The Weather Channel, Inc.

Michael W Smereski

Robert D Butler

Donald Gary Ford

An integrated real-time display is provided that includes video images and a graphical representation of the transmission path, where each video image is associated with a point along the graphical representation of the transmission path. A number of monitoring points, which correspond to critical points along the transmission path are identified. The points may be selected for technical reasons or economic reasons. The graphical representation of the transmission path can be a logical representation showing the logic blocks along the transmission path or a physical representation showing the devices along the transmission path.

System and method for monitoring broadcast signals

Information is provided to on-air personnel that is synchronized to a playlist executed by a broadcast automation system. A type is defined within a broadcast automation system and is associated with studio segments and non-studio segments that follow studio segments in a playlist. As the playlist is executed, the broadcast automation system provides a count until the next segment with the specified type. The count is monitored and if the count matches a predetermined value, then a trigger is generated based on the predetermined value and the playlist. Each trigger is associated with a particular action, such as the display of a message on certain display units. Once the trigger is generated, the action is performed. The invention can be used to automatically provide countdown information to on-camera personnel based on the playlist.

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Kennesaw, GA, United States of America

Michael W Smereski