Of course, we have our traditional Zetta studios with a file server, sequencer, and Control Room machines, however, with the introduction of more modern workflow requirements, how can Zetta maximize your operations by evolving with advanced configurations, like a Format Center? We were joined by RCS Canada’s Scott Farr to discuss some of these advanced configurations, using real life client examples. Today, our users can connect multiple markets and share audio, metadata, schedules, programming content and more with built in RCS services like Zetta’s Z-Cast and GSelector’s S3, Schedule Subscription Service.
First, we must review some vocabularies as we begin to build out our workflow air chains. Publishers are contributors, like a Format Captain, who will help manage the formats. For example, these Format Captains may oversee scheduling the master music log or adding new music with appropriate metadata and queue points. Once the content is available within the Zetta or GSelector environment, publishers distribute the content to corresponding subscribers, or stations. These subscribers will have a pre-defined assigned delivery method so that they’re only receiving their appropriate schedules and audio. There’s also a third option of enterprise syndication or program delivery. This could be a highly rated talent or a syndicated morning show that’s included as part of the delivery.
With GSelector’s S3, Schedule Subscription Service, subscribers can receive a master music log, featuring a magnitude of options ranging from full log loads, to music only, or a mix of music, imaging, and/or voice tracks. The beauty of S3 is that it’s all station specific and fully customizable with additional overrides. Schedules can be assigned hour by hour, so national programmers can pick and choose each subscriber’s profile. This is also beneficial for format flips. Simply Z-Cast over the new audio and then change the subscriber profile to start receiving another publisher log on the defined day of the format switch. From the publisher’s perspective, programmers can share multiple GSelector publisher databases that feature unlimited amount of formats for subscribers.
To review, Format Captains can easily add audio, metadata and more from a centralized location, like a Format Center, or a multiple “hubs,” like regional markets. Think “RCS East” and “RCS West.” They would construct their logs in GSelector, lock them in for the subscribers, and then, either automatically or manually, local stations can schedule their logs, bringing in their desired profile. Typically, we’ve found that our larger operations add audio in Zetta first, Z-Casting it across to the corresponding subscribers so that GSelector can reference the newly added audio when the S3 log is pulled in.
Finally, Zetta is also equipped with unique ways of distributing specific content. With regional hubs or a single centralized Zetta system, programmers can take their highly rated morning show and have affiliates receive the content via modern delivery mechanisms. For example, engineers can configure a master audio route via a central Zetta sequencer and then all subscribers can utilize Zetta Splits to switch to that master sequencer and simply breakaway to local programming for imaging/sweepers or local spot blocks. If there’s long form content, like a format promotional sweeper or reoccurring show segments, Format Captains can add the audio from the centralize Zetta hub and Z-Cast it to all affiliates, landing correctly with a pre-scheduled S3 log. Essentially, take your traditional Zetta studio and then begin to connect sites via Z-Cast and S3. With modern networking and content distribution, the opportunities and configurations are endless.
If you have any questions on how these types of hybrid configurations fit into your workflow or perhaps, you’re looking to expand your programming operations, like sharing audio and programming content across multiple markets, we’re here to help! We’ve done it and we know what works. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local RCS Sales Representative, like RCS Canada’s Scott Farr, for more information. And while you’re chatting about these brand-new modern workflows, don’t forget about becoming a Beta tester! Zetta 5.21.2 and GSelector 5.0 Betas are out now and we’re always looking for new Beta users to try out the latest RCS features. Were also hiring an Install Engineer! If you want to tour the United States, installing Zetta systems and meeting radio professionals, find out more here: https://www.rcsworks.com/company/careers-at-rcs/Otherwise, we’ll see you again next Thursday at 11am ET for another RCS Live!