Arqiva’s Satellite Media Solutions division has announced the installation of a new HD-ready television playout suite. Building of the new facility, which will play out combinations of HD (high definition) and SD (standard definition) channels, has already commenced and it will be ready for action from April. Arqiva currently plays out over 60 channels and the new suite will further increase that capacity to include up to eight HD channels.
The new playout suite will accommodate HD bandwidth requirements, provide for the addition of HD-level graphics and incorporate Dolby 5.1 surround sound. Each channel has full redundancy, with two architecturally independent play outs of each single channel.
The new suite will incorporate the Arqiva designed and built WorkFlow tool which delivers a wider range of applications and greater efficiency across the broadcast process. This enables Arqiva’s customers to make the most their own content, by streamlining their production processes and by making distribution to multiple platforms more cost effective than ever, says Arqiva.
The facility will feature a dynamic monitoring system which provides greater flexibility and control by allowing transmission controllers to manipulate their monitoring configuration.
John Bozza, director of sales at Arqiva’s Satellite Media Solutions division, said: “The new playout suite will put Arqiva in a strong position to service the growth of the High Definition broadcast market. Our investment in this new technology demonstrates our commitment to supporting broadcasters in their ambition to upgrade to High Definition channel playout and distribution. This, and other recent developments in the US and European HD distribution market, will make it significantly easier and more viable for our customers to launch High Definition channels in the future.”
