After the strategic alliance between Discovery Communications Inc (DCI) and TM Systems LLC was announced in April this year, a number of Discovery vendors have begun utilizing the TM software in Miami and in Latin America. However, Discovery Networks Asia vendors are yet to introduce the TM end-to-end customisation solutions.

Currently, TM CEO Ken Lorber and CTO Carlos Contreras are on their Asia tour to Tokyo, Taipei, Hong Kong and Mumbai to present TM's offering.

A number of TM software modules have been installed and implemented within the Discovery Television Centre in Miami, Florida. Encoding of video material is now being done within the TM Systems PrepStation in conjunction with the transcription of "as recorded" scripts with the TM TranStation™ and quality control via desktop PC with the revolutionary new TM QC Station™, Discovery Communications Inc, says a company release.

According to Discovery Media Services, executive vice-president Marcos Obadia, "We have found that the TM products add significant value to our operations and enable us to streamline the distribution process required for language customisation of our programme content. In the short time that this alliance has been in existence, we have worked closely with the TM development team to better meet Discovery's international language needs."

Obadia continued, "The TM Systems software provides us with a seamless tool to transfer our language versions and Discovery will be the first TM Systems 'partner' to have a completely encrypted delivery system - something that we all have been looking for for some time."