National Geographic Channel goes HD with ATG Broadcast

National Geographic Channel has chosen ATG Broadcast, one of Europe's leading systems integrators, to add high-definition capabilities to the network's European Post Production facility in Shepherds Bush, London.
The new investment is part of National Geographic's plan to commence 1080i HD broadcasting this summer via the BSkyB digital satellite multiplex.
The new contract will include installation of a Sony SRW-5500 HDCAM-SR video tape recorder and HD picture monitoring facilities in the Central Apparatus Room.
A Trilogy Mentor sync pulse generator is also being added to supply tri-level sync. Genelec surround loudspeakers and Dolby E encoding will be installed in the audio postproduction suite.
Simon Brett, Facilities Manager at National Geographic Channel, said: "ATG Broadcast was the natural choice for this project, having upgraded our Brentford studios very successfully in 2004 and supervised our relocation to the new Shepherd's Bush facility last year. Our transition into high definition is still at a very early stage. We will be equipped to handle 1080i HDCAM-SR content. All features forwarded by National Geographic Channel for BSkyB's HD transmissions will be in 1080i though, in this initial phase, we will produce and deliver interstitials in SD."
Dave Whitaker, ATG Broadcast Projects Manager, continued: "National Geographic Channel is a very efficient operation combining a traditional broadcast infrastructure with computer-based systems. We are delighted to have been chosen to help the channel move forward into the new 1080i standard which now looks likely to be adopted in many countries. Installation of the new system began mid January with a scheduled completion date of early February."
(GB)