Ignite

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The triple-monitor Ignite application GUI as it appeared in the fall of 2007

Ignite is a combination of software and hardware, designed to be a live television production automation control system.

The concept of automating the process of technical direction for live news was pioneered in the late 1990's by ParkerVision with the PVTV CR series. In 2004, the television production division of ParkerVision, including PVTV, was acquired by Thomson Grass Valley.

The system consists primarily of a standard Kayak production switcher and an audio frame, both controlled by the Ignite software. In addition to those core components, the system also is connected to, and remotely controls, other Thomson and third-party devices such as character generators, cameras, tape decks and video servers. Elements of the broadcast are assembled in advance and then imported to the application's timeline to be executed in sequence as needed.

A typical Ignite television production control room. Note the triple-monitor array in the center of the workstation.

Automation

The concept of automation with the Ignite system is that with the help of the software controlling all available devices, a single operator (or often a primary operator and one assistant) can do the work of five or six employees, thus reducing the cost of bringing the newscast to air.

The effectiveness of the system is reliant on many factors, including the quality of the installation, the accuracy of training, and the aptitude of the station's users.