Upgrade Your Graphics System Without Interrupting Production 

Upgrading your graphics system doesn’t have to disrupt your production. Discover how you can transition smoothly from a legacy platform to a modern solution like XPression, without sacrificing quality, workflow, or budget.

As some outdated graphics systems approach the end of their viable lifespan and/or require costly maintenance contracts to access full support, the broadcasters who own them are facing increased operational risk. Not every computer operating system (OS) will work with these legacy systems. And because they are often incompatible with modern software applications and digital plugins, these systems are particularly prone to errors, slow start-up times, driver skips, data loss, playback lags, and growing security vulnerabilities that can jeopardize system integrity. 

Limited OS compatibility and escalating support costs can lead to technical failures, delays in live production, and long-term reliability concerns, especially for broadcasters who operate in mission-critical environments. While the expense and hassle of upgrading from your legacy graphics system are certainly nothing to sneeze at, you must consider the added value and exceptional return on investment (ROI) that dependable, state-of-the-art video production and broadcast graphics infrastructure can provide.

Beyond technical problems caused by outdated technology, broadcasters are abandoning legacy systems due to their often-complex workflows and inefficient pricing structures. Some manufacturers limit customer choice by offering only subscription-based pricing models, increasing operational expenditures (OpEx) without the flexibility to choose what works best for their business.

Many broadcasters using outdated graphics solutions are facing product end-of-life, limited support, and forced subscription-based models that may not align with their budgets or operational needs. These challenges make it difficult for broadcasters to maintain seamless workflows while ensuring high-quality, real-time graphics.

But the impact goes beyond technology and cost. Outdated systems often burden operators with clunky interfaces, inefficient processes, and frequent workarounds that drain time and energy. By upgrading to a new graphics system, operators benefit from streamlined interfaces, faster responsiveness, and smarter workflows that reduce frustration and enhance day-to-day productivity.

Beyond asking themselves if they can afford to purchase and implement a new graphics system, wise broadcasters will ask themselves if they can afford not to.

In addition to concerns over cost and long-term viability, one of the primary reasons that broadcasters hesitate before abandoning their outdated graphics system is the fear of a complicated and disruptive migration. They are looking for a next-generation graphics platform that enables smooth migration from existing systems, preserving workflow continuity while improving operational adaptability.

To avoid disruptions during the migration process, it’s essential to engage in thorough planning with an emphasis on flexibility, diversification, and research. A good equipment manufacturer and service provider like Ross Video will provide critical assistance and support in all these areas to help you transition from an outdated system smoothly.

By adopting a solution with real-time data integration, templated workflows, and a flexible cost structure, broadcasters can maintain creative freedom while reducing operational uncertainty. By partnering with the right graphics system provider, you can ensure a smooth and seamless migration process.

Here are just a few methods that you can use to limit or avoid workflow disruptions when transitioning to a new graphics system:

Parallel migration entails running outdated and modern systems simultaneously throughout the transition period. Because your old system remains operational as you train staff, you always have a “plan B’ to fall back upon to minimize disruption and downtime.

Ross Video’s graphics systems provide native compatibility with newsroom workflows, real-time rendering, and a scalable, future-proof architecture. Unlike older and possibly outdated systems that are being phased out or locked into subscription-only pricing models, Ross offers broadcasters complete control over their graphics infrastructure while delivering premium, data-driven visuals at speed.

A comprehensive and versatile 2D and 3D graphics platform, Ross Video’s XPression real-time motion graphics engine allows you to build striking visuals and animations with ease. In fact, it is the most powerful real-time motion graphics system on the market today. Whether you need graphics for a leading news story, sports coverage, or the daily weather report, XPression delivers eye-catching and functional results. To streamline workflows—even in high-pressure environments—XPression supports real-time graphics compositing across a broad range of live video formats, making it easy to integrate visuals on the fly. XPression empowers you to create graphics for a wide range of purposes while simultaneously reinforcing your core brand image. 

The PGA TOUR recently turned to Ross Video to revitalize its 165,000-square-foot facility in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and a migration to the versatile XPression system was central to this revitalization. As the official Ross PGA TOUR case study states,

The heart of Ross Video’s graphics suite, XPression, allows broadcasters to navigate integration and implementation with ease. Contact a company representative today for more information about how Ross can help you transition to a next-generation graphics system without disrupting your operational workflow.