Euro1080 and Alfacam confirm deal for Sony HD production equipment and services

Europe’s first all-HD broadcaster Euro1080 and sister production company Alfacam have signed a major contract with Sony for High Definition production equipment and services worth in excess of 3.25 million euro.
The initial phase of the deal sees Sony providing an extensive range of equipment for Euro1080/Alfacam’s new purpose-built ‘media city’ that opens officially this month in Lint near Antwerp, Belgium.
Alongside HDCAM SR portable and studio VTRs, the contract includes Digital Betacam SD VTRs, XPRI non-linear editing systems and HDV format High Definition editing decks, plus LMD Series flat-panel LCD monitors and BVM Series CRT monitor ‘cubes’. The agreement also features training provided by Sony Professional Services for Euro1080/Alfacam technical staff.
“This significant investment in Sony HD equipment and services to support our continuing growth reflects the excellent relationship we continue to enjoy with Sony,” said Euro1080 CEO Gabriel Fehervari.
Euro1080 began commercial service in January 2004 as Europe’s first ‘all-HD’ broadcaster. Transmitting exclusively in 1080-line High Definition, it offers three channels providing a mix of sports, music, live shows and cultural events via satellite and cable to European households, digital cinemas and large venues, reaching a total of 450 million viewers.
Much of the HD content transmitted on Euro1080’s three satellite channels is provided by production company Alfacam that also offers HD services to other European broadcasters.
All Sony equipment has been delivered on schedule for this month’s opening of Alfacam/Euro1080’s brand new Eurocam media complex in Lint, just 25km from Brussels.
Featuring a main 1,200 sq metre television studio and four further studios, the complex includes post-production and playout areas plus artist accommodation facilities. Spanning a total of 110,000 sq metres the purpose-built ‘media park’ brings together all of Euro1080 and Alfacam’s commercial, marketing and technical capabilities under one roof.
(SP)