OmniBus Systems

About OmniBus Systems

OmniBus Systems established itself as a key provider of IT-based media management and delivery solutions for the broadcasting industry. Founded in 1994, the UK-based company specialized in automation and media content management services for television and internet broadcasters. One of the founders was Ian Fletcher, who served as the company's chief technology officer.

The company's core business revolved around providing broadcasting, cable, and satellite organizations with comprehensive solutions for their media workflows. This included the acquisition and recording of media, low-resolution editing, media asset management, and playout. OmniBus Systems served a prestigious list of clients, including major names like the BBC, ABC, Discovery, Fox, and Turner. Its customer base highlights its significant position within the professional broadcast market. Revenue was generated through the sale of its software and hardware-based systems. For the twelve months ending in June 2010, the company generated approximately $24 million in sales.

A flagship product for OmniBus Systems was iTX, a software-based production and transmission solution built on standard IT hardware. This platform enabled broadcasters to manage multi-channel operations, launch new channels cost-effectively, and establish backup systems. The iTX system integrated the entire transmission chain, from automation and ingest to editing and content management, moving broadcasters away from hardware-dependent systems towards a more unified software platform. The company also offered traditional hardware and software automation systems like the Colossus multichannel automation system. In a significant corporate milestone, OmniBus Systems was acquired by Miranda Technologies in September 2010 for approximately $48.7 million. At the time of the acquisition, OmniBus employed around 120 people. The acquisition was a strategic move by Miranda to integrate OmniBus's iTX software-based playout solutions into its own portfolio, allowing them to offer a complete range of playout options from traditional hardware to fully software-based environments.