CobbTV, a US public information channel, plans to implement a simple, cost-effective Pebble playout platform, based on an Integrated Channel device controlled by Automation software.
CobbTV is a government-access television channel for Cobb County, in the southeastern US, available on Comcast cable and ATSC terrestrial. As well as county commission and other local government meetings, the content encompasses educational and informational programming and, during the weekday rush hour, live traffic information including highway cameras.
The county authorities looked for an easy-to-use, automated playout platform that would involve very low operational and maintenance overhead, but still function with high reliability. Following a procurement investigation, the contract was awarded to Pebble. CTI served as Pebble’s systems integration partner that negotiated the contract and installed the system.
Simple Configuration and Control
“To meet CobbTV’s particular needs, we proposed a very simple configuration,” said Eric Paris, CTI’s Project Manager. “It uses a single Integrated Channel device, which is capable of supporting four concurrent channels. Under the control of Pebble Automation software it maintains links to Cobb’s NAS media storage, and manages live inputs and recordings.”
Video inputs and outputs are SDI, with the capability of 12G-SDI for a future move to Ultra HD. As well as switching and routing, the Pebble platform also generates and inserts rich graphics, which are useful in this informational type of programming. Multiple graphics layers can be deployed that include Still and Animated Logos, tickers, pop-ups, now-next-later features and dynamic text. Other graphics possibilities are Pebble’s multiple 2D DVEs and options for 3D graphics plugins.
It also includes audio channel management and mixing, applying preset or rules-based audio shuffling. “We are a government body with needs slightly different than a traditional broadcaster, so our chief goal was to identify a trusted partner who would give us the reliability we sought,” said Brad Plumley, Station Manager at CobbTV.
Modular Service Blocks
Pebble’s Automation systems look after continuous media validation, follow context-based playout rules, allow media viewing at high resolution and give a concise status view, which protect CobbTV’s playout and make their operators’ jobs simpler.
The systems are built using modular services blocks, allowing a level of optimisation to align with current and future resources. Systems can also be configured to constantly synchronise with disaster recovery applications and remote devices to protect CobbTV’s operational integrity and security. Native API device control supports integration with content management systems for file-based workflows
“Pebble is internationally recognised for its expertise in broadcast automation, yet also took the time to understand our specific requirements," Brad said. "The solution they proposed is compact and cost-effective, but comes with the Pebble reputation for reliability. It is packaged in a single unit, which reduces system complexity.”
Furthermore, CTI installed, integrated and commissioned the Pebble system in July 2025 for an on-air date in August, which met CobbTV’s time frame requirements.
Scalable, Reliable Communication
For Pebble, CEO Peter Mayhead said, “This project is an important pointer of the way the media industry is transforming. Once the province of monolithic broadcasters, video is now seen as the route for direct communications by businesses, sports clubs and – as seen here in Cobb County – by public sector bodies who want to ensure their citizens are properly informed as events emerge.
“We designed our technology to be scalable, not just in number of channels but in the level of operational involvement. That means for non-broadcasters like CobbTV, we still have the scope to supply the highest technical and operational quality and reliability with minimal operator or engineer involvement.” www.pebble.tv
