How do you compare MOS Protocol with other protocols for newsroom automation, such as VDCP or NCS?

2 What are VDCP and NCS?

VDCP and NCS are two other protocols for newsroom automation that are less common than MOS Protocol, but still have some applications and advantages. VDCP stands for Video Disk Control Protocol, and it is a protocol for controlling video servers, such as playout, ingest, or editing servers. It allows newsroom systems to send commands and queries to video servers, such as play, stop, record, or cue. VDCP is a simple and reliable protocol that works well with linear video formats, but it does not support metadata or non-linear formats. NCS stands for Newsroom Computer System, and it is a protocol for communicating with graphics systems, such as character generators, lower thirds, or tickers. It allows newsroom systems to send graphics data and commands to graphics systems, such as create, update, or delete. NCS is a flexible and customizable protocol that can handle complex graphics, but it does not support media objects other than graphics.

3 How do they work with ENPS?

ENPS is the most widely used news production system in the world, and it supports all three protocols for newsroom automation: MOS Protocol, VDCP, and NCS. ENPS can communicate with any device or system that is compatible with these protocols, and it can also use a combination of them to achieve different functions and features. For example, ENPS can use MOS Protocol to send and receive media objects and metadata from media servers and graphics systems, VDCP to control video servers for playout and recording, and NCS to send graphics data and commands to graphics systems for on-air presentation. ENPS can also use MOS Protocol to communicate with other newsroom systems, such as rundown managers, wire services, or archive systems, creating a networked and integrated news production environment.

4 What are the benefits of MOS Protocol?

MOS Protocol offers many advantages for newsroom automation, particularly when compared to other protocols. It is vendor-neutral and platform-independent, meaning it can be used with any system or device regardless of the manufacturer or operating system. Additionally, it is media-object-oriented, allowing it to manage any type of media object and format. Furthermore, MOS Protocol supports metadata, which makes it possible to store and transmit information about media objects such as story ID, duration, status, or keywords. Finally, it is scalable and adaptable, meaning it can accommodate any number of devices or systems and any changes in the news production workflow.

5 What are the challenges of MOS Protocol?

MOS Protocol has several challenges when it comes to newsroom automation, especially when compared to other protocols. Firstly, it is complex and technical, requiring more expertise and resources to implement and maintain than simpler protocols. Additionally, it is not standardized or regulated, meaning different vendors or systems may interpret and implement it differently, resulting in compatibility or performance issues. Finally, it lacks security and encryption, making it vulnerable to hacking or unauthorized access by external or internal actors.