications becomes unnecessary. DAMs don’t usually provide this feature for post and broadcast applications.
Comparing Systems
Each asset management system has its strengths, weaknesses and specialized features. There are 100’s of manufacturers, and each have their own market focus. Let’s compare MAMs, PAMs and DAMs from the post production and broadcast perspectives. Below is a brief comparison for each system type.
PAM (Production Asset Management)
– Advantages:
Editshare Flow, Avid Interplay, SNS ShareBrowser, Facilis FastTracker, ProMax Platform
MAM (Media Asset Management)
– Advantages:
Arvato MediaPortal, Square Box Systems CatDV
DAM (Digital Asset Management)
– Advantages:
– Limitations:
MicroSoft Sharepoint, Workfront (formerly AtTask), Adobe
Which One is Right for My Application? MAM, PAM or DAM?
– Fear not! There is likely a product off the shelf that’s right for you… but it will take some tweaking.
If this article helped answer a few questions, it likely created even more. Drilling down on the details of the many manufacturers and options can be the more challenging part of the process. We can help you get it right today while keeping an eye on future trends to protect your investment.
Give us a call, chat or get a quick quote today!
NAB 2019 ** Booth Tours
NAB, the industries biggest show for broadcast and professional media is quickly approaching. If EAR can help provide personal booth tours for a key manufacturer(s) please let us know! Simply “register” and request a topic or manufacturer and we’ll make it happen. Space is limited so register today! Can’t make the show this year? We can help prepare a personal post-show briefing, just register and suggest products of interest!
Register For NAB Booth Tour
NAB 2019 DATES:
- Exhibits: April 8 thru April 11
- Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas NV
Hot Products & Booth Tours:
- IP based Infrastructure (routing and switching)
- Robotic Cameras and Support Systems
- Automated Workflow Products (including social media posting)
- Digital Signage and content management
- Affordable Storage and Archiving
Can’t make it to the show this year? Send us a note via email or contact form and we’ll prepare a post-show report for you to review.
Live Streaming Broadcasting – LiveU Specials
Get a personal test drive Promotion **Expires March 28th, 2019 **
Do you want to make the switch to LiveU? Contact an EAR product specialist today for a personal test drive with the new LU300 HEVC! Contact an EAR product specialist today for complete details or call 800-473-6914.
** Special Pricing and Programs for Schools of Journalism & Broadcasting!!!
More about the New affordable LiveU LU300:
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More About LiveU: You may have heard about LiveU products, powerful compact tools that can help you stream like a pro. That’s why the majority of live broadcast content worldwide uses LiveU. Take a closer look in person or virtually and see what it can do to help you get better quality live streams from anywhere – without needing a huge crew or large budget.
With LiveU’s complete family of 3G/4G bonded uplink products, more options are available for live news and event coverage. All LiveU products connect with LiveU’s Central, enabling control rooms to manage multiple incoming video feeds and content simply and effectively from units operating in different locations.
The LiveU product line ranges starts at under $1,000. More about LiveU applications. Contact and LiveU product specialist today at 800-473-6914 an get up and streaming tomorrow!
Checkout their entire line of LiveU products.
Newtek TriCaster Specials EXPIRE SOON!
Join us for an virtual demo of TriCaster or 3Play
In each one-hour session, we’ll step you through the power and functionality of software driven production. A NewTek product expert will demonstrate the systems live, address system capabilities specific to your needs, and answer any questions.
These sessions are limited to a total of 10 attendees, so that we may address the questions of all participants. This is the perfect opportunity to gain insight into NewTek solutions and how they can meet the needs of your organization.
Register now
Schedule a demo by proposing the date and time most convenient for you (Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm MST). You will receive a follow-up email with details that you may add to your calendar.
ONCE IN A LIFE TIME *** TRADE IN SPECIALS FROM NEWTEK
(Offer Expires Dec 31st, 2018)
*** Get up to $8,000 off a New TriCaster TC1 with Trade-In Offer ***
Right now with this Special Introductory Offer, get increased trade-in values on your existing TriCaster towards the purchase of the new TriCaster TC1. TriCaster TC1 is the one you’ve been waiting for, with 4K UHD, 60P, 3G, 16 external inputs, IP capabilities, and built-in Skype TX. Complete production, like never before.
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Panasonic 0% Finance Promotion
Special Factory Promotion – Offer Good Until Sep 2018
Special 1 Year/0% Financing Program
Panasonic is pleased to offer 0% / 12-month end-user financing on a wide Professional Video and Systems’ products, including the DVX200 and UX180 4K Professional Cameras, Studio Cameras and PTZs. This program is valid April 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018.
Financing Program Terms & Conditions:
Period: April 1, 2018 – September 30, 2018.
- Eligible Models: All new Panasonic Professional Video and Systems’ products.
- Non-Panasonic products, including cases, mounts, camera lenses (Fujinon and Canon), etc., are not eligible.
- Panasonic branded accessories, such as outdoor housings with the HE130 system are included in the
promotion. - Panasonic Business Finance (Marlin) must approve all financing terms and executed documentation prior to
product shipment. Please note that not all end-user customers will qualify based on credit worthiness. - Other finance options may be available.
- All lease documents must be fully executed and received by Panasonic Business Finance
(Marlin) before September 30, 2018. - All equipment must ship by September 30, 2018.
- Cannot be combined with other end-user special pricing or programs.
- Services, such as installation, etc., are not eligible for this promotion.
- B-stock or used equipment are not eligible for this promotion.
- Panasonic reserves the sole right to modify or cancel this program at any time.
Promotion is valid for ALL Panasonic Professional Video cameras, switchers, displays and projectors.Promotional rate also applies to ALL Panasonic Professional Video accessories, Professional Display and Projector equipment that are bundled with a camera or switcher. Visit our financing page for more details.
