18 March 2005
Harris Corporation’s Broadcast Communications Division (BCD) will showcase its support of the Tomorrow Radio Project, spearheaded by National Public Radio (NPR), through a continuous Tomorrow Radio demonstration at NAB2005. Tomorrow Radio, currently in the midst of a multiyear testing phase, enables radio stations to broadcast multichannel services, including secondary audio and data channels, as part of the HD Radio platform. The secondary services are delivered over the same transport stream as a station’s main analog channel services, taking full advantage of existing bandwidth. Harris has been providing HD Radio transmission equipment for NPR’s testing since the project’s inception in 2003.
“Tomorrow Radio is a shining example of HD Radio’s capabilities,” said Debra Huttenburg, vice president and general manager of the Harris BCD’s Radio Broadcast Systems business unit. “The ability to divide an HD Radio signal into two independently programmed channels is a huge forward leap for terrestrial radio. Harris has proven it can deliver a complete HD Radio transmission solution that allows broadcasters to deliver two high-quality channels over existing bandwidth. This demonstration will clearly illustrate Harris’ efforts in bringing to market flexible, end-to-end transmission solutions that drive the adoption of digital radio.”
At NAB2005, Harris will provide a continuous Tomorrow Radio demonstration featuring its Mini-HD(tm) Series of separate amplification transmitters, FLEXSTAR(tm) HDI-100 importer, and DEXSTAR(R) HD Radio exciter. Visitors to the booth can learn how the HDI-100 importer multiplexes supplemental audio and data services together en route to the DEXSTAR exciter, which modulates the multiplexed signal and controls the Mini-HD transmitter to drive the multichannel services to the receiver. The cost-effective Mini-HD Series provides low-power FM HD Radio systems with the same benefits that distinguish Harris’ market-leading, higher-power transmitters from the competition.
The Mini-HD Series offers four models with different power levels (ranging from 10-600 watts) to serve the varying needs of different customers and market sizes. All Mini-HD transmitters integrate the Harris DEXSTAR HD Radio exciter with a highly linear RF amplifier in a single rack cabinet. Other standard features include rack-mount UPS and
ePAL(R) audio routing systems. The ePAL exciter/program audio interface automatically ensures audio path integrity and provides terminal gear applications for synchronization, distribution and sample rate conversion. Options include Harris’ NeuStar(tm) HD/FM pre-codec processor, which maintains the cleanest possible digital audio, even at reduced bit rates. All four transmitters meet FCC and iBiquity HD Radio standards for use in the United States.
The HDI-100 importer is part of the new FLEXSTAR family of radio products, which also includes the HDE-100 exporter. While the importer enables data services and the supplemental audio chain, the HDE-100 exporter multiplexes the main channel audio with feeds from the importer en route to an STL system.
18 March 2005
Quantel has today announced a partnership with DayPort, a leader in video streaming, workflow infrastructure and convergence technologies.
DayPort will integrate its Carbon suite of products including Web publishing Content Management tools, Production Workflow Solutions and Broadcast Content and Asset Management applications with the Quantel sQ Production and Playout solutions. DayPort applications will complement Quantel solutions by providing an enhanced layer of integration, which enables the seamless publishing of metadata and video content to a broadcasters web site or content delivery over IP to client users.
The combination of these tools provides additional functionality to all content production teams to view metadata content remotely over the web or via their desktops. These tools enable staff to search, view, comment, and make editorial decisions relating to the archiving of content, online metadata and assets. The result is industry leading production systems with capabilities and operational efficiencies unmatched by any current alternative approaches.
We are extremely excited about the partnership and are looking forward to adding to the comprehensive production solutions offered by Quantel, said Andy Ioannou, DayPort Vice President of business development.
DayPort will also provide the tools to allow one station to view anothers assets within the same group and as a result share content over an enterprise wide operation without the manual overhead typically experienced.
Our partnership with Quantel allows more clients to seamlessly publish their content to other destinations while enhancing the production process. The combination of these industry-leading technology solutions advances both Quantels and our position as market leaders, said Glenn Miller, CEO of DayPort.
Quantel Marketing Manager, Norman Rouse, added, Our partnership with DayPort enables us to offer our broadcast customers even more flexible teamworking, as well as access to new delivery channels and importantly, new revenue streams all without adding to the complexity of their systems. Broadcast content from our sQ systems can, for example, be quickly re-purposed for web or PDA viewing with DayPorts Carbon Publish solution. Were very much looking forward to exploring the full potential of this synergistic collaboration between our two companies.
18 March 2005
Midi TV, which owns “etv,” South Africa’s only privately owned free-to-air terrestrial television channel, has turned to Harris Corporation for a new automation system at its Johannesburg studio complex. The new automation system will control two new transmission areas for new channels to be introduced this year.
“We use Harris automation in our Cape Town transmission centre, and etv’s existing channel has run on Harris automation since September 1999,” said Dave Stewart, technical director at Midi TV. “The features, stability and ease of use, together with technical support that we have received in the past, were the main factors in choosing Harris for the expansion of our Johannesburg operation.”
ETV has purchased the Harris ADC-100 automation system together with Harris’ Air Client 2.1(TM) toolsets, an intuitive device control package developed to enhance the mission-critical, play-to-air capabilities of both systems. ETV also will utilize the new Harris Production Client(TM) for its news department to control the recording of incoming satellite feeds into the news video server, as well as the play-out of edited clips during news bulletins.
Harris’ Air Client 2.1 provides broadcast operators with a dedicated interface to the device server that allows flexibility in on-air control to receive real-time updates and streamline basic functions. The ability to control devices in real-time is key to broadcasters who want to maximize flexibility. It also enables operators to import, edit and create transmission lists seconds before events air or as they air, as well as instantly refresh a pull list. Production Client controls play-out of live news programmes, and is designed to control up to three independent video switcher channels.
UK systems integration specialists Megahertz Broadcast Systems completed the design and integration of the new control centres at the Johannesburg studio complex. Identical in design, the two control centres use the Harris system to drive an Omneon video server for ingest and play-out of all programme titles, commercials and promotions.
17 March 2005
The AIB is delighted to announce that it is supporting the European Commission, DG Press and Communication, in a two-day workshop that will examine the way in which television and radio reports Europe to audiences across the continent.
The two day event will take place in Brussels on 20 and 21 April and includes top-level speakers, case studies and round-table discussions.
There is no charge for the conference, but it is limited to 200 participants. Registrations should be made by 4 April 2005.
You can download the agenda and general information using the link below (the documents are in PDF format).
11 March 2005
TV Globo, Brazils giant television network, has purchased three Quantel eQ editing/effects/grading/mastering systems, all equipped with the powerful QColor in-context grading option. All three systems will be assigned to the companys corporate promos Department.
TV Globo’s decision to choose Quantels technology was based on the networks many years successful experience with the companys systems, and was triggered by the networks decision to take the leap into HD. The addition of the new high-powered eQ resolution co-existent systems to its promotions production capabilities will enable TV Globo to take full advantage of the quality and versatility of HD to create the highest quality promos faster than any other system at just SD.
With more than 4,400 hours of production a year, the TV Globo network is the worlds largest producer of TV programmes not only for its home market, but also exported to 130 other countries worldwide. TV Globo is also the main TV network of Brazil for both its coverage more than 100 stations across the country serving a total population of over 184 million – and for its audience share, which is never less than 55% at any given time of the day. Promotions play a vital role in helping to maintain this dominant position, and as a result, TV Globo absorbs a staggering 75% of all Brazils advertising placement budgets.
Jose Luis Montero, Quantel Regional Sales Manager for South America, said, We are delighted that a company of such a high profile as TV Globo has once again chosen Quantel technology. HD is the new option in the Latin American market in terms of both advertising and long-format films. At Quantel we have been working for years to offer our customers the tools to let them adapt to new formats and to widen their business opportunities. This purchase demonstrates TV Globos clear commitment to an HD future, and were very happy that Quantel technology will be an integral part of that vision.
10 March 2005
New generation Quantel technology has been adopted by all five of Frances free terrestrial channels as a key component in their transition to multi-format, multi-resolution and High Definition production and broadcasting. These systems were chosen after elaborate tests of competitors products and, in all cases, performance, reliability and users input tipped the scales in favour of Quantel.
The first French broadcaster to adopt Quantels new equipment was the public-service network France 3, which acquired an HD/multi-resolution Paintbox gQ for use in news production and close-to-air applications.
The next broadcaster to choose Quantel new generation equipment was Arte, the Franco-German cultural channel, which also opted for the multi-resolution Paintbox gQ last summer. Arte is a very arts-oriented channel, comparable to Channel 4 in the UK or PBS in the US, and the quality of its graphics allows it to enhance its image, well beyond its budgetary means. The Paintbox is used a great deal for what are known as Artes Thema evenings, an omnibus string of programmes (features, documentaries, chat shows, etc.) on a specific theme, all shown on a given day. Graphics created on the Paintbox, often the work of several artists, can be harmonised to link the various programmes and genres and thus generate audience loyalty.
M6, Frances youth-oriented generalist terrestrial broadcaster, was next to purchase new Quantel technology, opting for an eQ for their on-air promotions and station identification department, and to develop their transition to HD. M6, known for its snappy graphics and rapid-fire editing style, has always been an early adopter of Quantel equipment and the eQ was chosen for its versatility and ability to integrate multiple image sources. The openness of the system was the key factor in the selection process and the eQ is now the creative hub for station ID, integrating material generated on all types of graphics software, such as After Effects, Illustrator, PhotoShop, etc.
Private channel TF1, Frances (and Europes) leading free terrestrial broadcaster, ordered a series of new systems in November 2004, including two Paintbox gQs and three QPaintbox software packages for off-line work. TF1 will use its Paintbox systems as the core of its graphics creation department for its news operations. They will enable TF1 and its sister channel LCI, a 24/7 cable news broadcaster, to share material and increase synergy. Quantel kit was chosen for its close-to-air reliability and its workflow enhancement properties, as well as for its creative graphics tools.
To close off the year and make the Grand Slam, France 2, Frances leading public broadcaster ordered a Paintbox in December for use in its news programmes and other close-to-air applications.
What makes these wins particularly gratifying for us, comments Michel Lepretre, Quantel France Country Manager, is that we were chosen after very rigorous technical tests and trial runs. Broadcasters are particularly demanding, especially when it comes to live or close-to-air programmes. Quantels legendary reliability, speed and intuitive ergonomics really made the difference.
The other thing were really happy about is the incredible support we got from the graphic artists involved in the selection process, adds Jean-Luc Wolff, Quantel France Major Account Manager. Being on the front line every day, they know what our performance standards mean. They were really the key people in convincing the broadcast executives to go for Quantel. As several of them pointed out, Quantel is the only manufacturer to have 15 or 20-year old kit, such as Hals, first-generation Paintboxes and Editboxes, still working efficiently in their production and editing suites. They argued passionately for our systems as the best way to move forward without upsetting existing workflow and practices. We believe that this first round of victories is the beginning of a winning streak, as French broadcasters make the transition to HD.
