22 June 2003
Thales, formerly Thomson-CSF, has installed a turnkey radio broadcasting project in Abu Dhabi for UAE news and information organization Emirates Media Inc.
Installed in record time, the turnkey radio broadcasting solution for EMI includes: 800 kW mediumwave transmitter type S7HP; four-mast directional medium wave antenna system with three switchable antenna patterns (300/0/+60 degrees); new building including access road; mains supply; fresh water supply, etc. The new S7HP transmitters are compatible for future upgrades to digital operation in DRM [Digital Radio Mondial] mode.
The new station is situated only one kilometre away from the existing Dab’iyyah mediumwave station, in service since 1982. This station was already one of the most powerful in the region, with two one-thousand kW mediumwave transmitters and a four-mast directional antenna system. All equipment was delivered by Thales. Emirates Media Inc have been broadcasting services from the new station on 1170 kHz since 8 May 2003.
22 June 2003
Al-Jazeera Satellite Channel has launched a mobile news service in English and Arabic, enabling subscribers to keep themselves updated on the latest top of the hour news from around the world.
In the first phase, the service will be available to subscribers all over the Middle East and North Africa. In the second phase, it will be expanded to Europe and Asia. Muhammad al-Ubaydli, general manager of Al-Majaz IT Company, which is providing the technology, said that subscribers can enlist for the service via the Al-Jazeera web site, through pre-paid cards or through the customer assistance facilities of all major telecommunications companies in the region covered. In Qatar, for example, the service could be subscribed to through Qtel.
16 June 2003
In cooperation with the aid organisation Cap Anamur, Germany’s international television and radio broadcaster, Deutsche Welle, has launched a global campaign for donations. The goal is to fund 100 classrooms in Afghanistan.
DW Director General Erik Bettermann and Cap Anamur head Elias Bierdel presented the joint initiative at a meeting in Berlin on 13 June. Bettermann said “Rebuilding the educational system – in particular promoting the education and training of girls and young women – is extremely important for the country’s reconstruction. Funds are urgently needed for this, especially outside of Kabul.”
The reconstruction of Afghanistan continues to be at the top of the agenda for the international community. Germany is especially dedicated to this cause and Deutsche Welle is providing extensive media aid. “This fund drive intensifies Deutsche Welle’s existing commitment to Afghanistan. We hope to mobilize our listeners, viewers and Internet users around the world and with their help contribute to improving education,” according to the DW Director General. Cap Anamur is a recognized partner for this on location.
Since late autumn 2001, Cap Anamur has been building schools and creating classrooms in Afghanistan’s northern provinces. So far, more than 200 classrooms have been constructed, equipped and turned over to the local authorities. “However, the need is far from fulfilled,” said Bettermann.
16 June 2003
ND SatCom AG of Germany, a leading global supplier of satellite based broadband VSAT, broadcast and
military communication network solutions – and a member of the AIB – has announced the opening of its
Middle Eastern Branch in Abu Dhabi.
The office will serve ND SatCom clients and strengthen activities in the Middle East.
Mr. Ulrich Kiebler, President Middle East will head the new ND SatCom
subsidiary in Abu Dhabi, that includes highly experienced sales and
engineering support. ND SatCom decided to increase its presence in the
Middle East due to the areas huge potential for satellite
communications solutions especially in the field of broadcast and in
vertical markets such as the oil and gas industry and also
governmental networks. The geography as well as the strong business
orientation require flexible, reliable and innovative solutions.
“The official opening of ND SatComs’ Abu Dhabi office represents our
commitment to become the leading provider for global satellite network
solutions in the Middle East,” commented Ulrich Kiebler, President
Middle East. “By augmenting our activities in the U.A.E. we believe
that we are positioning ourselves perfectly for expansion into more
areas in the emerging Middle Eastern Region.”
16 June 2003
BBC Ventures Group’s businesses are working closely together to develop BBC Sport’s coverage of the Wimbledon Championships – an event which continues to be one of the biggest highlights of the sporting calendar. BBC Outside Broadcasts, which oversees the OB for the event, will be working closely with its sister companies BBC Broadcast, BBC Vecta and BBC Technology to combine technological and creative input to enhance the production team’s workflow and maximise the viewers’ experience.
At the tournament, BBC Outside Broadcasts will integrate an EVS Live Slo-Mo Machine network for the first time giving the production team the flexibility to grab images and compile highlights packages faster than ever. As well as being able to access and edit live material simultaneously, the on-site crew will be able to play back slo-mos as soon as the action happens without the need to wait for tapes. The digital non-linear editing network consists of 13 x 6 Channel EVS XT machines providing storage of up to 6,000 clips, 8 x supermotion camera replays, 20 further record sources for slo-mo and match turnaround. In addition, this year BBC Outside Broadcasts has increased the number of cameras in Court One to enhance the coverage of the all the matches.
As part of the outside broadcast, WiScape, a business unit of BBC Vecta, will be providing Digital Radio Cameras (DRC) which will broadcast shots from around the venue simultaneously with Sue Barker’s slots throughout Wimbledon. This means that for the first time viewers will be able to feel part of and closer to the action, really soaking up the atmosphere between matches as the cameras sit within the crowds at Henman Hill and between courts. It will also be used during the presentation ceremonies – capuring the excitement of the winners close up.
In addition, BBC Broadcast and BBC Technology will be further enhancing the viewing experience of the tournament by providing streaming of live matches on the BBC Wimbledon website and offering access to the viewer to watch play on all courts through the interactive TV service.
