New AudioTools Server Expands Asset Management Systems

Minnetonka Audio Software, Inc., a leader in production software for motion

picture, broadcast surround sound applications and consumer electronics,

announced today recently developed software for the broadcast industry.

AudioTools Server? is their new, extensible enterprise?class software for

managing and post-producing media files.

AudioTools Server (ATS) is a modular platform for adding audio-related

processing, quality control, and management to video-centric workflows

within existing asset production systems. With ? la carte options such as

SurCode for Dolby E, SurCode for Dolby Digital Plus, SurCode for Dolby Pro

Logic II, loudness measurement and control, watermarking, file validation,

transcoding and quality control, AudioTools Server is designed to be the

audio hub for defined processes orchestrated by each user's choice of

Workflow Management. This allows broadcasters, post houses, distribution

facilities and other businesses to access dozens of available modules to

optimize and enhance their operations without having to re-invest in an

all-in-one solution that may still only address narrow aspects of their

workflow requirements. ATS is not designed to replace asset production

systems. Rather, AudioTools Server augments, improves and extends in-place

systems, serving as the foundation of an optimized asset production

workflow.

When asked about how the introduction of AudioTools Server will change the

way people work, Markus Hintz, Director of Global Sales and Business

Development for Minnetonka Audio Software said, "For many of our customers,

ATS and our ReWrap? technology will be key for connecting efficient

workflows with only the content that needs to be processed. As part of the

AudioTools MXF Module, ReWrap only extracts the relevant audio streams,

sidestepping the time consuming process of unwrapping the entire MXF file

to grab the relevant content."

The AudioTools Server platform can be configured as a turnkey, custom

processing environment or it can extend the power and feature set of

existing DAM, MAM, CMS, DBM, ingest and playout systems. With industry

standard interfaces built in, like SOAP Web Services for Service Oriented

Architecture (SOA) and Watched Folders for XML commands, AudioTools Server

is designed for completely unattended automation. A new software platform

for Windows, ATS hosts audio processing modules while serving inter-module

data connections and process communication as well as logging. It also

provides global XML messaging and communications with external SOA

systems.

As a purpose-built, scalable software solution and, given Minnetonka

Audio's extensive experience working with OEM partners around the globe,

custom ATS plug-in modules can further enhance AudioTools Server's

functionality. Semi-automatic operation via watched folders as well as

manual modes using local and networked file access, via AFP and SMB

protocols, also allow for production revisions and exceptions to be handled

quickly and efficiently. Repetitive jobs are addressed by the configuration

of one or more chained processing steps and decision points. User-defined

templates allow for the quick definition of complex new jobs, and can be

easily modified to suit. The server autonomously juggles job queues,

managing priorities for compute and storage resources, all under full

administrator control.

AudioTools Server's logging and messaging captures real time status and

quantifies costs to better manage business information and make informed

operations decisions. "In file-based digital media content production, an

event-driven, SOA approach like AudioTools Server provides an effective

solution to present needs while providing the flexibility to address future

revisions and expansion," said John Schur, President of Minnetonka Audio

Software. "Even if you cobble together your own collection of hardware and

software, AudioTools Server's broad capabilities are literally unmatched by

any other system. Simply put, the addition of AudioTools Server makes

legacy management systems better by integrating and serving up today's

audio production standards and requirements."

AudioTools Server will be showcased in booth number SL9708 at the 2011 NAB

Show, April 11-14 in Las Vegas. AudioTools Server is available now from

select resellers and system integrators or direct from Minnetonka Audio

Software. For in-depth information on how AudioTools Server can increase

efficiency and improve the quality and consistency of your deliverables,

call Minnetonka Audio at 1-952-449-6481 or +49 2162 1062622.