TSL awarded MediaCorp contract

SINGAPORE: TSL has been awarded a contract to supply Singapore-based MediaCorp with a new end-to-end file-based production and transmission workflow for its Caldecott broadcast centre. The project falls in line with the MediaCorp's plan to transmit all free-to-air channels in digital format by December 2013 under the DVB-T2 television standard.

TSL was awarded the systems integration contract following an extensive tender process that included the submission of detailed conceptual designs and major proof of concept sessions. TSL's POC demonstrated how MediaCorp's existing tape-based workflow could be improved if replaced with ‘state-of-the-art’ file-based systems, from ingest to production, post production, transmission preparation, playout and media archiving. 

‘We had been developing plans for our file based operations for some time and spoken with many system vendors,’ said Kelvin Ma, vice president of media technology, architecture and support at MediaCorp Technologies. ‘TSL, as an independent SI, brought a high level of expertise and experience which helped us redefine the architecture and workflow and developed a cost effective multi-vendor solution which will integrate with our existing operations.’

TSL has already started work on the detailed design of this complex project, which aims to positively transform the way MediaCorp produces and manages programmes, significantly improve efficiency, increase output, enhance control and achieve a better return on investment when it comes to adding channels and delivering content to multiple platforms.

The SI will also provide procurement services, a pre-build facility, installation and commissioning with training and ongoing support. The first phase includes integration of the file-based systems with existing studios, video and audio post and transmission, as well as the digitising of MediaCorp's 60,000-hour archive. 

As Singapore's only terrestrial broadcaster, MediaCorp's transmits seven channels, comprising Channel 8, Okto, Suria, Vasantham, Channel U, Channel NewsAsia and Channel 5. The existing analogue TV signals will continue to be broadcast in the next few years alongside the digital TV signals until the transition to DVB-T2 is completed by 2020.

www.tsl.co.uk/systemsint.aspx