Metro Broadcast transmits live commercial HD broadcast from UK

Metro Broadcast, BowTie TV and ntl transmitted a live, commercial, 4:2:2 MPEG-encoded HD transmission in Dolby 5.1 surround sound from Alexandra Palace in the UK. This is one of the first HD broadcasts in the UK.

NHK, the Japanese broadcaster, chose Metro to project-manage the first European transmission of "Nodojiman," an amateur singing contest. The Alexandra Palace transmission is only the ninth originating outside of Japan.

Metro’s technical director contracted ntl to provide two SNG uplinks for the live show, one for the HD transmission and one for the standard definition backup. OB specialist BowTie TV was brought in to supply trucks with six HD cameras.

In addition to the HD transmission, Metro filled the Alexandra Palace Grand Hall with 4400 seats, a stage with set including a seven-piece band, lighting and audio, and a PA system. Live video and audio relays were also routed to various judging and viewing rooms.

For more information visit www.metrobroadcast.com and www.ntlbroadcast.com.