Harris chosen for first HD news channel in Kurdistan
Published: MEA
IRAQ: Harris Broadcast Communications is delivering an integrated infrastructure and workflow solution for the first Iraqi high-definition news channel in the Kurdish region of the country. Rudaw Media Group selected Harris technology as the core of its new file-based production workflow and playout facility.
Based at a recently completed greenfield site in Erbil, this news production centre will incorporate the latest Harris HD infrastructure and workflow technologies for signal routing and management, distribution and play to air. The facility will primarily be used for the production of news programming and documentaries, and is expected to go on air at the end of September 2012. The deal was brokered by local distributor Sahi-Ateksis.
‘We were looking to build out the most comprehensive and streamlined HD file-based news production workflow and playout facility in the region, and chose to use the proven Harris infrastructure and workflow solutions because they are both reliable and future proofed,’ said Hejar Berenji, technical director of Rudaw Media Group. ‘Furthermore, Harris understands the nature of our new business and is able to provide us with a locally-based technical support team that recognises the cultural and linguistic diversity of the region – a key driver in our choice of vendor.’
The infrastructure solutions to be implemented at Rudaw include a Harris Platinum router that integrates video and audio processing, as well as Harris HView SX Pro multiviewers, within its frame. Harris Videotek CMN-41 test and measurement devices will ensure signal integrity and on-air quality.
Harris Invenio digital asset management software be used for content ingest and storage across the media workflow, and transfer that content to the Nexio HD playout server for onward transmission all under the control of the Harris ADC automated content management and distribution system.
‘Our established track record of delivering well-engineered technical solutions that meet the business and operational needs of our customers has been critical to our success in the Middle East and the project at Rudaw TV is no exception,’ said Said Bacho, vice president sales and service, Middle East and South Asia, Harris Broadcast Communications. ‘The implementation of the Harris file-based HD workflows at Rudaw will provide all round benefits today and reduce the costs associated with upgrades in the future.’