News and Updates

Broadcast Networks adds HD to Chellomedia

Winchester, UK - July 2006    Broadcast Networks has been awarded a contract by the Amsterdam-based Digital Media Centre (DMC) from chellomedia, a leading international distributor of channels, content and video services, to build a brand new high definition sports studio. The contract, won against international competition, is due for completion by late July. This is the latest in a series of contracts placed with Broadcast Networks over the last year for expanding and updating chellomedia’s infrastructure for HD capability.

This latest contract involves the design, build and commissioning as well as equipment supply for a three-camera studio, primarily used for sports coverage including the UEFA Champions League and the FA Premier League. Major new equipment includes 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 is installing 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 is 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 will be integrated in the new system and will form the heart of the post production environment, whilst the Omneon playout system will act as the central storage and playout server for this new HD environment.

Linked in with these contracts, Broadcast Networks is also installing a new NVOD playout system for chellomedia’s video on demand services, upgrading its current master control room with a brand new MCR designed with HD capability, while the existing automation system is being expanded to 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 recalls, “We’ve been working on various projects for chellomedia for over two years now and we have built up a really good working relationship with them. The studio project is the largest to date. All along we have been meeting tight schedules and we are very confident we will finish the studio, as well as the other remaining projects, on time.”

Broadcast Networks’ on site Project Manager, Ian Westwood, has 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 says: “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.”

Says Jan Haye, Managing Director: “It is a pleasure to work with the chellomedia team on these various projects. From the start there has been a very professional approach from the customer’s side, which makes it easy for the two teams to communicate and cooperate. We are convinced that the various installations will all be handed over to the customer before the deadlines.”