Quick Overview
- 1#1: WO Traffic - Cloud-based traffic management system providing advanced program scheduling, sales automation, and billing for TV broadcasters.
- 2#2: Strata Traffic - Comprehensive broadcast traffic and scheduling software integrating sales, billing, and playlist management for television stations.
- 3#3: ProTrack - Multi-channel traffic and scheduling solution for broadcast TV with playlist generation and automation integration.
- 4#4: D-Series Traffic - Enterprise traffic management platform for scheduling ads, programs, and content across TV networks.
- 5#5: Streamline - Playout automation software featuring dynamic scheduling, as-run logging, and content management for TV stations.
- 6#6: iNEWS - Newsroom production system with rundown creation, scheduling, and workflow management for broadcast TV.
- 7#7: Viz Pilot - Newsroom content management and scheduling tool for building TV rundowns and graphics automation.
- 8#8: Just Control - Multi-channel broadcast control software for scheduling, switching, and playout management.
- 9#9: TitleBox AI r - Cloud-based playout server with scheduling, graphics overlay, and automation for TV broadcasting.
- 10#10: Rockhopper - TV automation suite for scheduling playouts, graphics, and subtitling in broadcast environments.
Tools were ranked based on a rigorous assessment of core features (including integration, automation, and multi-channel support), usability, reliability, and long-term value, ensuring they address the unique challenges of TV networks, stations, and newsrooms.
Comparison Table
TV scheduling software is critical for managing programming workflows, and comparing leading tools helps users find the right fit for their needs. This table includes WO Traffic, Strata Traffic, ProTrack, D-Series Traffic, Streamline, and more, breaking down their core features. Readers will discover how to evaluate options based on scalability, integration, and usability.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WO Traffic Cloud-based traffic management system providing advanced program scheduling, sales automation, and billing for TV broadcasters. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Strata Traffic Comprehensive broadcast traffic and scheduling software integrating sales, billing, and playlist management for television stations. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | ProTrack Multi-channel traffic and scheduling solution for broadcast TV with playlist generation and automation integration. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | D-Series Traffic Enterprise traffic management platform for scheduling ads, programs, and content across TV networks. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Streamline Playout automation software featuring dynamic scheduling, as-run logging, and content management for TV stations. | enterprise | 4.2/10 | 2.8/10 | 7.1/10 | 5.3/10 |
| 6 | iNEWS Newsroom production system with rundown creation, scheduling, and workflow management for broadcast TV. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Viz Pilot Newsroom content management and scheduling tool for building TV rundowns and graphics automation. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Just Control Multi-channel broadcast control software for scheduling, switching, and playout management. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | TitleBox AI r Cloud-based playout server with scheduling, graphics overlay, and automation for TV broadcasting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Rockhopper TV automation suite for scheduling playouts, graphics, and subtitling in broadcast environments. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
Cloud-based traffic management system providing advanced program scheduling, sales automation, and billing for TV broadcasters.
Comprehensive broadcast traffic and scheduling software integrating sales, billing, and playlist management for television stations.
Multi-channel traffic and scheduling solution for broadcast TV with playlist generation and automation integration.
Enterprise traffic management platform for scheduling ads, programs, and content across TV networks.
Playout automation software featuring dynamic scheduling, as-run logging, and content management for TV stations.
Newsroom production system with rundown creation, scheduling, and workflow management for broadcast TV.
Newsroom content management and scheduling tool for building TV rundowns and graphics automation.
Multi-channel broadcast control software for scheduling, switching, and playout management.
Cloud-based playout server with scheduling, graphics overlay, and automation for TV broadcasting.
TV automation suite for scheduling playouts, graphics, and subtitling in broadcast environments.
WO Traffic
enterpriseCloud-based traffic management system providing advanced program scheduling, sales automation, and billing for TV broadcasters.
Revenue Optimization Engine for dynamic ad pricing and automated inventory allocation to boost yield
WO Traffic by WideOrbit is a comprehensive traffic management platform designed specifically for television broadcasters, handling everything from ad order entry and scheduling to billing, as-run verification, and revenue optimization. It automates inventory management, ensures FCC compliance through precise logging, and integrates seamlessly with sales, production, and financial systems. Widely used by major station groups, it delivers powerful analytics to maximize ad yield across linear TV and digital platforms.
Pros
- Robust scheduling engine with real-time inventory optimization
- Seamless integration across broadcast workflows and third-party tools
- Advanced reporting and compliance tools for regulatory adherence
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training
- High upfront implementation costs
- Less ideal for very small independent stations due to complexity
Best For
Mid-to-large TV station groups and networks needing enterprise-grade traffic management for high-volume ad scheduling and revenue maximization.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on station size, users, and modules; typically subscription-based starting at tens of thousands annually—contact WideOrbit for quotes.
Strata Traffic
enterpriseComprehensive broadcast traffic and scheduling software integrating sales, billing, and playlist management for television stations.
Advanced preemption and make-good automation that dynamically optimizes revenue across schedules
Strata Traffic is a robust broadcast traffic management software tailored for television stations and networks, automating ad scheduling, order entry, billing, and inventory management. It excels in handling complex scheduling rules, preemptions, and compliance with FCC regulations while providing detailed reporting and analytics. The platform supports multi-station operations and integrates with various sales and automation systems, making it a staple in the broadcasting industry.
Pros
- Highly reliable scheduling engine with advanced conflict resolution
- Comprehensive reporting and forecasting tools
- Proven scalability for multi-station groups
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Custom pricing can be prohibitively expensive for smaller stations
Best For
Mid-to-large TV broadcasters requiring enterprise-grade traffic management with complex inventory needs.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing, typically $50,000+ annually depending on station size and modules.
ProTrack
enterpriseMulti-channel traffic and scheduling solution for broadcast TV with playlist generation and automation integration.
Advanced as-run verification and discrepancy reporting for precise ad reconciliation and revenue assurance
ProTrack by iD3AS is a comprehensive broadcast traffic and scheduling software tailored for TV stations, handling program logs, commercial insertions, and airtime sales management. It streamlines the creation of daily run logs, integrates with automation systems for seamless playout, and supports billing and revenue tracking. Ideal for professional broadcasters, it ensures compliance with FCC regulations and optimizes ad revenue through precise scheduling tools.
Pros
- Robust scheduling and traffic management for complex TV operations
- Seamless integration with broadcast automation and playout systems
- Advanced reporting and FCC compliance tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Primarily on-premise deployment with limited cloud options
- High enterprise-level pricing
Best For
Mid-to-large TV stations requiring integrated traffic, scheduling, and billing for high-volume ad sales.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on modules and station size, typically starting at $20,000+ annually with perpetual licenses available.
D-Series Traffic
enterpriseEnterprise traffic management platform for scheduling ads, programs, and content across TV networks.
Dynamic revenue optimization engine that automatically adjusts schedules in real-time to maximize ad inventory yield while adhering to strict broadcast rules
D-Series Traffic from Imagine Communications is a comprehensive traffic management system designed specifically for television broadcasters. It handles order entry, commercial scheduling, inventory management, billing, and traffic log generation while ensuring regulatory compliance. The software integrates seamlessly with playout automation and other broadcast systems for efficient workflows. It excels in optimizing ad revenue through rule-based scheduling and real-time adjustments.
Pros
- Robust integration with broadcast automation systems
- Advanced revenue optimization and scheduling rules
- Comprehensive reporting and compliance tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High cost and complex initial setup
- Less intuitive interface compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Mid-to-large TV stations and networks managing complex multi-channel ad traffic and sales operations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing with annual subscriptions; pricing available upon request, often starting in the mid-five figures depending on scale.
Streamline
enterprisePlayout automation software featuring dynamic scheduling, as-run logging, and content management for TV stations.
Integrated event proposal builder that streamlines initial scheduling alongside quotes, adaptable for pre-production planning
Streamline by Florical (florical.com) is a cloud-based management platform primarily designed for floral businesses, focusing on event planning, proposals, inventory tracking, and basic scheduling for deliveries and installations. While it provides calendar tools for managing appointments and timelines, it offers no native support for TV scheduling specifics like program grids, broadcast automation, EPG generation, or content conflict resolution. As a result, its applicability to TV scheduling is limited to repurposing general calendars for production shifts or simple crew rostering, making it a niche, non-specialized option ranked #5.
Pros
- Intuitive interface for basic calendar scheduling
- Cloud-based with mobile access for on-the-go updates
- Affordable entry point with floral-inspired customization options
Cons
- No TV-specific tools like program wheels or airtime conflict detection
- Lacks integrations with broadcast software or media asset managers
- Primarily tailored for floral/event industry, not media production
Best For
Small TV production teams or content creators needing ultra-basic scheduling on a tight budget, who can overlook the lack of specialized broadcast features.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for basic plan (1 user), scales to $199+/month for teams with add-ons; free trial available.
iNEWS
enterpriseNewsroom production system with rundown creation, scheduling, and workflow management for broadcast TV.
MOS protocol for real-time, bidirectional integration between newsroom systems and production devices
iNEWS by Avid is a comprehensive newsroom computer system (NRCS) tailored for TV news production, enabling efficient creation, management, and execution of broadcast rundowns and schedules. It supports scripting, story assignment, wire service integration, and real-time collaboration across news teams. As a TV scheduling solution, it excels in dynamic news environments, linking rundowns directly to editing and playout systems for seamless on-air delivery.
Pros
- Industry-leading rundown management with real-time updates
- Seamless MOS protocol integration with editing and playout tools
- Robust multi-user collaboration for large newsrooms
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High enterprise-level pricing
- Less flexible for non-news TV scheduling needs
Best For
Large TV news stations and broadcast networks needing integrated rundown scheduling and production workflows.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing; typically $100,000+ annually for full deployments depending on scale.
Viz Pilot
enterpriseNewsroom content management and scheduling tool for building TV rundowns and graphics automation.
MOS-compliant Pilot DataServer for seamless, automated data sharing between newsroom, editing, and playout systems
Viz Pilot is a professional newsroom computer system (NRCS) from Vizrt designed for TV broadcasters, enabling efficient creation, management, and automation of news rundowns and schedules. It integrates scripting, planning, and real-time collaboration with graphics engines, video servers, and editing tools via MOS protocol. This makes it a powerhouse for live news production workflows, from story assignment to on-air execution.
Pros
- Deep integration with Vizrt graphics and broadcast hardware
- Powerful rundown automation and real-time updates
- Scalable for multi-platform news delivery
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High cost limits accessibility for small stations
- Interface feels dated compared to modern web apps
Best For
Mid-to-large TV news operations needing robust, integrated scheduling for live broadcasts.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing; annual subscriptions typically start at $50,000+ depending on scale and modules.
Just Control
specializedMulti-channel broadcast control software for scheduling, switching, and playout management.
Dynamic rundown adaptation that automatically adjusts schedules for live inserts and overruns without manual intervention
Just Control from ToolsOnAI r is a professional Mac-based broadcast control software focused on rundown management and scheduling for TV stations. It enables users to create detailed playlists, integrate graphics, promos, and live events into seamless rundowns, and control playout across multiple channels. Designed for broadcast automation, it supports real-time adjustments and MOS protocol integration for newsroom workflows.
Pros
- Robust rundown scheduling with real-time live event handling
- Seamless integration with ToolsOnAI r playout and ingest tools
- Reliable performance in professional broadcast environments
Cons
- Exclusive to macOS, limiting hardware choices
- Steep learning curve for complex multi-channel setups
- Enterprise pricing may not suit very small operations
Best For
Mid-sized TV broadcasters and newsrooms seeking a Mac-native solution for precise rundown scheduling and automation.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; perpetual licenses or annual subscriptions typically start at €5,000+ per channel
TitleBox AI r
specializedCloud-based playout server with scheduling, graphics overlay, and automation for TV broadcasting.
Fully browser-based cloud platform for real-time, location-independent scheduling and graphics deployment
TitleBox AI r from PlayBox Technology is a cloud-based TV scheduling and graphics automation solution tailored for broadcasters, enabling the creation, management, and real-time delivery of rundowns, titles, lower thirds, and full-screen graphics. It supports multi-channel operations with seamless integration into playout servers for automated 24/7 broadcasting workflows. Users can schedule dynamic content overlays, handle live updates, and ensure compliance with broadcast standards from any location via web browsers.
Pros
- Cloud-native design allows remote access and collaboration without on-premise hardware
- Powerful graphics engine with real-time scheduling and automation for complex rundowns
- Strong integration with PlayBox playout systems and third-party tools
Cons
- Requires reliable high-speed internet, limiting use in unstable environments
- Learning curve for advanced features can challenge new users
- Custom pricing may strain budgets for small-scale operations
Best For
Mid-sized broadcasters and production teams seeking scalable, cloud-based TV scheduling for graphics-heavy workflows.
Pricing
Subscription-based with custom quotes; typically starts at €400-€800 per channel/month depending on features and scale.
Rockhopper
specializedTV automation suite for scheduling playouts, graphics, and subtitling in broadcast environments.
Advanced graphical scheduler with AI-assisted conflict detection and real-time EPG syndication
Rockhopper by peach.be is a cloud-based TV scheduling platform designed for broadcasters and OTT providers to manage program schedules across multiple channels. It features a graphical interface for drag-and-drop scheduling, automated conflict detection, and seamless EPG data generation and distribution. The software integrates with playout automation systems and supports real-time updates, making it suitable for professional TV operations.
Pros
- Intuitive graphical timeline for efficient scheduling
- Strong integration with EPG and playout systems
- Robust automation for conflict resolution and compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Limited free trial or demo access
- Pricing lacks transparency for smaller users
Best For
Mid-sized broadcasters and OTT services needing reliable multi-channel schedule management without extensive on-premise hardware.
Pricing
Enterprise subscription model; custom pricing starting around €5,000/month depending on channels and features—contact sales for quotes.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed tools, WO Traffic shines as the top choice, offering advanced program scheduling, sales automation, and billing for broadcasters. Strata Traffic and ProTrack follow closely, providing robust solutions for integrated sales-billing and multi-channel automation, each meeting specific operational needs. Together, these tools highlight the evolving landscape of efficient TV scheduling, balancing flexibility and functionality.
Don’t miss out—start using WO Traffic to unlock its powerful scheduling capabilities and streamline your broadcast workflows today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison