PMX
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The PMX is a localization system designed by Pelmorex to display local forecast presentations for cable, IPTV, and satellite television providers on The Weather Network and MétéoMédia. Similar to the Weather Star technology used by The Weather Channel, the PMX is a specially designed computer installed at a cable headend used to overlay local weather conditions and forecasts on The Weather Network and MétéoMédia's national or regional feeds.
History
The PMX was first developed in house by Pelmorex around 1994. The PMX was intended to replace the Weather Star III and Weather Star 4000 which had been deployed by The Weather Network and MétéoMédia. The first PMX 1500 units were deployed in 1995, with widespread deployment commencing in 1996. The PMX 1500 ultimately replaced all Weather Star 4000 units by mid 1998.
PMX Models
Pelmorex has developed several generations of PMX systems, each with its own characteristics, features and capabilities.
PMX 1500
The PMX 1500 was the first localization system developed in-house by Pelmorex. The PMX 1500 receives data from The Weather Network/MétéoMédia’s satellite transponder. The PMX 1500 differs from its predecessor, the Weather Star 4000, in that it is PC based. The PMX 1500 uses an Intel 386 CPU, a custom TIGA video board, and much like the Weather Star 4000, lacks non-volatile memory. The PMX 1500 was also utilized for the MTS TV Weather Channel in Manitoba. The PMX 1500 was discontinued in late September 2023 following a cyberattack that impacted Pelmorex's data systems.[1]
Super PMX (Unreleased)
Pelmorex had plans to develop a "super PMX" unit[2], intended to support not only text and graphics but also regional video and audio content. These units were intended to be deployed at BDU head ends. This initiative, which was in development around 2008, included plans for regional information delivery similar to that of regional sports networks. A rollout of test systems was planned for 2008, with additional units following in 2009. This planned initiative also included an increase in the number of regional Second Audio Program (SAP) channels for the visually impaired. This "super PMX" was never deployed.
PMX 3200
The PMX 3200 was the second localization system developed in-house by Pelmorex. While detailed specifications are limited, it maintained a PC-based architecture akin to the PMX 1500. It outputted in SD and featured a digital output. The PMX 3200 also included a cleaner font display and a slightly different set of icons compared to the PMX 1500. The PMX 3200 is believed to have debuted sometime in 2013. The PMX 3200 was discontinued in late September 2023 following a cyberattack that impacted Pelmorex's data systems.[1]
PMX NG
The PMX NG (Next Generation) was the third localization system developed in-house by Pelmorex. The PMX NG was the first to output in both HD and SD video via SDI. The PMX NG utilized a Blackmagic video card for its output.[3] Much like before, the PMX NG is PC based, but does not use proprietary Pelmorex data and graphics standards. The PMX NG uses Adobe Flash-based rendering, and is able to play and pass-through audio and video files, unlike the PMX 1500 and 3200. These new features are believed to have inspired the "Next Generation" x in the system's name. The PMX NG was introduced in 2015[4], and was discontinued in 2024 in favour of the PMX XD system[5].
PMX XD
The PMX XD is the fourth and current in-house localization system developed by Pelmorex. Similar to the PMX NG, it outputs in both high-definition (HD) and standard definition (SD). The PMX XD uses an IP transport stream for video output, deviating from SDI, and utilizes HTML5 for rendering its local forecast presentations. The PMX XD is believed to operate on a Unix-based operating system. It can be configured for localized and regional deployments and is presently utilized on both The Weather Network and MétéoMédia's national program feeds, overlaying the previously utilized VizRT-based graphics. The PMX XD was also the first PMX system that could run virtually on blade servers, allowing TV distributors to cover multiple areas with one single PMX XD server. The PMX XD is believed to have debuted in early 2020. The PMX XD has replaced all PMX 1500, 3200, and NG systems.[6]
See also
- Weather Star, similar line of systems used by The Weather Channel
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Changes to your local forecast on The Weather Network's TV Channel".
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ "9 (1) (h) Pelmorex Application As filed dec 3 2007" (PDF). The Weather Network. December 3, 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 17, 2011.
- ↑ "SMPTE June 2019 Meeting Weather Network". YouTube. August 25, 2019.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ "Appendix 1: Supplementary Brief" (PDF). p. 18.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ "PMX (technology) - Wikipedia".
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ "Appendix 1: Supplementary Brief" (PDF). p. 27.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)