Vidigo visual radio atClouds FM in Tanzania

Best IBC ever

Addressing thebroadcaster’s skill gap

World land-speedattempt in South Africa

Stop the blamegame!

54-monitor video wallat Mall of the Emirates

Avid scores at Al Kass Qatar

See us at

Avid scores at Al Kass Qatar

54-monitor video wallat Mall of the Emirates

Stop the blamegame! Addressing the

broadcaster’s skill gap

World land-speedattempt in South Africa

Vidigo visual radio atClouds FM in Tanzania

Best IBC ever

AV Cover 129.qxd 10/25/13 12:19 AM Page 1

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2013

AVSpecialist_Maevex_ad_final_UK_1013.indd 1 2013-10-07 14:15:42

10 Al Kass selects Avid to power broadcast facilityOne of the most innovative sports TV channels in the MiddleEast, Al Kass continues to rely on Avid’s proven and trustedsolutions to streamline workflows and accelerate content delivery

12 Mall of the Emirates Installs 54-Monitor Video Wall Matrox video wall controller boards capture and display digitalsignage content on a massive video wall in one of Middle East’slargest shopping centers

13 SuperSport selects second IP3 router Follows world’s first Platinum IP3 installation, transformingplayout capabilities of new broadcasting facility

22 Newtec and TDA sign Multimillion Euro contractSatellite communications specialist, Newtec and Télédiffusiond’Algérie (TDA) have signed a multimillion Euro contract todeploy several of Newtec’s interactive satellite terminals runningon the ASBU Multimedia Exchange Network over Satellite(MENOS).

24 Amsterdam hosts best attended IBC – ever!Almost one month on from IBC, and most of the dust shouldhave settled by now - all those new leads have had somecontact, and customers should have started to identify what theyreally liked, rather than what they were just being polite about!

AV SpecialistVolume 129

Contents

Publisher & Managing EditorKevan Joneskevan@avspecialist.tv

Feature EditorDick Hobbsdick@avspecialist.tv

Designer Rajiv Gopalanrajiv@avspecialist.tv

Advertising salesEmmanuel Archambeaudearchambeaud@defcommunication.com

Represented in the Middle East by:AV Specialist MENA FZ LLCPO Box 502314, DubaiUnited Arab EmiratesMobile: +97150 4683265

Represented in South Africa by:Doddington Direct ccPO Box 3939, Honeydew, 2040,South AfricaTel: +27 (0)11 083-6418Mobile: +2782 555 5556

Represented in Europe by:Def & Communication48 Bd Jean-Jaurès, 92110 Clichy, FranceTel: +33 (0)1 4730 7180Fax: +33 (0)1 4730 0189

AV Specialist supports SACIA members in the quest for truth, honesty and thepursuit of excellence in all aspects of theaudio visual profession.SACIA is a not-for-profit trade associationdedicated to promoting technicalexcellence and the adoption of ethicalbusiness practices in the communicationsindustry throughout Southern Africa.

Publisher’s Note

"Too many people are thinking of securityinstead of opportunity. They seem moreafraid of life than death." James F. Byrnes

What does the future hold? Over the last year I’ve beenspeaking to many friends and colleagues in the broadcast and AVindustry about the future of our market sector – trying to get animpression of where we’re heading and what challenges we’relikely to face.

In my conversations I’ve gathered informed input from manysources and am left with the disconcerting impression that thosewho I’d consider to be the most informed are also those whoappear to be the least certain. Perhaps they’re spoiled for choice –and perhaps it’s simply that they’ve seen so many predictions fall

short of the mark that they’re a naturally sceptical bunch.Either way, I left this year’s IBC convention in Amsterdam more confused about the

technologies shaping the future of our market than I was before I arrived. So many conflictingopinions – so many possible futures. At least what all these opinions had in common was thatwe ARE an industry that has a future.

Later this month I’m attending the FIAT-IFTA World Congress on Television Archives that’staking place in Dubai. There’s a small SACIA contingent attending from South Africa and at leasthere I’m looking for some certainty about the future of media archives. For too long broadcastershave neglected their cultural heritage, destroying footage with historical significance onlybecause it’s taking up space. The world is getting smaller, Connectivity is at our fingertips andworld events affecting us are on the rise…

News content is being written and recorded ever faster and our film, video and audioarchives are expanding to accommodate all this new content. But what about our history? Howdo we index, store and accurately retrieve all this information? I’m going to be looking for someanswers at the conference in Dubai – let’s hope I find what I’m looking for.

AV 129.qxd 10/24/13 11:29 PM Page 1

At IBC 2013, Axon, the broadcast infrastructure, monitoringand control specialist, launched Neuron - the industry’s first videoproduct based on AVB (Audio Video Bridging) technology. As wellas integrating AVB, an open standard based on IEEE802.1,Neuron will help broadcasters create a live end-to-end audio andvideo production system with monitoring, management andprotection. Neuron features both hardware and software andoffers significant cost savings, reliability, increased flexibility forinstant network access and multi-switching between live contentsuch as a football game or game show.

Industry’s first product withintegrated AVB (Audio Video

Bridging) technology United Broadcast & Media Solutions, the exclusiverepresentative of Autocue in the UAE, is proud to announcethe launch of the Autocue DSLR Teleprompter.The promptermounts to a standard set of 15mm rails in front of the DSLR,making it extremely lightweight and enabling the user tomount a range of accessories onto the rails. There is also anoptional bar at the top of the hood with a number of ? BSWthreads to accommodate further accessories like on-cameralights, microphones and magic arms.

Peter Kyriakos, Head of Marketing at United Broadcast& Media Solutions said, “This new DSLR prompter will be agreat addition to the already extensive range of Autocueteleprompters we represent, all the while providing yetanother useful product that DSLR advocates canconveniently use in conjunction with their equipment”.Autocue will range two variants of the DSLR prompter – auniversal tablet mount (iPad, iPad Mini and other tablets)and an 8” monitor. In addition to the traditional on-cameraset-up, the package includes a detachable straight-readmount for simple applications (magic arm required).

Autocue launch DSLR prompter at IBC 2013

2

Productn e w s

Sonifex has just release a host of new products in thethird quarter of 2013 and the Redbox RB-VHDA2x4 3G/HD/SD-SDI 2 Input, 8 Output Video Distribution Amplifier is one ofthem. The RB-VHDA2x4 is a high performance, reliable dualinput and eight output digital video distribution amplifier for re-clocking and distributing up to two 3G, HD (high definition) orSD (standard definition) SDI sources. By default, the RB-VHDA2x4 acts as two independent video distributionamplifiers, with input 1 routed to outputs 1-4 and input 2routed to outputs 5-8. Either input can also be routed to alloutputs if desired which can be selected by the Input Selectswitch on the front panel or via the built-in webserver. Thewebserver also provides status information for the unit.

The unit provides automatic input detection, re-clockingand cable equalisation of the input signals to 100/350 meters(HD/SD) of coax cable.

At IBC 2013 Quantel introduced a truly revolutionaryconcept - stream-based workflows. Just as file-based workflowsreplaced video, stream-based workflows are the next giant strideforward for our industry, moving beyond the limits of files to allowcontent to be accessed from anywhere, in any form, instantly.Quantel stream-based working enables any user to editwherever they are, and wherever the media is - even on liveingests, and to publish the results anywhere. Quantel stream-based workflows offer multiple operational and cost benefits:Stream-based working is faster, because there is no need to waitfor files to complete their transfers; users can start work withstreamed media as soon as the frames begin to arrive. Stream-based workflows are simpler, because there are no copies ofmedia created, dramatically reducing the media managementoverhead.Stream-based workflows are inherently more efficientin their use of networks and storage. High resolution frames aretransferred only when absolutely necessary, as a backgroundtask, greatly reducing workflow latency while optimizingutilization of precious storage and network resources. And finally,because of all these benefits, stream-based workflows aresimpler and cheaper to specify, purchase and maintain - socosts are lowered too.

Quantel shows a vision of the future at IBC

New Sonifex Video Distribution Amplifier

AV 129.qxd 10/24/13 11:29 PM Page 2

Digital Rapids showed off a wide range of new featuresand enhancements for the Digital Rapids Transcode Manager2.0 automated, high-volume media transformation software andits underlying Kayak dynamic workflow platform at the IBC 2013exhibition in Amsterdam. Previously-unannounced capabilitiesinclude support for the x264 codec, AVC-Intra format and DigitalProduction Partnership (DPP) file specification; mixed-platformdistributed workflows including ProRes encoding on Mac OS X;and enhanced core video processing tools. These newextensions are being demonstrated alongside advances such asHEVC (H.265) format support and 4K Ultra HD encoding firstpreviewed earlier this year. The rich format flexibility of Kayakcontinues to expand with an array of new output capabilities.

AJA Video Systems has added to its range of compact,high-quality Mini-Converters with new features and capabilitiesfor analogue and digital workflows across SD, HD, UltraHD(UHD) and 4K.“More than ever, broadcast workflows routinelymix formats, which requires reliable hardware to ensure signalfidelity. AJA strives to anticipate and address workflowbottlenecks so our customers are never without a viablesolution. Our new Mini-Converters deliver AJA quality that isaffordable, bridges existing technology and provides freshoptions for production professionals working in SD, HD andeven 4K,” said Nick Rashby, President, AJA Video Systems.

The new 4K2HD unit down-converts 4K 3G-SDI to HD-SDIand HDMI 1.4 simultaneously, and is ideal for HD monitoringwith 4K cameras. Supporting 4K (4096x2160) and UHD(3840x2160) input signals, 4K2HD enables simultaneous HD-SDIand HDMI output from 4K, downscaled at high-quality to HD.

AJA release new Mini-Converters at 2013 IBC

4

Ross Video enters the Newsroom Control System (NRCS)product space with the launch of Inception News at IBC 2013.With Ross’ extensive experience in news production, Inceptionwas designed as a next generation NRCS to support therequirements of a modern newsroom. Inception News allowsjournalists to directly create content for broadcast, social mediaand the web with publication to a growing list of servicesincluding: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flicker, Brightcove, BIMand Wordpress. The traditional NRCS workflow has beenreimagined with Inception providing a comprehensive, easy to useenvironment for the needs of today’s news organization. “One ofthe things that news professional’s love about Inception is thatSocial Media and the Web are front and centre along with thelinear news production,” said David Ross, CEO of Ross Video.“Inception News puts Ross in a unique position in the breadth ofnews production solutions we offer.”

Ross Video launches InceptionNewsroom control

Sony has announced two new professional NXCAMcamcorders, the NEX-FS700RH and the NEX-FS700R. Bothmodels feature Sony’s E-mount lens system and a 4K ExmorSuper35 CMOS sensor and now come with Version 3.0 firmwarepre-installed, enabling 4K/2K RAW recording on an externalcompatible recorder. The firmware update also includes thepopular S-log2 gamma mode which gives a wider dynamic range,even for HD productions.The NEX-FS700RH comes with themotorised SELP18200 (f = 18-200mm, F3.5-6.3) zoom lens. Theinbuilt zoom control on the camera grip enables users to combinesmooth zooming effects with the stunning shallow depth of fieldcontrol offered by the large format sensor.The new NEX-FS700R/RH also offers 4K/2K RAW super slow motion when theNEX-FS700R/RH is used together with the optional HXR-IFR5interface unit and AXS-R5 RAW recorder. This combination allowsup to 120fps 4K RAW recording (four seconds) and unlimitedcontinuous 240fps 2K RAW recording on the AXS-R5 recorder.

Sony announces 4K/2K RAW recording

Productn e w s

Digital Rapids unveils support forMedia Processing Platform

AV 129.qxd 10/24/13 11:29 PM Page 4

Introducing the world’s fi rst Ultra HD liveproduction switcher with 6G-SDI technology!

Learn more today www.blackmagicdesign.com/me/atemps4k

US$1,695ATEM Production Studio 4K

Smash quality barriers with the world’s fi rst Ultra HD live production switcher! ATEM Production Studio 4K lets you connect up to 8 SD, HD or Ultra HD video cameras, disk recorders and computers. You get all the features you expect from a professional switcher including chroma key, transitions, media pool, downstream keyers, built in 24 channel audio mixer, multi view, aux output with front panel aux switching and the world’s fi rst 6G-SDI and HDMI 4K video connections!

Live Creative Power

ATEM Production Studio 4K is a true professional M/E style switcher, perfect for live music, sporting events, theatre productions, program production, conferences and more!

You get the most creative solution for live switching with cut, mix, wipe, dip and more! You can even load graphics directly from Adobe Photoshop into the 2 built in media players for live keying!

Incredible Features

ATEM includes upstream chroma key for green and blue screen shooting. You also get pattern, shaped and linear keying, 2 downstream keyers, 2 built in media

players and more! The built in multi view allows all camera’s, preview and program to be viewed on a single SDI or HDMI monitor or television, so ATEM is perfect for portable location use! Now you can cover any live event, anywhere!

More Connections

ATEM Production Studio 4K can be switched between SD, HD and Ultra HD so it connects to a wide range of

HDMI and SDI cameras! You get 4 x 6G-SDI and 4 x HDMI 4K inputs for up to 8 simultaneous live inputs. All inputs feature re-sync so you can plug in anything! Also included are 2 balanced XLR audio inputs and HiFi audio inputs for connecting audio sources!

Built to Perform

ATEM uses a familiar M/E style of operation so you get an instantly familiar workfl ow that’s fast and easy to use. ATEM includes a software based control panel for

Mac and Windows! If you need a hardware control panel then simply add the ATEM 1 M/E Broadcast Panel for a true broadcast solution. Thousands of ATEM switchers are used today for live broadcast events such as sports, music festivals, drama, reality TV and much more!

Connect professional SDI or consumer HDMI cameras in SD, HD or Ultra HD! Imagine your event in full Ultra HD!

Rack mount design lets you install into road cases for portability.

HDMI inputs let you plug in video cameras or even computers for slide shows!

You can even plug in SD, HD or Ultra HD broadcast cameras using the 6G-SDI inputs.

SDI and HDMI program outputs for sendingyour live program feed to your audience! Includes down converter from Ultra HD to HD.

Ethernet lets you plug direct to your computer for control and uploading graphics.

See all your cameras and program video output using a single TV with the built in multi view.

Includes control software for Mac and PC plus Photoshop plug ins for direct graphic downloads.

Audio inputs connect direct into thebuilt in audio mixer for professionaland consumer HiFi audio sources.

Aux output allows connection to on stage screens and projectors. Aux switching canbe done using the front panel buttons!

Question: When selecting a vendor for your next AV installation, which of these items is the LEAST important item you should consider?

a. Price quoted for the projectb. Installation quality of the installations deptc. Company reputation in the marketplaced. Financial stability of the supplier

Answer: (a) In today’s tough economic climate it’s obviously important to consider price as an important factor in choosing a supplier for your next AV installation. But choosing a supplier based on price alone is a sure-fire path to failure and an ineffective AV solution. Chose a vendor based on their ability to provide an AV solution that meets your requirements and make sure you’re buying from a reputable organization with certified staff and the resources to back-up your installation on a long-term basis.

SACIA is the leading trade association for the professional AV industry in Southern Africa. We promote the adoption of professional standards in the local market and our members commit to truth, honesty and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of the audiovisual profession.When you’re looking for a reputable supplier with a proven track record in the professional AV market, our members are a good place to start. For more information on SACIA and a full list of members, please visit www.sacia.org.za

An informed business choice

The South African Communications Industries Association is a not-for-profit Trade Association committed to

promoting the adoption of professional standards in the audiovisual industry throughout Africa.

Atomos, the creator of the award-winning cameramounted recorders Ninja-2 and Samurai, used IBC tointroduce their new Samurai Blade with advanced audiofeatures."We are proud to continue to offer new features forfree to existing customers with our latest addition of advancedaudio level meters and audio delay adjustments. We've workedhard to make sure the meters have smooth, accurate colourwith proper VU ballistics." said Jeromy Young CEO and co-founder of Atomos. "With over 20,000 devices sold, theconvergence of high quality recording, monitoring, playbackand editing devices has really taken off and Atomos arecommitted to revolutionising production."

Samurai Blade now shipping worldwide

During IBC Avidintroduced their new Avid ISIS5500 online shared storagesystem, offeringunprecedented value forsmall- to mid-sized postproduction, broadcast,education, and corporatefacilities. The next-generationISIS 5500 represents thecontinuing innovation of thecompany’s industry standardstorage systems. It provides

critical new capabilities to helpsmall and mid-sized mediaorganizations more easily andefficiently deliver higher quality,inspiring content – bystreamlining and acceleratingeditorial workflows. “Mediaorganizations of all sizes arefacing relentless pressure toincrease content productionwhile simultaneouslyimproving operationalefficiency and controllingcosts,” said Chris Gahagan,senior vice president ofProducts and Services at Avid.“With double the storagecapacity and a host of newsoftware features, ISIS5500brings both critical capabilitiesand breakthrough value tosmall and mid-sized facilities.”

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7

At NAB in April Blackmagic Design introduced theirATEM Production Studio 4K - the world's first Ultra HD liveproduction switcher. Just a few months later they areintroducing a new model to the family that includes moreadvanced features. This is a high end model featuring all SDIinputs, so it's designed specifically for broadcasters andprofessionals who are building all SDI based systems. Thenew ATEM 1 M/E Production Studio 4K includes featuressuch as 10 independent 6G-SDI inputs each with frame sync,built in DVE with zoom, scale and rotate, 4 upstream chromakeyers, 3 independent aux outputs with front panel controland a larger media pool that holds both still frame graphicsas well as motion video clips. “What's exciting about thesenew switchers is the built in 6G-SDI and HDMI connectionsallow Ultra HD connections with a single cable,” says CEOGrant Petty, “however those SDIand HDMI connections instantlyswitch between SD and HD aswell. So even if you don't everthink you’re going to need UltraHD, these switchers still haveamazing features when usedin regular SD and HD liveproduction.

ATEM 1 M/E Production Studio 4K

During IBC EditShare introduced the newest addition to itsfamily of shared storage solutions, EditShare Ultra. Setting thebar for affordable shared storage, EditShare’s new Ultra offers abudget-friendly shared storage system with advanced projectand media sharing for Avid, Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final CutPro and Lightworks editors. “Because EditShare Ultra isdeveloped on the same architecture as EditShare XStream,Energy and Field 2, it easily supports uncompressed SD orcompressed HD video workflows over Gigabit Ethernet,” saysAndy Liebman, CEO and founder, EditShare. “The attractive pricepoint gives facilities on a tight budget a much better storageoption than a generic NAS that, in many cases, will neitherprovide edit-in-place performance nor support a complete mediaand project sharing workflow. With Ultra, there is no sacrificingwith regards to workflow or benefits.

New EditShare Ultra sets the barfor affordable shared storage

Storage Innovation with new ISIS 5500

AV 129.qxd 10/24/13 11:29 PM Page 7

1www.sacia.org.za

The $75 billion audiovisual industry provides critical support to largecorporations, small businesses, retail outlets, education and healthcareinstitutions, entertainment venues, the government and more. AV helps uscommunicate better, protects critical infrastructure, assists with life-saving diagnoses, educates students around the world and keeps society informedand entertained. To learn more about the audio visual industry in Southern Africa visitwww.sacia.org.za

OCTOBER 13-19, 2013

Harmonic has announced interoperability of theHarmonic MediaGrid shared storage system with theAdobe Anywhere for video collaborative workflow platform.Integration of the two products enables mediaorganizations to centralize and manage media deliveryservices from a primary location while giving users ofAdobe professional video tools the benefit of collaboratingremotely with fast response times and the best availablequality that can be delivered over the available networkconnection. “Adobe Anywhere brings together teams oftalent to collaborate and create productions from virtuallyany location where there is network connectivity. Manyeditors say now, even in remote environments that don'thave high bandwidth, the combination of MediaGrid andAdobe Anywhere makes it possible to edit efficiently,” saidMichael Coleman, senior product manager, collaborativeworkflows, professional video at Adobe. “Today’sannouncement ensures users can tap into the full potentialof the Adobe Anywhere to enable truly effective remoteediting workflows.

Grass Valley has announced the launch of EDIUSWorld,a new online resource for its recently released EDIUS 7nonlinear video editing application. The site contains a wealthof product information on EDIUS 7 as well as acomprehensive ‘Edification’ section that includes almostthree hours of new instructional videos from EDIUS expertsaround the world on key topics such as craft editing,cinematography, DSLR filmmaking, film grain, plugins, and3D production.Visitors to the site’s ‘Edification’ section willfind several engaging video tutorials, including one fromcinematographer Matthew Scott who discusses the 4Kworkflow with EDIUS. Scott examines everything from ingest,editing, processing, and colour correcting to finishing anddelivering the final product. In the ‘7 Cool Things AboutEDIUS 7’ section, producer/director Maxim Jagodemonstrates creative uses for the Layouter feature, fastcolour correction fixes, how to manage speed changes, andmore.

Fujifilm Corp hasintroduced a new FUJINONZK2.5x14 lens that offers awide angle zoom covering 14-35mm focal length. It is thethird lens for cinemacameras, equipped with adetachable servo drive unit.The ZK2.5?14 uses the highlyadopted 35mm PL mount forcinema cameras, and with itshigh optical performance,compact body, and weight ofa mere 2.9kg, it is capable of

capturing a variety of visualexpressions in many differentsituations.With the shift tohigh image quality videocontents using 4K camerasfor television productions,lenses with high opticalperformance for cinemacameras have been receivinga lot of attention. However, asthe shooting method differsbetween cinema andtelevision camera lenses,there are difficulties inoperation of cinema cameralenses for televisionproduction.As a new idea forcine lenses, Fujifilmintroduced the ZK serieslenses, with detachable servodrive unit for zooming andfocusing.

New Fujinon wide angle 4.K Cine Zoom Lens

Harmonic announcesInteroperability with Adobe

Anywhere

Grass Valley launches EDIUSWorld for EDIUS 7 users

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9

NewTek have unveiled the next generation of its industry-standard, professional TriCaster multi-camera productionsystems, introducing three new models—TriCaster 860,TriCaster 460, and TriCaster 410—and major enhancements tothe company’s flagship system, TriCaster 8000. The newlyexpanded product family offers a number of innovative industryfirsts that represent a quantum leap forward in integrated livevideo production and enable video producers to deliverprograms with a level of quality and visual impact that hasnever before been possible with single, turnkey multi-cameraproduction systems.“When we talk to video producers, themost common challenge we hear is how to deliver a greateramount of content in a shorter amount of time, but with thelevel of quality and visual impact that their viewers demand,”said Dr. Andrew Cross, CTO of NewTek. “Years ago, TriCasteremerged as the gold standard in live video production, helpingpeople to work faster and significantly reduce productioncosts. Today, our TriCaster family crosses a new frontier byplacing an unprecedented level of creative tools, systemperformance, and operational control in the hands of everyoperator.”

NewTek unveils next-generationTriCaster family

AV 129.qxd 10/24/13 11:29 PM Page 9

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Avid has announced that Qatar-based Al Kass, one of the mostinnovative sports TV channels inthe Middle East, will power itsnew state-of-the-art headquarters

with a complete end-to-end Avid workflow –enabling the media organization tostreamline production, achieve operationalefficiencies, and accelerate content creationand delivery around the world.

Continuing investmentThis selection represents Al Kass’

continuing investment in Avid’s proven andtrusted solutions. Building upon its currentAvid-based news creation and assetmanagement systems, Al Kass will now beable to quickly and efficiently create, access,and distribute compelling sports content toits growing international customer base. AlKass’ streamlined broadcast infrastructurewill also enable the sports channel to takeadvantage of future content monetisationopportunities.Al Kass will speed the deliveryof the local sports content it captures fromQatar and the Gulf region to broadcastersaround the globe, with a tightly integrated,efficient workflow including Avid ingestservers, shared storage solutions, remotecollaboration capabilities, and the latestversions of Avid’s industry-standard audioand video editing tools. Samer Younes,technical advisor at Al Kass, said: “Avid is

proven and trusted in sports videoproduction, and our additional investmentwill give us considerable operationalefficiencies. In addition, Avid’s openness tothird-party applications means we don’thave to worry about handling multiple fileformats. We can concentrate on what we’rebest at - delivering compelling content toaudiences both in Qatar and to internationalbroadcasters.”

Innovative sports channelTom Cordiner, vice president of

international sales at Avid, added: “As one ofthe most innovative sports channels in theMiddle East, Al Kass has put its continuingtrust in Avid to become the technicalfoundation of its new state-of-the-artbroadcast facility. With this most recent

decision to select Avid, Al Kass is positionednot only to streamline workflows and speedcontent delivery today; it also now has built-in flexibility to prepare for the demands oftomorrow’s rapidly changing competitivemedia landscape.” The new investmentcomprises ten Avid ISIS 7000 32TB sharedstorage solutions – including the upgrade offour existing ISIS systems; one Avid ISIS2000 storage solution; eight Avid AirSpeed5000 DNxHD 120 ingest servers; licenses ofAvid Interplay Central for remote working;licenses of the industry-standard pro videoediting solution, Avid Media Composer 7; aSystem 5-MC 24-fader mixing controlsurface and an Avid Pro Tools |HDX audiomixing and editing system. The AvidProfessional Services team consultedextensively with Al Kass to plan, design androll out its system.

One of the most innovative sports TV channels in the Middle East, Al Kass continues to rely on Avid’s proven andtrusted solutions to streamline workflows and accelerate content delivery

Al Kass selects Avid to powermodern broadcast facility

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Building on its current Avid-based newssystem, Al Kass will now be able to quickly andefficiently create and distribute compellingsports content to its international customers.

AV 129.qxd 10/24/13 11:29 PM Page 10

11

Megahertz Broadcast Systems (MHz), in association with itslocal partner Mustafa Sultan, has been awarded a contractfor the build of a new outside broadcast unit for Oman TV.

The UK-based independent systems integrator is now in theprocess of building the expanding articulated vehicle, which will becapable of handling 3Gb/s signals for 1080/50p production. It isalso fitted with high performance air conditioning to ensure staffcomfort in the high temperatures experienced in Oman in mid-summer. The 13m trailer has a single expanding side and will host12 Sony cameras, two providing super slow-motion, plus an extracamera on a Links wireless system with remote control. Thecameras all use fibre connectivity, and the order includes a range ofCanon outside broadcast lenses (up to x95), Sachtler supports andEgripment sports dollies and tracks.

Comprehensive graphics capabilityThe production area has a Sony MVS-8000 production switcher andtwo six-channel EVS XT[3] servers. Comprehensive graphicscapability is provided by Vizrt, including Viz Arena graphics linkedto a Vinten precision tracking head. The audio area features a Lawomixer. Sony OLED monitors are fed by Harris Broadcastmultiviewers, and Harris Broadcast is also providing the router,infrastructure and measurement equipment. SPGs are by Trilogy.The vehicle is also equipped with an Advent NewSwift 1.2m Ku-band motorised and fully automatic satellite antenna.Because of the potential for extremely high temperatures, the unitfeatures a unique design element: the main cable termination panelis not on the outside of the truck but in a walk-in compartmentwhich is individually air-conditioned. This means that riggers canconnect up the truck in relative comfort. The air conditioning systemthroughout the truck has a high level of redundancy andsignificantly over rated to maintain cool environments for bothoperators and equipment.“This project for Oman TV is a clear demonstration that nothingbeats experience when it comes to designing outside broadcastunits,” said Steve Burgess, technical director of MegahertzBroadcast Systems.

Megahertz builds3G-capable truck for Oman TV

AV 129.qxd 10/24/13 11:32 PM Page 11

12

Mall of the Emirates installs 54-monitor video wall

Mall of the Emirates, one ofthe largest shoppingcenters in the Middle East,has its fair share ofattractions: an arts center,

movie theater, indoor ski resort, and nowan epic 54-monitor video wall powered byMatrox and installed by Almoe AVSystems. The wall displays dynamicdigital signage content aimed at the 30-million-plus shoppers visiting the mallevery year.

Everything’s Bigger in the EmiratesDubai, the largest city in the United

Arab Emirates, has become famous forits skyscrapers and architecturalinnovation in general. The Mall of theEmirates is no exception, with 2.4 millionsquare feet in gross leasable area, firmlyplacing it on the list of the largestshopping centers in the world. Its newMatrox-powered 54-monitor video walllocated in the mall’s atrium fits inperfectly.

Prior to its installation, the largestvideo wall in the Mall was a 4x4, portraitconfiguration—less than one third of thesize of the new installation. Tasked withenhancing the mall’s digital signage,Almoe AV Systems and partner Mediasys,who provided local support, installed the9x6 video wall. Comprising fifty-four 55”ultra-thin Samsung LCD monitors, thewall enables the visually pleasing andmore-effective dissemination of mallactivities and promotions.

Shopping for the Right Video WallSolution

Mura MPX Series boards installed ina Matrox-validated 4U system captureand display the digital signage contenton the wall. The Mura MPX boards arecontrolled remotely by OpenScreen’sMura MPX Wall Controller Managementsoftware. The video wall content is alsomanaged remotely by a Scala DigitalSignage Platform and SamsungMagicInfo software. This interoperability isone predominant reason why the user-friendly Mura MPX was chosen by AlmoeAV Systems. Mura MPX Series’ overallease of use is reflected by standard form

factors, simple system integration, astraightforward installation process, and awide range of control options, includingthird-party applications like OpenScreen’ssoftware. As such, Mura MPX Seriesconstitutes a high-performance boardclass, but also an undeniably practicalselection by ALMOE AV Systems. This isin large part due to its versatility as aviable solution within various sectors(including digital signage) and cost-effectiveness, another major factor in itsselection.

Big Savings Eliminating the need for separate

solutions, Mura MPX Series boardsfeature a multi-functional design thatfacilitates video switching, signalconversion, and scaling. The first PCIex16 Gen2 board class to feature both HDinputs and outputs, Mura MPX Seriesintegrates up to four of each on individualsingle-slot, add-in cards. Boards cansubsequently be combined within singlesystems to power small to larger-scalewalls.“The client had a clearunderstanding about the prices of othervideo wall processors on the market.Ultimately, a Mura MPX-based video wallcontroller was the most cost-effectivechoice,” said Gareth Armstrong, thecontracts manager for Almoe AVSystems. Housed within a Matrox-validated 4U system, a mix of Mura MPX-4/2 and Mura MPX-4/0 boards (featuringfour outputs each and two and zero

inputs respectively) powered the 54-monitor video wall. Universal inputsupport meanwhile enables the captureand display of digital signage contentfrom external sources like the Blu-rayDisc player currently being used with thewall. Mura MPX also features HDCPcompliance, so that copy-protectedcontent from either a Blu-ray player orother sources like digital cable, satelliteset-top boxes, and video streamers canbe shown on compatible displays.

The Shopping Center of AttentionAlmoe AV Systems worked after

hours at a height of over 11 m off theground to install the prominent video wall.Immediately visible to all who enter theatrium, it is a clear focal point for mallvisitors.“Shoppers can’t help but noticethe video wall and enjoy all the massive,superior-quality visuals,” said Armstrong.“Mura has provided the Mall of theEmirates with a huge boost to its digitalsignage as well as to the overallexperience of going to the mall.”

Matrox video wall controller boards capture and display digital signage content on a massive video wall in one ofMiddle East’s largest shopping centers

AV 129.qxd 10/24/13 11:32 PM Page 12

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SuperSport selectssecond IP3 router

SuperSport, the leading provider of paytelevision sports coverage across theAfrican continent, has selected a secondPlatinum IP3 Router from HarrisBroadcast. Earlier this year, SuperSport

became the first broadcaster worldwide to integratethe Platinum IP3 router within its operations. On bothprojects Harris Broadcast worked closely with itsregional value-added reseller and systemsintegration partner, Concilium Technologies.“Although we are just a few months into our usage ofthe Platinum IP3 router, we already can see thatspeed of operation, ease of operation, ease ofresource assignment and operational reliability areall evident in this new design router,” said EddieMcAlone, Technical Director at SuperSport. “ThePlatinum IP3’s frame synchroniser capabilities havehad a significant impact on our operations. What thismeans is that we have been able to hook togetherthe new and old buildings and come straight on tothe new router from the old building without any need for external hardware andglue products. The frame synchroniser reduces the hardware count, simplifies thesystem architecture and thereby increases system reliability in the long term.”

State-of-the-art playout facilityAn integral part of SuperSport’s Project Argus, the broadcaster is

transitioning programme playout into an entirely new state-of-the-art facility thatstarted with 32 new HD channels. All of its SD and HD channels will eventually beplayed out from this new building. Earlier this year, SuperSport integrated a singleframe Harris Broadcast Platinum IP3 Router, and within a few months placed anorder for a second frame, which will tie together to create a 1152 x 1024matrix.“Concilium Technologies has a strong and long-standing relationship withSuperSport and together we three companies are demonstrating the powerfuland elegant capabilities of this new and radically different router design,” saidMathias Eckert, vice president sales and services, Europe and Africa at HarrisBroadcast. “For Africa’s leading sports broadcaster to have ordered a secondrouter so swiftly is the strongest illustration possible that we have a game-changer in the Platinum IP3.” The integrated Platinum IP3 router includes HarrisBroadcast multiviewers used extensively across displays SuperSport’s playoutfacility. The complete installation also features Harris Broadcast router controlpanels and its network design, control and monitoring system, as well as itssignal processing and interfacing equipment, including the Selenio mediaconvergence platform, modular core processing devices, fiber interfaces andsignal processing units.

Follows world’s first Platinum IP3 installation, transforming playoutcapabilities of new broadcasting facility

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Don’t Blame The CustomerCustomers often appear to be

looking for the best price. When thathappens, don’t blame the customerfor being cheap. Ask yourself whatyou need to do better to change theconversation. Buyers become priceshoppers when they run out of thingsto consider. If your best defense isclaiming to have great customerservice and the latest gear – or, thatyou care a lot, really a lot – who canblame the customer for shopping onprice? Everyone has great people,gear, and cares. Apparently that isn’tenough.

What customers want from atechnology supplier is #1 Reliability,#2 A decent person-to-personrelationship, #3 A consistentcompany-company relationship, andeventually price comes into play. Ifyou are having a conversation aboutprice then you and your companyhave failed in providing #1-3. That’snot the customer’s fault. You can’tprove your reliability without thecustomer experiencing it. You can’tdevelop a relationship if your goal is

getting the next transaction. Thethings you want most as a seller: firstcall, a chance to make a profit, andthe opportunity to shine at what youdo – these things are all earned.

What to do? Blaming theCustomer is a sign of dysfunctionalsales practices. Eliminate the “Wewant to be your number one supplier”rhetoric from your sales pitch. It’spresumptuous. Never discuss yourneed for profit in customer-facingcontact. Let them wonder how youmake money. Finally, be easier to dobusiness with. Most customers don’tcare how you do things internallyunless it makes your proposals orcontracts cumbersome. And when the

customer rejects your efforts, take thatas an invitation to improve.

Don’t Blame the CompetitionIf you believe the competition is

what’s hurting your sales and profits,that is one indication that you are partof the problem. I hear complaints allthe time about competitors “low-balling” jobs, undercutting the price,or generally being super-competitive.When I ask the complainers if theywant to be the low price provider – theanswer is ALWAYS “No, we neverwant to be the low price.” This isironic, because shouldn’t you bethanking your competitors for takingthat problem off your hands?

Cultures that blame thecompetition rarely look at themselvesas part of the problem. Throwingblame around just take focus awayfrom the real issues. Instead ofblaming – why not learn whycustomers choose your competitor? Ithink you would find two primaryreasons: one, it was all about price, ortwo, they do a better job. If was allabout price, then you should then

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Stop the Blame Game ... It's your own darn faultWhen I get busy, I find it hard to focus on one topic in my Best Practices column. This is one of those monthswhen I have too many thoughts and they all want to be heard but the one that keeps bubbling to the top is theBlame Game. Here are a few of my most recent rants and hopefully some sane advice to go with them.

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3consider that given the quality of yourwork the other company’s price wasmore attractive. Either the buyerwasn’t look for your high standards orperhaps your standards aren’t as highas you thing they are.

Blaming the Competition is asign of dysfunctional operationalprocesses. The constraints of “howyou do things” is getting in the way ofmeeting your customer’s needs. Thiscould include pricing constraints thatyour arbitrary pricing policies or jobcosting exercises force upon projects.The solution is to learn what things areworth and eliminate operational stepsthat do not add any value to the job.This would be a good time for you tolearn about Lean Processes orContinual Process Improvementpractices.

Don’t Blame the EmployeesI work with a lot of companies

and thousands of employees. In mypractice I have encountered very fewexamples of employees that were trulyinept or ill-intended. I find incompetentand culpable managers and owners

all the time. I find employees in thewrong job or executing impractical orbroken processes, which is amanagement problem.

Employees do their best workwhen they feel appreciated, like thefolks they work with, feel like they aremaking a contribution, and feel securein their jobs. Good employees leavetheir jobs if they don’t have enough ofthese simple requirements.Management is directly responsiblefor three of four of these conditionsand partially responsible for one.Notice that compensation doesn’tmake the list. When an employeecomplains about compensation, theyare just like the customer that shopson price. Someone needs to do abetter job of helping that employee or

customer feel like their needs arebeing met – otherwise it will all comedown to money. Blaming employees isa sign of BAD management anddysfunctional priorities. Generally I findthat bad managers focus on howemployees do things rather than theend result. When specific processpractices matter, employees shouldfollow them. However, not allprocesses exist for the betterment ofthe end result. Listen to youremployees. They are not always rightabout the solution, but they are prettydarn accurate about what the problemis.

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About Tom StimsonTom was the 2010 president of InfoCommInternational and has been on the InfoCommboard of directors since 2005. He ispublished regularly in trade magazines andserves as a keynote speaker at industryevents. Tom holds a Master of BusinessAdministration from Baylor University in Texasand a CTS certification from InfoComm. Ifthat’s not enough, he majored in Theater atTexas A&M University and is a Black Beltinstructor in Taekwondo.

Share ideas onLinkedInJoin the SACIA LinkedIn group and share theonline discussion about products and issuesimpacting the future of the professional AVindustry in Southern Africa.

To find us, click the Groups Tab in your LinkedIn profile and search for SACIA

AV 129.qxd 10/24/13 11:32 PM Page 15

Poynting chosen to be part of world land speed record attempt

Members of theBLOODHOUND SSCteam have held the worldland speed record for 30consecutive years, and

have raised the American record by22%. The first record attempts will takeplace in 2015, during which the car willmake approximately 20 runs with theobjective of achieving a supersonicrecord (1 300 km/h). Royal Air Forcefighter pilot Andy Green, current holderof the World Land Speed Record at 1227 km/h, will be in the cockpit. TheBLOODHOUND SSC team will return toSA later, possibly in 2016, to aim for 1000 mph (1 610 km/h).

Requirements and ideasThe jet and rocket powered vehicle

is currently being built by a team of 30engineers in a special technical centrenear Bristol in the UK. Some of theBLOODHOUND SSC team members willbe visiting Poynting at the end ofOctober to discuss requirements andideas. “We are so excited and inspiredto have been selected from local andinternational companies making theirmark in wireless antenna technology,”says Engineering Project Manager LaraViljoen. “With a highly qualified andexperienced team, we believe thatPoynting has the research, skill andmanufacturing capacity to add realvalue to this project. Nothing isimpossible at Poynting and this kind ofproject is exactly what our team ofengineers thrive on!”

Essential communicationJoining Viljoen on the project team

are respected scientist and PoyntingChief Technical Officer Dr Derek Nitch,Research and Development ManagerMark Haarhoff and Mechanical EngineerEduard Walker, as well as otherPoynting staff. “We’re relishing thechallenge of designing antennas thatwill facilitate essential communications,data sharing and monitoring betweenthe supersonic vehicle and the base

stations,” says Viljoen. “A key objectiveof the project is inspiring the nextgeneration of scientists and engineersby sharing this engineering adventureand engaging educators, learners andfamilies. As well as the excitement ofaiming for 1 610 km/h, that is the keyreason we’re involved in this landmarkproject.”BLOODHOUND SCC will be aworld-first live open data project whereall the data on research, design,manufacturing and testing of the car isshared through up to 300 mediachannels, thanks to sponsor MTN andthe antennas produced by Poynting.The data will be used to video streamdata in real-time so that the world canview the events.

High speed datacommunicaitons

“BLOODHOUND SCC needsreliable high speed datacommunications from the vehicle to theMTN LTE base stations in order tostream the data,” Viljoen explains.

“Poynting’s deliverable will be qualifiedantennas which will be mounted insidethe vehicle fin and will be connected viaRF cables to the User Equipment SierraWireless modules – in order to maximizethe throughput bandwidth for the datalink.” The process of developing theantenna and proposed solution isaccording to Poynting’s currentspecialised antenna developmentmethodologies and capabilities, whichwill involve a series of simulations,prototypes, tests and qualifications.

The BLOODHOUND SSC Projectis investing heavily in educationaloutreach and public communication.Over 40 000 South African learners in368 schools have been introduced toBLOODHOUND SCC to date, and thetarget is to register 1 000 schools by theend of 2014. “Poynting will be engagingin the opportunity to be a part of theScience, Technology, Engineering andMathematics (STEM) CorporateAmbassador Programme,” says Viljoen.“We’ll be visiting a number of schools toinspire learners and educators to usethe Project’s free educational resourcesto make science, maths andengineering come alive in theclassroom.”

Education programme BLOODHOUND education director

in South Africa Dave Rowley said, “Theenthusiasm of the Poynting team tosupport the education programme is agreat bonus and will enable us to reachmore schools and to also developcurriculum resource materials based onthe antenna research they aredeveloping for the project. It’s a greatopportunity for us to show a verypractical example of wirelesscommunications being captured at veryhigh speeds.”

“The BLOODHOUND Project willfocus the eyes of the world on SouthAfrica and the Northern Cape,” saysViljoen. “We’re so proud to be a part ofputting South African technology on theglobal map.”

South African wireless antenna specialist Poynting is embarking on a breakthrough new engineering adventurethat will make global news. The growing company, South Africa’s largest wireless antenna producer, has beenselected to design and build antennas for the iconic BLOODHOUND SCC, the ultimate supersonic car that willattempt to beat the current world land speed record in 2015 and 2016 at Hakskeenpan in the Northern Cape.

Royal Air Force fighter pilot Andy Green, currentholder of the World Land Speed Record at 1227 km/h, will be in the cockpit of the ultimatesupersonic car that will attempt to beat thecurrent world land speed record in 2015 and2016 at Hakskeenpan in the Northern Cape.

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PLASA London 2013 proved agreat success with exhibitorsand visitors alike at its newhome at ExCeL London. Over11,000 visitors attended the

show, of whom over 3,000 attended onmultiple days. International interest washigh, with more than 2,200 visitors from 84countries. Stand re-bookings for nextyear’s show are also up on last year, andseveral major companies that did notmake the move to ExCeL – includingPhilips Entertainment - have either alreadysigned up for 2014 or are in serious talksto return.

Chris Toulmin, Head of Events,PLASA London 2013, said, “The responsewe’ve received to PLASA London 2013has been overwhelmingly positive, bothfrom visitors and exhibitors. They haveembraced the new venue and alsoenjoyed the new features such as theAudioLab Arena, Theatre and Interactive.The PLASA team has worked very hard toget to this point, and while weacknowledge that we have more work todo – in certain areas of the exhibition - wefeel it has provided a great starting pointfor the future development of the showand are excited by the possibilities beforeus.”His enthusiasm is reflected infeedback from exhibitors. James King,Director of Marketing at Martin Audio,said, “We enjoyed a very good show, withanyone that was interested in Pro Audioflocking to our stand. Our competitorsmissed a trick by not being there thisyear.”

Another satisfied exhibitor was MickHannaford, Managing Director at RobeUK. “The venue is a massive improvement- the outside space and cafes by the riverwere paramount to the overall feeling ofthe show and the customer experience,and visitors also commented on theaccessibility and easiness,” he said. “Theshow floor looked really good, it was easyto navigate and signage was much moreconcise, and there was a constant streamof people to the booth. We are reallyhappy and have already rebooked for2014.”The brand new AudioLab 2013feature was a big draw for audioprofessionals. Nearly 5,000 visitors weretreated to demonstrations and shoot-outs

of the latest technology, including the firstpublic showcase of Pioneer’s new clubspeakers, in the purpose-built AudioLabArena, which was sponsored byMedialease and supported by Roland asTechnical Partner. The AudioLab Interactivesessions attracted more than 600 visitorswho watched the PLASA ‘boffins’ pushaudio technologies to their limits, while theAudioLab Theatre welcomed over 1000visitors to some fantastic sessions on awide variety of sound issues, from thecross-over of live sound and broadcastaudio to valuable tips on how to soundcheck.

The Professional DevelopmentProgramme proved more popular thanever, featuring many sessions that werestanding room only. Visitors enjoyed casestudies on large-scale events such asEurovision 2013, Glastonbury’s ArcadiaStage and the Super Bowl Half-TimeShow. There was a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the staging of the newproduction of Charlie and the ChocolateFactory and a thought-provokingdiscussion on the ‘revolutionary times’ ofthe National Theatre, celebrating its 50thanniversary, and a broad range ofpractical sessions on entertainmenttechnology. The 275 exhibitors kept theshow floor entertained with interactivedemonstrations, dancing balls of light and

even an animatronic camel! New Productlaunches included Focusrite’s RedNetrange of Dante powered audio networkinginterfaces, the Le Mark Dirty Rigger LEDseries gloves, Avid’s UK debut of the newAvid S3L live sound system, and Roland’sVR-50HD all-in-one AV Mixer with outputsfor web streaming and recording. ThePLASA Awards for Innovation, sponsoredby Lighting & Sound Internationalmagazine, congratulated 10 worthywinners for the development oftechnologies and products that advancethe industry by demonstrating a new styleof thinking, improving technical practice ortaking a key step forward in terms ofsafety. Other award ceremonies heldduring PLASA London 2013 included theKnight of Illumination Awards, celebratingexcellence in lighting design, and theinaugural Technical Theatre Awards,rewarding those unsung heroes behindthe scenes in technical theatre roles Thefourth annual Rigging Conference whichran alongside PLASA London 2013 on 7-8October was a great success, with 140delegates in attendance representing 15countries. The conference was opened bya highly engaging key-note delivered byindustry legend Robin Elias of UnusualRigging, and for the first time ever theevent covered structures as well as riggingissues, which proved very popular.

PLASA London 2013 enjoys success at ExcelOver 11,000 attendees at the four day pro audio and entertainment lighting event

AV 129.qxd 10/24/13 11:32 PM Page 17

The hybrid set-top box wasdeveloped by its partnerAltech Multimedia, aprovider of innovativeproducts and services to the

Global Multimedia market.

Access Premium ContentThe new line of interactive and

hybrid set-top boxes (DT-7103HD)developed by Altech Multimediaintegrates TeleIDEA’s Smartware withthe Irdeto Conditional Access systemto secure Digiturk’s broadcastcontent. Microsoft Playready withSmooth streaming technology allowsDigiturk customers to access Videoon Demand content over IP.Furthermore the platform supportsHD PVR functionality through the useof external USB connected storagemedia.

Combining two worldsThanks to Altech Multimedia and

the latest generation of software byTeleIDEA digiturk customers are nowable to access DVB broadcastedcontent, combined with HTML5 andbroadband services offering IP-VOD,Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Picasa,and much more. Through its HbbTVextensions this solution is allowingadditional flexibility as an openbusiness and neutral technologyplatform. Once in the field, the set-top-box can easily be updated to fullysupport this wide range of OTTfeatures by OTA software updateallowing platform and customerflexibility through upgrade businessmodels.

”For Digiturk it is essential tomeet and continuously over exceedour customers’ expectations in orderto secure their satisfaction, improvethe user experience and grow ouroverall business. By connecting thetwo worlds of Broadcast andBroadband on content side and withinnovative hybrid technology productswe are on the right track to exactlyachieve those goals.“ explains TaylanÖzsipahi, director of the set top box

and conditional access department atDigiturk. ”In our opinion it is and hasalways been the synergic cooperationbetween content and technologycompanies that drives theentertainment markets and we arethrilled about Digiturk choosing Altech

Multimedia with its partner TeleIDEAto further enhance the Digiturksuccess story by launching the nextlevel consumer product category.“explains Bartolomeo Caputo,Managing Director of AltechMultimedia Europe.

Digiturk, the leading satellite operator in Turkey, has commercially launched the next generation hybrid set-top boxaimed at the evolving markets in Turkey and beyond.

Big leap for Turkish TV market withhybrid HD set-top-box

"It has always been the synergic cooperation between content and technology companies thatdrives the entertainment markets and we are thrilled about Digiturk choosing Altech Multimedia withits partner TeleIDEA to further enhance the Digiturk success story by launching the next levelconsumer product category,“ says Bartolomeo Caputo, Managing Director of Altech MultimediaEurope.

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Where tapes once hadto be physically sentto locations forrebroadcasting, filescan now be sent over

the Internet quickly, to anywhere inthe world. Smaller television stationscan also broadcast faster and moreeasily, and post-production becomesa more intuitive and richerenvironment. However, as digitalcontent has become moremainstream, the convergence of ICTand broadcasting also presentssomething of a challenge. A skillsgap has emerged within thebroadcasting space, with the oldbroadcast engineers’ role beingreplaced by computer-savvyindividuals who do not necessarilyhave any background in mediaproduction. This, in combination withviewer demand for ever morecontent, has in turn created a qualitycontrol issue within broadcasting,and is something which is only nowbeginning to be addressed.

From BNC to ethernetOne of the biggest changes

brought about by convergence is themove from BNC towards Ethernet orIP cables. This has simplified thebroadcasting environment, as IPcables do not require any specialvideo connectors, and one cable cantake the place of multiple BNCs.Broadcasting equipment has alsobecome more accessible, recordingto memory cards or hard drivesrather than tape, with high qualitycameras available at far lower prices.The post-production environment isalso more accessible, as editingsoftware can be loaded onto acomputer to replace highlyspecialised and expensive purpose-built editing equipment.

Need for IT skillsAs a result of digital

broadcasting technology, thetraditional skill sets of the broadcastengineer have for the most part fallen

away, replaced by the need forcomputer literacy and the ability tounderstand IP networks. It is nolonger sufficient for resourcesworking in the broadcasting space tohave specific broadcastingknowledge, they also need to haveICT and technology skills on top ofthis. ICT resources in the broadcastspace also need to gain skills inbroadcasting, as the technologieshave increasingly converged. Thechallenge here is that there are veryfew people who have the skillsneeded on both sides, and this isproving problematic for thebroadcasting industry as a whole.

Content explosion In order to air a video today,

whether via traditional televisionchannels or newer media such asInternet-based stations and evenYouTube, all you need is some sort ofcamera and an Internet connection.Broadcasting is now available to afar wider scope of people, and thenet result of this is that contentcreation has exploded. Consumerdemand is also driving the need formore and more content, available24x7 on multiple different channels.The broadcasting business modelhas had to adapt to this demand,and one of the problems that hasarisen because of this is a decline instandards. In the past, broadcasters

had to adhere to strict broadcaststandards, but increasing volumeand velocity of content, along withthe emerging skills gap and thesheer number of channels, meansthat this has become difficult topolice.

File-based environmentToday entire videos are created

from start to finish in a file-basedenvironment, with nobody having tolisten to the end product before it isbroadcast. The evolution of theequipment itself has made thisunnecessary. In contrast, in a tape-based environment, a broadcastengineer would check that video andaudio quality were up to standardbefore any footage was broadcast.Viewers themselves will notice thisquality control issue in what hasbecome known as ‘loudness’. Whenwatching a show, and switching to anadvert break, the difference in soundquality and the volumes between thetwo is often noticeable. This problemhas a direct correlation to the amountof content produced, and a lack ofmedia skill within the broadcastspace.

Quality controlUltimately, broadcasting has

moved from a professional careerthat requires a university degree, tosomething anyone with a camera cando. This mobility has made theenvironment more flexible andconsumer-based, but at what cost?There needs to be some balancebetween the old skills involved inbroadcasting, and the new need forcomputer literacy, in order to ensurequality broadcasts. The phenomenonof quality control issues is not local,but is a challenge faced globally,directly resulting from a skills gap.The only solution is an improvementin the education of broadcasters, anda blend of the old skills and the new,as well as increased attention to thequality of broadcasts transmittedacross the world.

Convergence has revolutionised the ICT space, enabling new technologies to be offered more affordably over IP,and the broadcasting space is no different.

The broadcasters’ skills gap – too much IT, not enough media

By Paul Divall, Managing Director: Broadcastand Managed Solutions, Jasco

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Over the last few years we’ve seen many instances of corrupt and unethical behaviour from our business, community and political leaders. Their actions underscore the real challenge faced in conducting business across Southern Africa. Who do you trust? And how do you go about selecting a vendor that will provide a technology solution that meets your needs?

When you’re choosing a supplier to provide broadcast, AV or communications technology for your business why not choose a SACIA member.

SACIA members subscribe to the highest standards of ethics in their business conduct. They’ll not engage in dealings that are corrupt, dishonest or questionable. They’ll let you know when they have a

conflict of interests, and they’ll not hold out advice as being objective where it is not.

For a full list of SACIA members and a copy of their pledge to conduct business on an ethical basis visit www.sacia.org.za

Do we live in an ethical society?

The Southern African Communications Industries Association (SACIA) is a not for pro�t trade association committed to promoting the adoption of professional standards and ethical business practices in the communications industry throughout Southern Africa.

The ceilings in the main room are overeight meters high at some points,and the dance floor is under a

dome,” notes Magued Makram, presidentof Modern Touch. “It was very hard togenerate the high SPLs we wanted withouthitting reflective walls and the ceiling.Fortunately, the Meyer Sound JM-1P hadexactly the right combination of highpower, superb sonic quality, and theprecise directional pattern we needed.”The club’s main system targets the dancefloor and adjacent seating areas with twin-flown clusters of three-each JM-1Ploudspeakers, with four 600-HPsubwoofers floor-stacked underneath.Seventeen UPJunior VariO loudspeakersare spaced high around the room’sperimeter and in adjacent bars and seatingareas, providing both main system supportas well as softer music for daytime and

early evening crowds. Four MM-4XP self-powered loudspeakers are installed in thegift shop, while eight UPJ-1P VariOloudspeakers and four USW-1Psubwoofers provide controlled sound onthe expansive outdoor terrace.

A Galileo loudspeaker managementsystem employs one Galileo 616 processorfor the indoor systems and one Galileo 408processor for the outdoor loudspeakers.

System installation was managed on-siteby Modern Touch’s Hani Naguib. “Thisinstallation marks a major step up in soundquality for resorts in the area,” saysNaguib.The main system’s Galileo systemhas three presets for tailoring signaldistribution, loudspeaker levels, and EQ forlive music, DJ dance music, or pre-recorded music for dining.The 1,700-square-meter Hard Rock Cafe Nabqfeatures the chain’s trademark collection ofrock memorabilia. It offers indoor seatingfor up to 390, plus an outdoor terrace thatseats an additional 130. More than 177cafés, hotels, and casinos are nowoperating under the Hard Rock banner in58 countries. The Hard Rock Hotel andCasino Tulsa in Catoosa, Okla., features aMeyer Sound system based around MICAline array loudspeakers in its 2,700-seatshowroom, The Joint.

At the new Hard Rock Cafe Nabq in Egypt’s trendy Sharm el-Sheik resort area, a Meyer Sound JM-1P arrayableloudspeaker system combines exceptional power and precision coverage control to offer a superior guestexperience. All audio systems were provided and installed by Cairo-based Modern Touch.

Hard Rock Nabq in Egypt InstallsMeyer Sound JM-1P

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Who do you call when things go wrong?

SACIA members subscribe to the highest standards of ethics in their business conduct and sign a pledge in which they commit to excellence in what they do. They take pride in their work and provide products and professional solutions in line with their clients’ needs.

They’re dependable business partners who promise not to engage in dealings that are corrupt, dishonest or questionable.

If you feel that a SACIA member has failed to live up to this pledge contact us at ethics@sacia.org.za or call our complaints hotline on +2711 083 6418

For a full list of SACIA members and a copy of their pledge to conduct business on an ethical basis visit www.sacia.org.za

The Southern African Communications Industries Association (SACIA) is a not for pro�t trade association committed to promoting the adoption of professional standards and ethical business practices in the communications industry throughout Southern Africa.

Exset, pioneers of TV ecosystems foremerging markets, has revealedthat its unique digital broadcast

ecosystem – Digital Monetization System- provides the ideal solution to Sub-Saharan digital broadcasting growthamong those who cannot afford premiumsubscription services. Speaking at theDigital Broadcasting Summit and Expo inArusha, Tanzania – hosted by theSouthern African BroadcastingAssociation and BSP Media Group -Andrew Pons, Exset’s Director ofMarketing, is exploring DMS and themulti-faceted benefits that it brings toemerging markets. “Exset understandsthat pay-TV needs a new monetisationmodel for emerging markets in order tosucceed,” says Pon. “That’s why itcreated Digital Monetization System(DMS) - a unique business andtechnology model that makes pay-TV self-financing without depending exclusively

on subscriber fees for revenue. DMSbridges the gap between technologysupply and value-add service creation,facilitating digital television platforms thatcan be monetised where previouslyvirtually impossible. This allowspopulations to benefit from newinformation and entertainment serviceswhile operators and governments, whenpartnering with Exset, monetise digitalswitchover and assist in bringing about

social transformation.”By deploying DMS,a very low subscription model of a fewdollars a month can be charged for thedigital television service, with additionaloperator income gained through sellingthe interactive TV space to governments(for health and education informationdissemination), magazines, local serviceprovides, teleshopping – the list goes on.

Rahul Nehra, Global Head of Salesand Marketing at Exset, says, “There’s acombination of issues in sub-Saharancountries that have held up the rollout ofdigital TV services to vast swathes of thepopulation. The digital divide is thereforeincreasing, with governments comingunder pressure from a variety ofinternational bodies to tackle this. The TVset is the ideal way to allow people toaccess new, exciting services at a costthey can afford via digital broadcastinfrastructures that are practical todeploy.”

Pay-TV in sub-Saharan Africa needs a new monetisation model in order to succeed

Exset provides monetisation solution for digital broadcast deployment

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The award-winning ASBU-MENOSnetwork is operated by the ArabStates Broadcasting Union (ASBU)

on the satellite Arabsat 5A (30.5° East).By deploying the Newtec technology,hosted on the ASBU platform, TDA willnow have access to their own IP-basedand fully automated secure VirtualNetwork (VN) for contribution andexchange of radio and TV content at lowand high bit rates. Using a VN providesthe same services and benefits asowning a dedicated physical network, butis provided as “hosted services” by ASBUwithout TDA having to operate thecomplete system.

48 regions across AlgeriaTDA will integrate Newtec’s Ku-

band Radio Satellite Interactive Terminals(SIT), TV Satellite Interactive Terminals,

fixed and portable Fast News Gathering(FNG) SITs and IP data SITs. Those SITswill be deployed over 48 regions acrossAlgeria with two separate networks forradio and TV contribution, connecting fivemajor cities and villages. This allowsusers to collect and access content ateach site. “The beauty of MENOS is thereal time transmission it provides toaccess content quickly and efficiently fortransmission of feeds from anywhere inAlgeria to the radio and TV stations,” saidAbdelmalek Houyou, general manager ofTDA. “The ability to receive content at anytime will greatly improve our workflow andis fully compliant with current TDArequirements.”

The MENOS terminals will bedeployed nationally over the next twelvemonths and will use the ASBU-MENOShub, located and operated in Algiers.

Satellite communications specialist, Newtec and Télédiffusion d’Algérie (TDA) have signed a multimillion Eurocontract to deploy several of Newtec’s interactive satellite terminals running on the ASBU Multimedia ExchangeNetwork over Satellite (MENOS).

Newtec, TDA and ABSU signMultimillion Euro contract

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MIDDLE EAST& AFRICA

2013

Booth #TA-115

Slaheddine Maaoui, ASBU Director General,said: “We are always keen to help improvebroadcasting services and enable access tonumerous services to contribute content fromanywhere across Arab countries in Africa andthe Middle East. We know this project is veryimportant and the MENOS capability willcontinue to encourage a robust media industryto thrive through the new connectivity it willenable.”

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The company also announced theinstallation of a 9m antenna at its UKheadquarters which will be used to

uplink channels to the market. Throughsuch investments, ViewSat hopes totransform into a fully functional turn-keysolutions provider with the capability todeliver end-to-end broadcast andtransmission services in-house.

These investments have allowedViewSat to engage with new customershoping to expand their broadcast servicesinto the region as well as to extend thecapacity currently offered to existingMENA customers. With Middle Eastbroadcasters accounting for one third ofViewSat’s customer base, Awaes Jaswal,CEO of ViewSat believes the region is keyto the company's overall growth. He said,“We began pre-selling the additionalcapacity a month prior to the launch of

the new transponder and the demand andreception have been extremelyencouraging. This gives us the confidenceto make such large scale investments. Byidentifying key areas and strategically

building upon our already extensiveservices portfolio, we are constantlyevolving our offerings to cater to regionaldemands. The new transponder is just thelatest installment in what has been anongoing effort over the last 8 years toestablish ourselves as the provider ofchoice for broadcast organizations.”

Commenting on the company'sfuture expansion in the region, Jaswalsaid, “We recently announced globalavailability of our highly cost effectiveweb-streaming services for televisionbroadcast which gives our customers theflexibility of delivering news, politicalcontent and even live broadcasts via theinternet. We now have plans for theconstruction of an additional antenna inthe region for the Eutelsat 8 West B(E8WB) satellite that will be launched in2015.

In a move that has enabled the company to effectively double its broadcast capacity in the region, ViewSat hasannounced the launch of its second Middle East and North Africa (MENA) satellite transponder in the 7/8 degreesWest orbital neighbourhood.

ViewSat doubles broadcast capacity in MENA region

The ViewSat 9m antenna which is being usedto uplink channels to the market

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So, it's a good time to reflecton what happened this yearin Amsterdam. Well, basedon the reports I had fromvarious exhibitors, the

organisation of the show was deemed"very good". All the services that makean exhibition and conference runsmoothly were delivered in an efficientand sensible manner. The RAI, the IBCSecretariat and the service companiesare all to be congratulated. There weresome gripes from exhibitors aboutstand locations, but with a really largeshow like IBC there are always going tobe people who are in the "wrong" place.

There was a general feelingamong exhibitors that the attendancefor the first few days was poorer thanexpected. Some stands were incrediblybusy, but some areas seemed devoid ofany visitors. I've had a theory for someyears that the "Telco" end of thebusiness (especially those fromNorthern Europe) don't like giving uptheir weekend, so only come along forthe Monday & Tuesday, but that did notseem to be the case this year, withsome parts of the low number hallsbeing very busy.

Increased attendanceOf course, the official numbers for

IBC show a modest but useful increaseover 2012 but hidden within the figuresis a cause for concern. The attendeedemographics reflect that only half of allvisitors are what might best bedescribed as "traditional broadcastingcustomers". Now I appreciate that mydefinition of "traditional broadcast" mightbe very different to yours, but havingonly half the visitors to a show calledthe International BroadcastingConvention be directly involved withbroadcasting seems a cause forconcern. Many of you will now besaying - but this just reflects thetechnology changes in the industry.Programme delivery via Telco line is now(almost) the norm and the Telco folk arethe "new broadcasters". And for manymanufacturing companies that's

absolutely true - so no bigproblem.However, there are lots ofmanufacturers who target their productsat traditional broadcasters, and reallydon't have any business with the "newguys". There are also plenty ofbroadcast customers who needspeciali2 but hidst bits of kit thatthourse, the official numbers for IBCshow a modest but useful increase over2012 but hie larger manufacturers areunwilling or unable to supply. Bothgroups need each other, but in thesheer scale of IBC, it's easy to find thatconnection being lost.

Is the ROI right?We're all encouraged to look at the

Return on Investment these days.Investment might be time or money, andit's not just made by the exhibitors at ashow like IBC, it's also made by thevisitors. So, for all concerned, gettingthe ROI right is critical.

Some exhibitors I spoke to arebeginning to understand that the level ofinvestment made in shows like IBC maybe wrong. One told me that they hadspoken to about 150 visitors during thefirst 4 days of the show, and were veryhappy with that. But it then transpired

that the total cost of being at IBC forthat company was just over £50,000 -so the cost per visitor was just short of£350. In their case, most of the visitorswere from the UK or Europe, so it wouldprobably have been cheaper for them topay each visitor a face-to-face call thanit was to exhibit.

Now that's a terrible over-simplification. Some of those visitorswould not have been known to thecompany, so how would direct contacthave been possible? And it only takesone major order to completely screw upthe numbers and make the actual ROIbecome excellent.

However, it's undoubtedly still thecase that the level of investment madeby many broadcast manufacturers in theexhibitions business is too high. I notedseveral stands that were scaled back interms of numbers of staff and levels ofcomplexity, with at least one CEOgetting his sleeves rolled up andhelping with the build-up!

The place to be seenIt's not that exhibitions are bad

places to market - quite the contrary.But lots of exhibitors seem to think thathaving a huge stand, packed out with

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Almost one month on from IBC, and most of the dust should have settled by now - all those new leads have hadsome contact, and customers should have started to identify what they really liked, rather than what they were justbeing polite about!

Amsterdam hosts best attended IBC – ever!

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their latest products, heaving with salesstaff and teams of engineers is the onlyway to exhibit - believe me it's not!

And keep in mind that type ofstand can be a huge turn-off for visitors.By the time you've found the receptiondesk, and found someone to speak to,who then has to go and find the rightcontact for you, who turns out to knowvery little about the product you'reinterested in and so has to go find therelevant product specialist, who in turndoesn't actually know the answer to yourquestion, but promises to get back toyou after the show is over - you'rewondering if it was worth all the effort!

What about the Technology?Well, as anyone who attended IBC

this year will tell you, there were several"big" topics. Most visible was UHD (or asmany seem to have it "4K"). There wasan awful lot of hype, because althoughislands of UHD already exist, and manymore will appear in the next 12 months,getting them hooked together is going tobe the key problem.

IP technologyKeeping in mind that 8K at 120

frames per second (NHK Super HiVision) is the Holy Grail for UHD, if you'regoing to try to pass that down a singlepipe you'll need 96G of bandwidth -which isn't going to happen anytime

soon with copper.Less visible, but probably more

important in the near future was theissue of building an infrastructure basedon IP technology. There were a numberof clever ideas, all somewhat embryonic,but they seemed to fall into 3 distinctgroups - those based on AVB, thosebased around the SMPTE 2022standard, and those adopting "none ofthe above". I suspect that there will notbe an outright winner in this particularrace, but I also think that the technologythat's perceived as being least disruptiveby the IT engineers will probably be themost popular. The huge growth incompanies servicing the "connected TV"business seems to continue unabated.In many cases it's difficult to identifyexactly what these companies are selling(as opposed to what they are trying to

sell) and I think the next phase in thesedevelopments will be significantconsolidation - they can't all be makingprofits! But the major impression fromalmost all exhibitors was "more of thesame". Things are getting faster, orbigger, in a few cases better - almost alldown to continued development ofsoftware (or perhaps firmware). It seemsas if the days of "ground-breaking"developments are behind us - perhapsMoore's Law is starting to run out of puff.

Future zone demoCertainly when a show throws up a

method of presenting wallpaper on a TVscreen, you have to wonder. Actually,Cisco's Future Zone demo of the livingroom of the future was really interesting -but I can't see my family letting me dothat anytime soon! OK - it's not all badI'm getting a reputation for being "down"on shows like IBC. Let me put the recordstraight - I love IBC. It's friendly, thehospitality is great, hundreds ofopportunities to catch up with friends oldand new, what's not to like. OK, my feetcomplain for weeks afterwards, andsome of the parties are a bit loud (myage showing!) but 5 days spent inAmsterdam every September are just notto be missed. I'd like to take this chanceof thanking everyone who helped tomake this year's show an especiallygood one for me.

About Phil RutterPhil started work in the

Television Industry in the late ‘60sand over the last 50 years he’sworked for many of the majorsuppliers of broadcast technology.He’s a well-known figure within theBroadcast Industry, is an activeSMPTE member, and is on thecouncil of the BKSTS, of whichSociety he is a Fellow. He bringsboth operational technical expertiseand a deep understanding ofcreative marketing to all the projectshe is involved with.

IBC2013 was pleased to hostthe John Lennon Educational TourBus, an innovative and uniquevehicle designed for educationaloutreach and launched by YokoOno Lennon in Liverpool back inMay. Following in the wheel tracksof its hugely successful 16-year oldcounterpart in the US, the Europeanbus will tour the continent, providingenthusiastic youngsters with anopportunity to make a wide range ofcutting edge media projects in itsday-long visits. Staffed by a crew of

three producer/engineers, it will tourlocal schools, colleges andfestivals; providing free tours andworkshops in which young peopleusing its onboard catalogue of topline audio visual equipment andinstruments; everything from guitarsto green-screen studios and roboticcameras.

As well as being one ofEurope’s highest-profile outreachprojects, the John LennonEducational Tour Bus, is a truerepresentative of state of the artcoach building and technology. It’sa one of a kind vehicle designedand built by the Ketterer TruckCompany, with studio integrationprovided by Sony ProfessionalSolutions Europe, which boasts twostudio environments, robotic videocameras, switchable glass doorsthat change from clear to opaquefor privacy, green screen productioncapabilities, and an upper level“Peace Deck” created for interviews,live music, DJs, and bands.

John Lennon Bus Tour

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VTRON’s stand at thisyear’s InfoComm MEA showwill be offering a showcaseof comprehensive 70” 2x21080P DLPM and 55” 2x2LCD video wall solutions.VTRON’s 8 coretechnologies combineinnovation, intelligence,expertise and flexibility for

the perfect video wallperformance. The excitingVTRON Visionpro C Series isdesigned for natural andstable video wallperformance for 24/7mission-critical security/monitoring control roomapplications. The seriesproduces the highestseamless image quality andhigh brightness up to 1,100ANSI lumens with its 3x6LED light sources. Operatingwith the powerful DigicomARK and Magic Processor,you can maximize thenumber of image displaysup to 336 cubes with highreliability, scalability andguaranteed quality.

VTRON showcase Video WallSolutions at InfoComm MEA 2013

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Extron Electronics is pleased to announce theimmediate availability of all DMP 128 Series audio digitalsignal processors, including models with Dante audionetworking, AEC - acoustic echo cancellation, andanalogue telephone connectivity. The award-winning DMP128 Series are 12x8 audio mixers featuring Extron ProDSP,auto-mixing, and I/O expansion capabilities. The DMP 128C P and DMP 128 C P AT are the newest modelsshipping, and feature POTS - plain old telephone servicecapability for connection to an analogue phone line andhandset. The DMP 128 Series offers a configurationapproach to DSP that simplifies mixing, routing,conferencing, and room optimization. Quick and intuitiveconfiguration using the DSP Configurator Software allowsthe DMP 128 to be installed in very little time, with easy-to-learn adjustments that can be heard in real-time.

Extron now shipping all DMP 128 audio DSP Models

Prysm showcases next-generation TD2 tile

Ultra-narrow bezel flat paneldelivers near seamless video Christie continues to satisfy market needs for near

seamless video wall flat panel solutions with today’sintroduction of the versatile Christie FHD461-X. Perfectly suitedfor space-limited installations, signage in museums,universities, corporate spaces, broadcast sets and retailenvironments, as well as monitoring applications such assecurity and surveillance, the Christie FHD461-X is thedefinitive choice with its ultra-narrow (5.4 millimeter) bezel and3-inch depth. Delivering crisp, detailed images and highbrightness with full HD resolution, the Christie FHD461-X iscompatible with Christie JumpStart and Christie Interactivity Kitfor a complete, interactive digital experience.

The sleek, elegant and competitively priced ChristieFHD461-X has 10-bit colour for richer, more vivid images,higher (4000:1) contrast ratio for deeper blacks, and ashallower depth compared with other flat panels in its category.

Visitors to InfoComm MEA will be the first in theregion to see the next generation of Laser PhosphorDisplay (LPD) technology from designer andmanufacturer Prysm. The highly anticipated TD2 tiledelivers the highest level of visual impact and superiorimage quality through increased resolution andsharpness, unmatched uniformity and excellentbrightness. Its new enhanced mode offers 427 x 320 pertile resolution, allowing videowalls to easily scale to 2xand 3x HD. Tanvir Osama, Director Sales - Middle East& India for Prysm explained: “The next generation ofLPD is a very exciting addition to the professionaldisplay market, particularly here in the Middle Eastwhere sustainable displays are top of the agenda. Ourscreen delivers best-in-class environmental benefits with75% less power consumption than competing largeformat display technologies.”

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Matrox Graphics has announced compatibility of theMatrox Avio F125 fiber-optic KVM extension solution with theEIZO DuraVision FDH3601 monitor, which features 8.8megapixels (4096x2160 native-resolution) across a 36.4"screen. The DuraVision FDH3601 comes with two DVI-D andtwo DisplayPort inputs and an advanced set of specificationsincluding 1.07 billion display colours from a palette of 278trillion, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 700 cd/m2 brightness and an8ms response time.Matrox Avio is designed to extend aworkstation’s displays and peripheral devices while maintainingsystem performance with zero compression and zero latency atthe remote user station. With its feature-rich connectivityoptions, it enables the extension of two HD videos or one2K/4K video, plus keyboard, mouse, stereo analog audio andUSB 2.0 devices over a single duplex LC-LC fiber-optic cableup to 400 m in multimode and 4 km in single mode. Extensionof 4096x2160 resolution video at 30Hz is ideal for preview andplayback of 4K Cinema or Ultra HD video content. For imageprocessing applications that require a higher refresh rate, twoAvio pairs can deliver an incredible visual experience on theEIZO 4K display at 60Hz by maintaining synchronization of thetwo dual-link video signals.

Matrox Avio KVM Extender

Analog Way is excited toexhibit at InfoComm MiddleEast & Africa. From October20-24 in Dubai, UAE, AnalogWay will exhibit a selection ofits latest Mixers SeamlessSwitchers, including the brandnew PulseÇ.

PulseÇ is a versatileMixer Native Matrix Switcherbased on Analog Way’s newMidra platform, the core of abrand new line of mid-rangeMixers Seamless Switchers.PulseÇ comes in a 2RUenclosure, and with upgradedconnectivity through 8seamless inputs and 14 input

plugs: 4 x Universal Analog, 4 xDVI-D, 4 x HDMI and 2 x 3G-SDI plugs. PulseÇ can operatefast and seamlessly switchbetween any of its 14 inputplugs without fade throughblack or loss of sync. Theproduct features a matrix modewith 2 outputs, and offerscustom output formatmanagement.

PulseÇ offers ultra-performing processing with anew de-interlacing process.Presets management wasoptimized and PulseÇ deliverssmart functions such as Swapand Split.

Analog Way exhibits new systems at InfoComm MEA

Kramer introduce Fiber opticmatrix switcher

Kramer Electronics is pleased to introduce the uniqueand innovative VS-88FO matrix switcher for 3G HD-SDI signals,utilizing fiber cabling. The unit switches any or all inputs to anyor all outputs simultaneously. The maximum data rate of theVS-88FO is 3Gbps; the unit features single mode SFP (SmallForm-Factor Pluggable) SDI fiber optic connectors for theinputs and the outputs. The VS-88FO’s multiple memorylocations store multiple switches as presets (salvos), to berecalled and executed when needed. The unit’s vertical intervalswitching synchronizes either to an external reference or to theincoming video.The VS-88FO can reach a range of up to 40km(24 miles), depending on the SFP module used, and iscompatible with the 690T & 690R Transmitter & Receiver. Itfeatures Kramer’s Automatic Equalization and re-Klockingtechnology, which rebuilds the digital signal to travel longerdistances. It also includes a looping analog sync for genlockand a selectable Sync Signal Termination.

Mitsubishi has closed its front projector and publicdisplay business to focus on display wall cubes and narrowbezel LCD products. The decision was made against abackdrop of increased commercialisation and competition inthe projector market as well as predictions of a decline inprojector sales.

All manufacturing of the affected ranges has stoppedbut Mitsubishi will continue to manufacture spare parts andlamps until March 2019.Mitsubishi business manager Petervan Dijk gas confirmed that all branches, offices and factorieswill remain open but did confirm redundancies. "Unfortunatelyand this is with much regret there will be redundancies due tothis decision," he said.Organisational changes in the regionwill take place. “The display wall cube and super narrowbezel units will be headed by the Benelux branch,” confirmedvan Dijk.

Mitsubishi stops manufacture ofprojectors and public displays

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ARTHUR HOLM will present the widest product portfolioof motorized retractable, foldable and stationary monitors atInfoComm MEA 2013; astonishing products with amazingcontrol and communications functionalities, exclusive cuttingedge features and new exclusive functionalities.

Arthur Holm has proven is quality and reliabilityachieving great references in the MEA region. Wiselycombining Scandinavian design tradition with broadcastelectronics and total flexibility, ARTHUR HOLM is today themarket leader in exclusive and high end monitors for meetingroom, conference room, auditorium, parliament, senates,congress halls, institutions, corporations and hospitalityapplications.

Widest range of motorizedscreens and monitors

Epson unveils 8 3LCD projectorsEpson has overhauled its entry-level range of 3LCD

projectors with models offering Wi-Fi compatibility availablefrom November 1, 2013. Models comprise EB-S18, EB-X18,EB-W18, EB-X24, EB-S17, EB-X20, EB-W22 and EB-X25 offersincreased lumens and features including a moderator function,Colour Universal Design (CUD), HDMI input, AV mute and ahorizontal keystone slider.

An equally high White and Colour Light Output isdesigned to deliver brighter colours and operation in daylight.Units have a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. The projectors work withthe iProjection application for iOS and Android devices.

Both new super narrow bezel (SNB) models offer Full HDperformance, LED backlighting and a host of advanced featuressuch as an Intel OPS slot and compatibility with AMX DeviceDiscovery and Crestron RoomView systems. All MitsubishiElectric LCD displays are designed for high-usage applicationsand can be used in either portrait or landscape mode. Up to700cd/mÇ brightness and 3500:1 contrast combined with anti-reflective screens ensure excellent visibility in a wide range ofambient lighting conditions.

The L55P1 variant is designed specifically for high-endtiled applications such as control rooms. Based around asimilar “Smart 7” concept to its Seventy Series DLP DisplayWallcubes, the P1 version features Mitsubishi Electric’s digitalgraduation circuitry which ensures even brightness and contrastacross the entire display, while an innovative proprietary colourspace control balances minor colour differences betweendisplays.

During this month’s InfoComm MEA show in DubaiONELAN will be showing some of their latest Digital Signagedevelopments, including Audience Measurement, Touchcapabilities, its Content Management System (CMS) and theirRetail Media Player (RMP). The Net-Top-Box is a mul¬timedia,multi-zoned solution capable of Touch Interactivity. With abrowser based user inter¬face, the system is fully multi-lingualand capable of dis¬playing both stored media and live mediasuch as RSS feeds, web pages and broadcast TV or locallystreamed video. Further mem¬bers of the product family caterfor Enterprise network management and integration withexternal data sources. ONELAN’s solutions are now installed inorganizations in numerous market sectors including retail,digital out of home (DOOH), education, corporates, health,government, hospitality, leisure and entertainment venues.

Mitsubishi shows two new 55”LCD displays at InfoComm MEA

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ONELAN at InfoComm MEA 2013

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While many consider the AMX Modero X Series family oftouch panels to be leaps and bounds above anything else onthe market, AMX knew there was room for even moreimprovement. In their quest to take touch panel technology tonew heights in usability, they stunned the floor at InfoComm2013 when they announced that a significantly enhancedModero X was coming that answers the question: "How couldthey make something that good even better?"

When designing the new Modero X, one thing was clear –the changes would all be improvements to the inside – therevolutionary, award-winning form factor wouldn't be altered inany way. But the changes to the inside – would be significant.A new G5 Graphics Engine replaces the previous G4, providingfaster and smoother animations and transitions, putting simplybeautiful, beautifully simple into a whole new context.

Crestron hasannounced the release of its128X128 DigitalMediaSwitcher, the most powerfuladdition to the family ofindustry-leading digital AVnetworking solutions. The"industrial-strength" switchermanages the high-definitionand analogue AV distributionrequirements of largecommercial facilities, such asstadiums, arenas, universitycampuses and globalenterprises. Sharing the

same innovative architectureand rich feature set as thepioneering 64x64DigitalMedia Switcher, the128x128 features a modularblade I/O expansion system,4K Ultra HD support, a built-in web server and a 15"colour touch screen. Itmanages up to 128 analogueor digital sources anddistributes them overstandard CAT5e or fibre opticcable - all on a singleplatform.

"The availability of the128X128 DM Switcherensures that AV systems willhave the flexibility to supportthe increasingly demandingrequirements of the world'stop organisations and largestfacilities," says Robin VanMeeuwen, VP of CrestronInternational. Crestron Auto-Locking Technology enablessuper-fast signal switching byinstantaneously configuringevery device in the signalpath as soon as the signalhits the first device.

New Crestron 128 X 128DigitalMedia Switcher

New products for video wall control

With the last update ofthe well-known netPIXgraphics controller series,eyevis presents a new state-of-the-art control solution forvideo walls. The thirdgeneration of the netPIX 4800series provides a newlydeveloped output graphicsboard and a new GPU. Thisonce again enhances theoutput processingperformance of the controller.In addition, the Germanmanufacturer expands itsrange of streaming solutionsfor the transmission ofDVI/HDMI signals over IPnetworks with the neweyeGATE solution. Thanks tothe new GPU and anoptimised connection of the

switch-fabric each outputboard is able to representinput signals with a transferrate of up to 1 GB/s. ThenetPIX 4800-G3.0 offersdigital outputs for signals upto 1920 x 1200 pixels and fullHD format. Video wallconfigurations with up to 64output channels are possiblefor a controller system. It iseven possible to set multipledifferent output resolutions forrectangular and non-rectangular displayconfigurations with the samecontroller at the same time. Incombination with the eyeCONwall management softwarelive previews of every signalsource within the system areavailable. The netPIXcontroller further provides thepossibility to adapt the imagesignals to various displaymodes: there is an underlap-mode for narrow bezeldisplay screens, an overlap-mode edge blending formulti-channel projections, anda pivot mode for landscape orportrait display.

AMX does Unthinkable: improvesupon world's most innovative panel

Lexar South Africa has released the Lexar ProfessionalWorkflow Reader Solution, the only solution that transfersvideo and images from up to four memory cards at onceusing just one USB port. The solution includes a four-bayreader hub compatible with popular card formats, such asXQD, UDMA 7 CompactFlash, Secure Digital ExtendedCapacity (SDXC) Ultra High Speed-I (UHS-I), and SecureDigital High Capacity (SDHC) UHS-I. “Photographers andvideographers constantly struggle with improving andadjusting the efficiency of their personal workflows, and thegrowing number of memory card formats make this evenmore challenging,” says Adam Kaufman, Product MarketingManager for Lexar.

World’s first professionalworkflow reader

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Web-based audio trainingSACIA has signed anagreement with SynAudCon inwhich we will work closely withthem to present a baseline ofaudio and acoustic trainingopportunities for audiopractitioners across SouthernAfrica. The first step in theprocess is to offer theiradvanced online classes thatwill shortly be availablethrough the SACIA website –followed by a delivery of theirpopular 2-day “CorePrincipals of Audio” trainingcourse which is scheduled for

June 2014.“Our objective is to broadenthe range of trainingopportunities available to thecommunications industry inSouthern Africa,” explainsKevan Jones, executivedirector of SACIA.“SynAudCon is the leadingprovider of specialised audiotraining and their uniquepresentation style allows themto teach audio principles in afashion that shortens thelearning curve on complextopics.”

AV training at University of KwaZulu-NatalDuring early October

SACIA hosted their GEN111 AVEssentials course at theUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal.Delivered under license fromInfoComm International, thecourse explores the fundamentalscience behind today’s modernaudio, video and IT technologiesused within an AV environment.“Many of the projects runningwithin the ICS departmentrequire our technical staff tohave an in-depth understandingof audio and videotechnologies,” explainedAbdullah Shariff (pictured above)“and this course provided uswith the base knowledge weneed to operate effectively.” The

course was attended by a dozenof the University’s IT staff, aswell as by AV technicians activeacross the province. “A veryworthwhile experience,” wasfeedback from Wiseman Zulu,AV technician at the InternationalConvention Centre in Durban.“We’ve hosted some of thelargest conferences in thecountry at our Centre and thiscourse has been a real eye-opener. Not only do I have abetter understanding of thescience behind our AV systemswithin the ICC, but I’ve comeaway with some great ideas thatwill allow us to deliver an evenbetter service to our customersin the future.”

SACIA extends training agreement with IABM

During the recent IBC exhibitionin Amsterdam SACIA extendedour training agreement with theInternational Association ofBroadcasting Manufacturers(IABM). “Over the last few yearswe’ve developed a closeworking relationship with SACIAand share a commitment topromote the adoption ofprofessional standards withinthe broadcast industry,” saysSteve Warner, training managerat the IABM. “Over the next few

months we’re launching anumber of new programmesand we look forward topresenting these in SouthernAfrica.”SACIA is now theIABM’s largest training partnerworldwide. “This year we’vehad more than 100 broadcastprofessionals participate in ourtraining programmes and we’relooking to continue this activityinto the future,” says KevanJones, executive director ofSACIA.

SACIA networking breakfast in Cape TownOn 11 October SACIA hosted ahalf-day workshop at the CapeTown Lodge Hotel in CapeTown. Attended by about 40members and industrystakeholders, the event startedwith a networking breakfastfollowed by a series of shortpresentations focussing on theuse of AV technology acrossthe Western Cape.Prof. Johannes Cronje from theCape Peninsula Universitystarted off the workshop withan engaging and passionatediscussion on the importanceof standards, training and skillsdevelopment within thecommunications industry.The

general conclusion: in anindustry that develops soquickly, the key to success,both for individuals andorganisations, is to embrace alife-long commitment tocontinuous professionaldevelopment. Perhaps one of the highlightsof the morning was apresentation by MarianneDirker, head of the AV unit atthe SA Navy. Mariannedelivered an outstandingpresentation that focussed onhow the SA Navy uses AVtechnology to communicatemore effectively within theSANDF.

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Understanding file formatsThe IABM has launched a newtraining course titled‘Understanding File Formats’.This course is designed toprovide a thoroughunderstanding of current videoand audio file formats plus theirassociated metadata andworkflows. It will explain how fileformats are used fromproduction, through thebroadcast chain including QCand post-production and ontodelivery and archive. It will alsoexamine how broadcast fileshave replaced traditional tape-based video audio workflowstogether with the advantagesgained through this transition.At the conclusion of the course

the participants will have athorough knowledge of all thecommon file formats that theyare likely to encounter, theirassociated workflows and thestandards bodies thatrecommend best workingpractices. The attendees willunderstand the currentprocesses to create, transcode,monitor and deliver files and beable to use them practically andefficiently with the knowledgeand confidence gained throughthis learning process. Thiscourse builds on the knowledgepresented in the BroadcastWorkflows course and isscheduled to be delivered inSouth Africa during Q1 2014.

New membership category drives growth

Earlier this year SACIAintroduced a new membershipcategory for small businessenterprises with a turnoverless than R5 million pa. “Partof our strategy has been topromote diversity and engagewith smaller business involvedin the communicationsindustry and so we’veintroduced a new membershipcategory for start-ups, black-owned business and smallenterprises in the AV sector,”explains Kevan Jones,executive director of SACIA. “This provides smaller

enterprises access to ourtraining programmes andallows them to start buildingrelationships with larger andmore established members.”This move has beenwelcomed by industry partnerswithin SASFED – the SouthAfrican Screen Federation. “It’scritical that all players withinthe media and entertainmentindustry work together topromote diversity andencourage the activeparticipation of black-ownedbusiness,” says RamadanSuleman, co-chair of SASFED.

During the early part of 2013SACIA hosted the InfoCommDES training programme,designed to provide anadvanced trainingprogramme to specialiseddesigners of advanced AVsystems. The course wasattended by a number of AVprofessionals who all reportthat the class was a uniquelearning opportunity.

Peter Varley fromElectrosonic’s KwaZulu-Nataloffice was an enthusiasticparticipant. “I have worked inthe consumer electronicsindustry for longer than I careto admit,” he says, “but eightyears ago I ventured into theprofessional AV industry andhave subsequently attended anumber of the SACIAcourses. At the ripe old age

of 56, I've generally been the'senior citizen' on each.The first course I attendedwas the GEN111 AVEssentials course run bySACIA at the University ofKwaZulu- Natal in 2010. Theon-line exams weresurprisingly challenging andbrought me to the realization Iwasn’t as clever as I thought.I was inspired to continuestudying and subsequentlyattended the GEN112 CTSPrep course and went on toearn InfoComm's CTScredential. It's not been easyfor an 'old ballie' like me toresume studies but the SACIAcourses provide realguidance and direction. Myjourney so far had made mehungry for knowledge andthis year I completed the

three specialised designcourses which I found mindblowing. The course(s) wereexpertly presented by RodBrown, an InfoCommUniversity instructor fromMelbourne, Australia. Rod is aman who obviously knows hisstuff, and he balanced thecourse content with practicaltasks which kept me focusedfor the full nine days. Thiscourse has opened my eyesto new possibilities in mycareer and has certainlymade me a more productiveand versatile designer. Rod'spassion for the business isinfectious and I'm planning tosit for the CTS-D examinationwithin the year. Well done toSACIA, and thanks to Rod forsharing his knowledge andenthusiasm!”

Endorsement from Peter Varley CTS

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The Clouds FM project is thefirst major radio installationMGI and VidiGo havecompleted in Africa sincemeeting at CABSAT 2012 and

subsequently forging a partnership. Thetwo companies are now workingtogether to give MGI’s television andradio customers much greater access toVidiGo’s revolutionary range ofbroadcast software products.

Trend-setting programmesVidiGo Visual Radio was the ideal

solution for Clouds FM, one of fourstations operated by Tanzania’s CloudsMedia Group. Affectionately referred toas The People’s Station, Clouds FM isannually rated the number one station inTanzania for the youth segmentMGI’sSales Director Paul Wallis, who brokeredthe Clouds FM deal in conjunction withSales Assistant Diana Velikova, says:“Thanks to its strong reputation fordelivering trendsetting programming,dynamic presenters and innovativepromotions, Clouds FM is widelyregarded as the ‘coolest’ radio station inTanzania by the country’s 18 to 35 yearolds.

Interactive graphicsGiven this demographic, the

station wanted to incorporate interactivegraphics that could be overlaid onto thevideo feed of its radio broadcasts andused to enhance its internet presenceand Twitter, RSS and social mediafeeds. Diana and I felt that VidiGo VisualRadio was ideal for Clouds FM becauseit will be able to deliver all the elementsstation staff need in a very simple to useand intuitive package.”

Multi-camera productionVidiGo Visual Radio combines the

strength of VidiGo Live and VidiGoAudio Director. VidiGo Live is a fullblown software solution for multi-cameraTV production. The VidiGo AudioDirector is an intelligent extension toVidiGo Live that makes automaticdecisions by analyzing audio signalswith its advanced algorithms, allowing it

to make decisions like a real televisiondirector. Finally, the graphics and textoverlays are automatically insertedwithin VidiGo Live, which makes itpossible to superimpose content in alive situation using a station’s owndesigned Flash application.

Virtual radio experienceJoseph Cusago, Managing

Director, Clouds Media Group, says:“We are really thrilled with the workflowVidiGo Visual Radio has provided andour audiences will love the fact that wewill soon offer an interactive visual radioexperience via the internet and socialmedia feeds. The system is incrediblyeasy to operate and, because thecameras are switched automatically onthe basis of which microphone input isbeing used, there is very little for ourpresenters to do. This means they canconcentrate on the job of presenting,leaving VidiGo’s clever software to takecare of everything else.”

Culture of radioVidiGo CCO Reinout Lempers

adds: “With VidiGo’s background inradio, we understand the culture andneeds of a radio station. We knew fromthe start that we shouldn’t bother radiopresenters with creating video. That’swhy we developed an automatedsoftware workflow that is fullycompatible with existing radioworkflows. With our solution presentersto do what they are good at, which ismaking radio, while VidiGo’s automatedworkflow creates an entire TV show, justlike a real director would.”

Media Group International has assisted Tanzania’s Clouds FM radio station to give its audience a totally new,interactive experience by installing VidiGo Visual Radio software. The new software will go live on air at Clouds FMwithin the next few weeks.

MGI installs VidiGo’s Visual Radio solution at Clouds FM

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and InternationalCo-operation during a radio interview with Clouds FM’s Power Breakfast. A live videofeed from the studio turns every radio station into an instant TV channel.

“We are really thrilled with the workflowVidiGo Visual Radio has provided and ouraudiences will love the fact that we willsoon offer an interactive visual radioexperience via the internet and socialmedia feeds,” says Joseph Cusago,Managing Director of Clouds Media Groupin Tanzania.

AV 129.qxd 10/25/13 12:42 AM Page 32

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