Megahertz Commissioned To Build Two SNG Vechicles For Lagos Television And Leda

Independent systems integrator Megahertz Broadcast Systems has been commissioned to build two new SNG vehicles for customers in Nigeria.
Comfax Nigeria Ltd placed both orders on behalf of its clients, Lagos Television and private broadcast company Leda, at the IBC convention in September. Both vehicles will be delivered during 2007 and will be used for news gathering and live coverage.
The SNG vehicle destined for Lagos Television will be based on an Iveco Daily panel van. Megahertz is handling the coachbuilding and will also install an on-board generator, two Sony DXC-D50W cameras, a Ross Synergy switcher, a pair of DVCAM VTRs with Panasonic editors, a Soundcraft FX16 audio mixer, Paglight lighting kits, Tandberg encoders and decoders, a Gigasat microwave link and an Advent NewSwift 1.5m satellite dish.
Megahertz technical director Steve Burgess says: "This is a very sophisticated set-up because the vehicle will have two cameras, vision and audio mixers and on-board editing. It is unusual for a panel van to have this level of equipment installed but we are more than happy to meet the technical challenges on behalf of Comfax and Lagos Television."
The second SNG, destined for Leda, is based on a Mercedes Vito panel van. This will be equipped with a generator, Xicom HPA, Tandberg encoders and decoders and an Advent NewSwift 1.2m satellite dish. Once again, Megahertz is handling the coachbuilding as well as systems integration.
Comfax Nigeria's relationship with Megahertz began some years ago when both companies were involved in installing an FM station on behalf of Harris.
Hassan Fawaz, director of Comfax Nigeria, said: "Leda owns a television station in Lagos that we are executing on a turnkey basis. While I was at IBC, I saw an SNG vehicle on the Megahertz stand and realised it would be ideal for Leda's requirements. The station owner also liked the idea, so I bought it on Leda's behalf. The beauty of this vehicle is that it is very compact and incredibly simple to operate."
(DS/CD)