20 April 2007
GlobeCast announced at NAB 2007 that it successfully provided the first-ever live HD contribution service from Saint Peter’s square to CTV (Centro Televisivo Vaticano – the official television station of the Vatican), on the occasion of Pope Benedict XVI’s 80th birthday this past Sunday.
GlobeCast Italy dispatched an HDTV SNG truck to the Vatican for the event, and provided uplink and space capacity on the Atlantic Bird 3 satellite. The feed was picked up by several major European bouquets, including Sky Italia, which carried the event live on one of its four HDTV channels.
20 April 2007
At NAB2007, Harris Corporation , an international communications and information technology company, is introducing a wide range of innovative new solutions for broadcast workflows that enable broadcasters to create new revenue models, improve customer workflows and reduce the cost of operations. As the ONE answer for change across the industry, Harris is unveiling the following new initiatives at NAB2007:
Video Servers A new version of the NEXIO server system (v 3.5), which offers significantly enhanced features and functionality including up/down/cross conversion; video aspect ratio conversion; 16 channels of embedded audio support; three channels of HD output or mixed HD/SD; QuickTime® file exchange DV25/50; MXF file transfer support; and compatibility with the Harris® QuiC media analysis server and Isilon® clustered storage.
Newsroom and Editing NewsForce, a complete, file-based newsroom solution built on the NEXIO XS server, which includes three new Harris editors optimized for fast cutting, voicing and airing of news, and provides a streamlined, MOS-enabled infrastructure for producing, processing, distributing and managing SD/HD content. Introduced at NAB2007 will be NewsForce, a full-featured online NLE; the NewsForce Desktop networked browse editor; and the NewsForce XNG field/networked NLE.
Integration of Apple’s industry-leading Final Cut Studio® production suite with NewsForce, creating an optimized, truly collaborative newsroom environment. NewsForce will take advantage of the open XML API in Final Cut Pro®, the Emmy® award-winning editing software at the heart of Final Cut Studio®, to provide tight integration with the NEXIO storage area network (SAN).
Graphics Inscriber® G-Scribe 5.0, an enhanced software system that features an updated, full-featured CG, animation tools, 3d fly by, and a feature-rich media store for managing digital assets.
Digital Signage The latest version of InfoCaster (v 3.0) digital signage solution. InfoCaster offers the ability to create, schedule, manage, distribute and deliver graphics for large-screen presentations to a single plasma monitor or thousands of remote plasma monitors across the country.
Business Operations and Media Management H-Class standards-based interoperability, which provides customers with a common structure with which to communicate and share information across applications and includes playout automation, media management, airtime sales, scheduling, digital asset management and traffic/billing.
Broadcast Workflow Solutions Harris Assured Designs combine best-in-class, field-proven SD/HD hardware and software into cost-effective, fully interoperable, easy-to-use broadcast workflow systems.
Core Processing CENTRIO a breakthrough multi-image processor designed to streamline complex, large-system broadcast monitoring applications. CENTRIO provides superior graphics capabilities in a robust, broadcast-quality router. Expanded functionality in the 6800+ core processing platform to address satellite and IP applications brings the value of this well-established modular series to the distribution market. 3Gb/s capability across the Harris signal processing and distribution product portfolio providing cost-effective, HD-compatible products that support emerging standards such as 1080p. Low-cost broadcast solutions for precision video test and measurement, including HD-STAR, a portable, HD/SD generator and test monitor; OPTO TEST, a series of portable, optical test and measurement instruments for field/mobile applications; and the 1RU VTM-2400 HD/SD on-screen monitor, which adds a low-cost alternative to the Videotek® VTM Series.
Channel Release Harris Channel ONE the first offering in a series of integrated channel release solutions combines a high-quality graphics playout server, animations, live video, video clips, audio, real-time external data feeds and master control functionality in a single chassis, enabling broadcasters to produce and air complete television channels in HD or SD. The latest addition to the Digital Turnaround Processor (DTP) product line, the DTP-300, allows broadcasters to add local branding, insert commercials, manage EAS and rate-shape MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 program streams without having to decode and re-encode at the local station level. Addition of data-analysis parameters/file-correction tools to the Videotek® QuiC media analysis server, enabling file analysis during ingest and correction of file problems on the fly with no operator intervention.
Media Transport NetVX ENC-A21 HD/SD and ENC-A11 SD encoders, which bring the latest high-performance H.264 video encoding technology into the successful Harris® NetVX video networking system. An efficient end-to-end IPTV system solution, including IPTV personalized ad splicing, IPTV encoding in H.264 SD HD and an IPTV end-to-end system (Harris® NetVX integrated with IPTV ecosystem partners).
Transmission for TV Cool Play DVB-H 1670 MHz, DVB-H transmitter, featuring Convection Cool Technology for low-cost, reliable outdoor installations.
Mobile TV New in-band mobile DTV technology the MPH in-band mobile DTV system, dubbed “MPH” for “Mobile-Pedestrian-Handheld.” The MPH in-band mobile DTV system was jointly developed by Harris Corporation and LG Electronics Inc. and its U.S. research subsidiary, Zenith Electronics Corp., and will be prominently featured in two high-profile NAB exhibits: the Harris booth (N2502, Las Vegas Convention Center) and the Advanced Television Systems Committee “Hot Spot” (South Hall upper lobby).
20 April 2007
Al Jazeera is present this year at MIPTV to showcase a range of its programmes and documentaries in both Arabic and English. This is the first time that Al Jazeera has made its leading edge content available for distribution at MIPTV. This includes an array of premier programming such as Riz Khans One on One, Richard Gizberts Listening Post, Frost Over the World, Sami Haddads More than One Opinion, Faisal Kasems Opposite Direction, and the award-winning documentary Prisoner 345.
Abdullah Al Najjar, Director of Al Jazeeras Commercial Affairs Division stated Al Jazeera is taking a large step forward in making its content accessible and available to the world. Our unique brand and spirit of journalism and programming already reaches over 40 million viewers on a daily basis in the Arab world and over 90 million households in the global English-speaking world. Our presence here at MIPTV will extend our reach with a greater engagement with broadcasters around the world looking for cutting-edge content. The initial response to our presence at MIPTV has been overwhelming.
Al Jazeeras stand is located at L01 15.18 – 17.11 at MIPTV.
20 April 2007
A.R.G ElectroDesign, has been acquired by a group of private investors
led by Media Asset Capital (MAC). A.R.G is a UK based manufacturer of high quality line adaptors
used to carry broadcast video, audio and data over standard telco circuits. The acquisition, which
closed this week, involves both the purchase of the company from its present owners and the
placing of an interim management team from MAC into the UK & US operations.
Over the next 12 months, considerable investment will be made into both the UK manufacturing
operation and worldwide sales. As part of the acquisition, A.R.G opened a US office in February
of this year as a prelude to a major sales effort in North America.
Tom Wragg, CEO of Media Asset Capital said, We are delighted to have found a well run company with high quality products that we can help find new markets and grow the business.
ARG will be at NAB and IBC and looks forward to welcoming customers and colleagues to review
our products and meet our new team.
About Media Asset Capital
Media Asset Capital is an investment and consultancy company with offices in the UK, US and Canada. MAC invests in companies associated with the media market and offers consultancy services. Working with
investors, manufacturers and broadcasters, MAC is able to bring a broad media skill base to issues and
opportunities through its own staff and its extensive group of associates.
About A.R.G ElectroDesign
A.R.G was originally formed in 1974 and has operated in modern premises in Cirencester, UK since 1987.
The wide range of products offered today has been based on a strong technical background in the Telecoms
industry, and on a proven ability to supply specialist design and manufacturing services. The company
serves customers around the world through a combination of direct sales and leading distributors. A.R.G is
approved to ISO 9001:2000 for its Design and Manufacturing operations and the company also holds the
Investors in People standard, and is a previous winner of the prestigious British Telecom Network Supplier
award.
17 April 2007
Following the huge success of its Bosnian-Serbian bouquet, WorldTV the leading aggregator and distributor of international television and radio programming in America has strengthened its offering with the launch of two leading Bosnian channels, BosTel and NTV HAYAT. The addition of these two channels will boost WorldTVs existing Bosnian-Serbian bouquet which includes some of the regions most popular channels BN TV, Pink Extra and Pink Plus TV.
BosTel is the first Bosnian channel to be located in the United States and provides subscribers with a broad mix of programming, which includes traditional music, sport, business, art and technology. BosTel creates its original content of news, events and culture in Bosnia-Herzegovina in close association with other local channels to ensure users are kept up to date with local events as they happen.
NTV HAYAT is a full-time 24 hour Bosnian channel which was launched in 1992, offering a mix of news, entertainment, music, sports, documentaries, childrens and religious programming. The channel won a prestigious CNN World Report Award in 2002 and its primary goal continues to be the production of unbiased, independent reporting through serious and prompt newsgathering and journalism.
Both channels will bring the Bosnian and Serbian communities in the US closer to their homeland and are expected to be highly popular with subscribers. WorldTV is the leading source of international programming via satellite in the United States, offering in excess of 200 global TV and radio channels, in more than 35 languages to 42 countries worldwide.
17 April 2007
Autocue, the leading provider of newsroom, automation and prompting solutions, is pleased to announce that Frank Hyman has been appointed CEO of Autocue Group.
Simon Philips, Chairman of Autocue, said Franks appointment heralds a period of aggressive growth for Autocue, with the commercialisation of QNxt and expansion into new markets and territories. This is a very exciting time for the Group and I am delighted to welcome Frank as CEO.
Hymans appointment marks the culmination of a six month succession plan, with outgoing CEO Kieran Smith set to provide consultancy to the Board for a number of months to ensure a smooth transition.
Simon Philips said, On behalf of the organisation I would like to thank Kieran for his excellent contribution over the last two years. Kieran has done a fantastic job of turning the company around and has laid strong foundations for Frank and the team to build on.
During his six months at Autocue, Hyman has revitalised the sales organisation, adding significant talent to the team and establishing new channels to market throughout Europe, Asia and the Indian sub-continent. This expansion strategy has already unlocked significant revenue gains for the Group and further revenue growth is expected from the commercial launch of QNxt.
Hyman said I am incredibly excited about the future of the Autocue Group. My vision is to develop an organisation that delivers excellent customer service and fosters an innovative culture. This will enable us to continually find new ways of delivering value to our customers and profitable sales growth for our shareholders.
Hyman continued Kieran has put the key building blocks in place and I am confident that with the help of the team around me, we can fully exploit the Groups tremendous potential.
Autocue & QTV have chosen NAB for the global commercial launch of QNxt, its innovative application suite, including QMaster and QBox, the worlds first IP-based prompting system. Following the unveiling of the prototype system at IBC 2006, Autocue has completed multiple beta trials with resounding success and sales orders are now being taken. QMaster represents a step change in prompting technology, unlocking significant benefits for customers in studio and field environments.
