(1888PressRelease)
November 20, 2009 - The Harris solution — which includes automation, servers, master control switchers, branding systems, routers, multiviewers and processing equipment — supports the expansion of Rotana TV in the Middle East. Local systems integrator and Harris dealer Systems Design was contracted to handle the complete setup of the master control room at the headquarters of Egyptian telecommunications company Nilesat in Cairo, Egypt.
"Our previous infrastructure could only support four channels," said Dr. Naser Refaat, technical advisor at Rotana TV. "As our presence throughout the Middle East expands, we need an advanced infrastructure to support us and ensure we are future-proofed. The Rotana technical and commercial committee selected Harris because of its high-quality, comprehensive broadcast transmission solution, as well as for the company's very strong regional presence and local support team."
Core to the upgraded infrastructure is a Harris® ADC™ automation system. It consists of three device controllers, two redundant database servers, five air clients and four media clients. The automation system manages playout — with six Harris NEXIO® servers and two legacy servers, four IconMaster™ master control switchers and 13 Inscriber® RTX™ systems for on-air graphics. The install also includes a 128x128 Platinum™ router with an integrated CENTRIO™ multiviewer and four X75™ all-in-one processors to handle incoming feeds.
The upgraded MCR enables Rotana to support 14 TV channels — with the ability to upgrade to HD transmission chains in the future. The system is integrated with Rotana's channel management system, as well as with the Rotana media central archive library system, which is located 20 kilometers from the master control room.
"With Harris, broadcasters can streamline workflows, centralize media management and lower per-channel costs in multichannel applications," said Richard Scott, vice president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa operations, Harris Broadcast Communications. "This installation illustrates the strength of Harris when it comes to providing integrated ONE solutions."
Harris Broadcast Communications offers products, systems and services that provide interoperable workflow solutions for broadcast, cable, satellite and out-of-home networks. The Harris ONE™ solution brings together highly integrated and cost-effective products that enable advanced media workflows for emerging content delivery business models.
About Rotana
Rotana Holding is a Saudi Media Company having its headquarters based in the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh launched at the beginning of 1994. Designed to meet the technological needs of the entertainment industry, these contemporary headquarters are the central point of supervision and management of five regional offices located in Jeddah, Kuwait, Dubai, Beirut and Cairo. Rotana has over 1,000 employees throughout the world to support and cater to the Company's functional needs. In 2003, Rotana launched the first of its six free-to-air TV channels (four music channels and two movie channels) that quickly gained international exposure, acclaimed as the market leaders, in the fields of Arabic music and film. Rotana owns the biggest Arabic library worldwide, the leading production divisions in the region (of music, video clips and films), a pan-Arab social magazine, a pan-Arab radio network and a wide array of digital services. In addition, the Company conducts some of its operations through subsidiaries, affiliates, ventures, partnerships and alliances. For further information: www.rotana.net.
About Harris Corporation
Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and more than 15,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.
Contact Information:
Monica Heck
PR and Communications Manager
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Harris Broadcast Communications
monica.heck ( @ ) harris dot com
+353 87 963 1536
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