AP Broadcast

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Benefits and features of AP NewsDesk

AP NewsDesk

With more than 2,300 installations around the globe, AP NewsDesk has the largest installed base of any newsroom computer system. Every day it filters and processes late-breaking information for radio and television stations, corporations, government agencies, and radio networks that broadcast news, entertainment, sports, weather, show prep, and late-breaking urgent information and bulletins in real-time.

NewsDesk helps unify AP content and AP technology by displaying live links to PrimeCuts sound and GraphicsBank images in stories which have had multimedia content associated with them by AP editors.*

The powerful NewsDesk interface is built around a News Commander that sits atop the task bar at the bottom of your screen. You can watch incoming bulletins and urgent wire stories, yet still have plenty of desktop space to work with other Windows applications at the same time.

Key Features:

Built-in prompter application for scrolling an AP NewsDesk script on the computer screen. Prompter can also play embedded audio clips in the script
AP PrimeServer application bundled for automatically retrieving and storing all AP PrimeCuts* audio actualities. Audio links in AP stories will automatically play without downloading and can be used immediately on-air.
Split-screen editing to better manage screen real estate, so that wires and categories can be viewed more easily.
Audio clips can be played from within the text editor.
News wire capture: Simultaneous capture and instant categorization of up to four incoming news wires of any type.
Custom Categories: Any combination of words and all or parts of wire selector codes can be used to build new "custom" categories.
Autoprinting: When your newsroom is not staffed at night or weekends, NewsDesk can automatically print selected items such as sports scores, weather, or hourly headlines -- immediately upon receipt.

Hardware Requirements

Intel Pentium 800Mhz processor or faster
128mb RAM
1 GB hard disk (1GB required per wire service on the server)
CD ROM drive
VGA or SVGA color monitor (with display card) set at 800x600x16 bit color minimum.
SoundBlaster or compatible sound card and speakers if using audio features.
One serial port for each incoming news wire feed

Software Requirements

Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, Windows 2003 Server. Windows XP Home is not supported. (each with latest updates from Microsoft )
TCP/IP Networking and client for Microsoft Networking

Audio Requirements from Microsoft available at http://www.microsoft.com/ . If using audio features:
Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
Windows Media Player 9.0 or higher
Microsoft DirectX 9.0c or higher

Internet Access
Broadband Internet Access Required

*PrimeCuts subscription required to take advantage of audio links and PrimeServer. GraphicsBank subscription required to take advantage of image links.

Minimal training required

Easy to use interface employs conventional Windows commands and controls.

No proprietary hardware needed.

System can be run on inexpensive off-the-shelf PCs running Windows XP.

New features and capabilities

Newsdesk updates are available at no charge.

Support you can count on

AP supports Newsdesk 24 hours per day, seven days per week by telephone at no charge.

Newsdesk can function as your newsroom's central data management system

Support for multiple simultaneous data feeds

Helps you stay efficient by adapting to the way your staff works.

Multiple editing options for a streamlined production process

Streamlined audio production flow

Tight integration with the AP SoundDesk audio editor means audio links in AP wire stories can move into SoundDesk with one click.

Easy archiving and organization

Unlimited custom folders

Quickly find what you're looking for

Comprehensive, easy to use search function.

Easy to have multiple users with access to ongoing story files.

NewsDesk features a network-friendly architecture

Effortless access to relevant audio

With Newsdesk 4.1 and PrimeServer, audio links with AP Primecuts service becomes automatic. The software can download the specific audio material you want automatically so it's there when your staff is ready to work.

Content organized right out of the box

NewsDesk is preset with major news categories so you can begin to use the system right away. Staff can customize additional content categories to meet your needs

Maximize use of on-screen real estate by using multiple editing windows.

NewsDesk features split screen editing so you can juggle more than one task at a time.

Go to air quickly and efficiently Built-in prompter eliminates the need to print stories.

Updates to stories can be made on the fly by a producer while the talent on air is delivering other elements of the newscast.

Keep an eye on the news no matter what you're doing

News Commander toolbar sits at the bottom of your screen. You see breaking stories roll into the system even while using other software applications.