"Meeting the Architect Behind IPDirector and Edit While Playout"
- szymborskipiotr
- Sep 6
- 3 min read
There are moments in life when you realize you’re standing face-to-face with history — not something written in books, but living, breathing, real history.
Recently, I had the privilege of spending some time in Liège, Belgium, the true home of replay systems. This city is more than just a spot on the map — it’s where some of the world’s most advanced live production technologies were born and continue to evolve today.
During my visit, I met Pierre Mestrez, one of the original creators of IPDirector, IPEdit, and Edit While Playout (EWP) — foundational tools that transformed the way live broadcasts are managed, edited, and delivered.
Pierre is one of those legends I admire even more than Shakira.
When I worked with Shakira, I didn’t take a photo — I wanted to stay fully professional.
But this time? There was no way I could miss the moment.
Here it is: a photo with Pierre Mestrez, co-founder and co-father of the systems that changed live production forever.
The number of people I’ve met over these past few days who are the very history of replay systems is just immense. I’m still processing it all, and it’s hard to believe this journey really happened.
And if you haven’t seen my YouTube interview with Pierre Mestrez, you can check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwg894YcDcs&t=4s
Also, there’s an article about Pierre Mestrez that dives even deeper into his story: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/father-ip-edit-architect-behind-story-live-editing-piotr-szymborski-73rlf/?trackingId=xZA99prnTl2%2B8%2B7tY2%2FRLQ%3D%3D
Knowledge Corner: The Key Tabs and Modules Inside IPDirector
Since we’re talking about Pierre’s legacy, it’s only right to share some practical knowledge about IPDirector, one of the systems he helped create.
IPDirector is the heart of many live production workflows around the world. It provides operators with the tools to ingest, manage, edit, and playout content under the extreme time pressures of live broadcasting.
Here are the most important tabs and modules you need to know:
1. Control Panel
The central hub for managing your clips and content in real time.
Load, organize, and monitor your media instantly.
The first place to go when setting up your workflow.
2. Playlist Panel
Build and manage playlists for live playout quickly and efficiently.
Perfect for highlights and match summaries.
Drag-and-drop simplicity for rapid workflow.
3. Ingest Scheduler
Schedule and manage file ingests with precision.
Ideal for multi-feed environments, such as sports tournaments.
Automates ingest tasks, reducing manual effort and operator stress.
4. IP Logger
For adding metadata and descriptive information to clips.
Helps teams search, organize, and retrieve clips faster.
Essential for sports and news environments where time is critical.
5. IP Edit
Your non-linear editing tool inside IPDirector.
Create timelines, edit content.
Built for speed, so you can cut highlights or news pieces on the fly.
6. Edit While Playout (EWP)
One of the most powerful features of IPDirector.
Edit content on a timeline while it’s already playing on-air.
Trim clips, add cuts, or adjust transitions without stopping the playout.
Critical for live sports highlights, where new action may arrive just seconds before it needs to be aired.
Keeps the broadcast seamless and dynamic, even under last-second changes.
7. Database Explorer
Navigate through clips, playlists, logs, and timelines with full visibility.
Think of it as your command center for media organization.
Search and manage content across your entire EVS ecosystem.
8. ABRoll
A powerful tool for multi-layer playout environments.
ABRoll is a tool ideal for news layouts. It allows you to create a full news service by loading the first clip (e.g., a news headline) on Channel A and preparing the second clip (e.g., an interview) on Channel B. You can then play clips alternately from outputs A and B. This workflow is often simpler than using a standard playlist because of its cyclical nature: while Channel A is on-air, Channel B is loaded and prepared. The moment you switch to Channel B, Channel A is immediately free to be loaded with the next clip, ensuring you are always ready for the next part of the sequence.
Why These Modules Matter
Each of these IPDirector components plays a crucial role in live broadcasting.
By mastering them, you’ll:
Work faster and smarter, even under extreme time pressure.
Reduce mistakes by automating repetitive tasks.
Increase flexibility, ensuring your team can adapt to any live production scenario.
When combined, they form a powerful ecosystem that keeps broadcasts running smoothly — whether it’s a football match, breaking news, or a global live event.
Piotr Szymborski
Founder – University of Television
🇬🇧 In partnership with The London School of English (British Council Accredited)
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