Broadcast Networks To Install A High Definition Sports Studio At DMC

Broadcast Networks has completed a project to install a brand new high definition sports studio at chellomedia’s Amsterdam-based Digital Media Centre (DMC).
Chellomedia, a leading international distributor of channels, content and video services, awarded Broadcast Networks the contract after putting it out to international tender. This is the latest in a series of contracts the company has placed with Broadcast Networks over the last year, all of which have been designed to expand and update its infrastructure for HD capability.
This latest project involved the design, build, commissioning and equipment supply of a three-camera studio, which is now being used for sports coverage including the UEFA Champions League and the FA Premier League. Major new equipment included a Grass Valley Kayak HD vision mixer, Sony HDCAM High Definition VTR’s and the installation of an existing Soundtracs DPC-II digital production console with Dolby E capability.
As part of the upgrade to chellomedia’s DMC facilities, Broadcast Networks also installed several nVision High Definition matrices: a 256 x 256 transmission matrix, a separate 64 x 64 HD backup Tx matrix and a 256 x 256 HD Production matrix. The central storage network at the DMC was expanded by the installation of a Quantel ‘Live Production’ SQ Server and a larger Omneon playout transmission server.
A number of Quantel SQ edit systems were integrated in the new system to form the heart of the post production environment, whilst the Omneon playout system acts as the central storage and playout server for this new HD environment.
Linked in with these contracts, Broadcast Networks has also installed a new NVOD playout system for chellomedia’s video on demand services, upgraded its current master control room with a brand new MCR designed with HD capability and expanded the existing automation system so that it can cope with the additional HD playout channels. The first of these upgrades was a new playout system for E! Entertainment, which was installed in June.
Tom Haye, Director of Broadcast Networks commented: “We’ve been working on various projects for chellomedia for over two years now and have built up a really good working relationship with them. The studio project was the largest to date. All along we met tight schedules to ensure that we finished the studio, as well as the other remaining projects, on time.”
Broadcast Networks’ on site Project Manager, Ian Westwood, had the task of running the large team of engineers and wiremen, supported by Robert Pape, the company’s Project Architect.
Jon Try, VP of Broadcasting, chellomedia commented: “Broadcast Networks has provided support to our recent expansion and we’re delighted that they came through our selection process as the most suitable supplier for the HD studio. Our experience with them in the past gives us a high degree of confidence that they will deliver high quality workmanship that meets our needs.”
(DS)