Media Prima Selects DHD SX2 Mixers for New Broadcast Studios

Media Prima has chosen DHD SX2 audio production mixers for integration into new broadcast studios at Balai Berita in Bangsar on the southwest periphery of Kuala Lumpur.

The project was completed in partnership with VME Broadcast and Stagetec Asia. It included the supply, installation and commissioning of complete audio systems for Media Prima's TV3 and 8TV television channels. 

Media Prima is the largest media and entertainment conglomerate in Malaysia. Its business interests embrace television, print, radio, out-of-home advertising, content creation and digital media. The company employs over 6,000 staff in total, of whom approximately 1,300 are in private-sector broadcasting. Media Prima forms half of the mass-media duopoly in the country, along with Astro All Asia Networks. Initiated in 1984, TV3 is Malaysia's longest established free-to-air television station. Its output includes high-quality news, entertainment and drama. It was joined in 2004 by 8TV which soon gained a reputation as a trusted source for Chinese-language content, catering to a diverse audience with local and international programmes.

"There are currently two newsrooms in Balai Berita but the inspiration is to create a single newsroom as a unified space for content gathering and curation which can be distributed across our platforms with responsibility and focus," says Mohamad Rezwan Khalil Azmi, Media Prima CTO. "The transition was challenging and full credit goes to the team. The project was inspired by the concept of ‘serumah', or one house, bringing multiple platforms under one roof. The integration of these systems has significantly improved workflow efficiency and our teams are now better equipped for seamless coordination across departments."

As part of the transition, Stagetec Asia integrated DHD SX2 modular broadcast consoles into the TV3 and 8TV production control suites. "We designed these solutions with high-pressure environments in mind," adds Leong Tong Sing, Technical Director of Stagetec Asia. "Each SX2 features motorised faders, five 10.1 inch multitouch displays and an intuitive control interface, the combination being ideal for fast-paced newsroom workflows. The interface simplifies operations, allowing teams to stay focused on content delivery. Each 28-fader SX2 main console is backed up by a 10-fader auxiliary console which takes over critical audio feeds in the event of main console failure, ensuring uninterrupted operation. Comprehensive training and commissioning were provided to ensure that Media Prima's production teams could adapt smoothly to the new technology."

To further enhance live reporting, an AVT TH2plus V2 IP telephone hybrid system has been integrated to facilitate real-time communication between field reporters and newsroom anchors. Supporting POTS and VoIP connections, this dual hybrid model includes pre-talk functions, caller conferencing, automatic call acceptance and blacklist capabilities. 

DHD SX2 mixing systems are based on a four-fader central surface plus an optional number of modular six-fader expansion surfaces. All faders are dust resistant and motorised. Each module can be chained with others to create a standalone mixing desk. Integral display screens allow operators to see exactly how their console is performing both from connectivity and signal level perspectives. The central module gives access to the most important audio inputs and outputs. A microphone input and headphone output are included and loudspeakers can be connected directly to this unit. Each expansion module allows the addition of a second layer accommodating up to 20 faders. SX2 features can be extended simply by adding optional license codes to the DSP core, allowing extra faders, busses and clean feeds. 

At the heart of every DHD mixing control surface are IP cores and concentrators. These connect easily with control modules and I/O boxes via RJ45 ports and standard CAT cable carrying audio, power and control signals (DHD's APC technology). Gigabit audio and data connections with fibre-optic cables (DHD's GA technology) can optionally be used to connect cores and concentrators.

"We are proud to support Media Prima's digital transformation with future-ready technology and continuous technical support," summarises Advon Tan, Stagetec Asia MD.

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