TV Eyes is a search engine for TV and radio which allows users to monitor, search and download clips for broadcast media from all 210 U.S. TV markets as well as the UK, Europe, Middle East, Latin America and several countries in the Caribbean region. Access to broadcasts from other countries will be quite useful for those covering ethnic communities and international news.
HOW TO SEARCH
Power Search
This search option allows a user to input keywords, dates and news market information all at once. For example, if the words “NBC and Nancy Reagan” are put in as search terms, results for both local and national networks news outlets that have broadcasted stories or mentions of the former first lady’s death will come up. The results are listed with the most recent clip available first.
Date/ Time Search
This search function should be used when looking for content that appeared on a particular day and time during a news outlet’s broadcast. Content is shown with transcript.
Snapshot
This search brings up the latest live stream clips (with transcript) available from major US news networks as well as local affiliates and international news outlets.
HOW TO SAVE
When a user clicks on a clip directly underneath the play button are the words “Clip Editor”. A user should click on this and a new screen will appear with the option to set a start and end point of the clip. Once the start and end points of a desired clip are set then click “Save It To Media Center”. A message will appear that will notify a user hat the clip is being prepared and email will be sent on how to find it. Return to the main page and click on “Media Center” and the saved clip will be there with instructions on how to download. A message pops up at the bottom of the screen to let a user know when the clip has been saved successfully.
SHORTCUTS
The keyboard shortcuts are another great feature of this search engine and it saves time when a user may be looking for a particular point or segment of a broadcast. Examples of these shortcuts include M for mute, right arrow key to fast forward and left arrow key to rewind, I for in point or start point of a clip and O for output or end point of a clip. These shortcuts are similar to ones typically used in non-linear editing software such as Final Cut or Adobe Premiere.
This search engine also makes it easy to find clips from television station aboard. That is something that I have not seen often with TV news search engines. For all reporters, but especially those covering ethnic communities or international news, having access to those newscasts is a major plus. Also, since the shortcuts are designed in a way that is similar to editing software, it gives a sense of familiarity to the user. It doesn’t feel like a process to learn to use it.