ERTU Production
Egyptian state broadcaster ERTU has purchased a Quantel Enterprise sQ system to handle its entire news production needs as it transitions to HD operation. The order was placed with Quantel through Egypt-based systems integrator Systems Design.
The new Quantel system will be used to produce ERTU’s flagship Nile News programme, and will also support eight other ERTU studios with news bulletins. It will be integrated with ERTU’s existing ENPS newsroom computer system.
The ERTU Enterprise sQ system is built around an array of Quantel sQ servers providing 3,000 hours of AVCi50 HD storage and supporting 60 sQ View, sQ Cut and sQ Edit desktop editing applications and eight sQ Edit Plus Craft Editors. The system is split into a number of zones to provide additional resilience. Ingest and playout automation supplied by Aveco will be integrated using a VDCP interface. The system is planned to go on air in October 2010.
"We are delighted that ERTU has chosen to partner with Quantel to deliver its new HD-ready newsroom," said Thomas Birner, director of sales for Quantel, Middle East and Central Europe.
"ERTU’s criteria for the new system closely match the key strengths of our Enterprise sQ technology speed to air, ease of use, resilience and stream-lined workflow with limitless potential for future expansion as their needs change and grow.
"This order also represents a major milestone in the planned expansion of our activities in the Middle East market," added Birner, who previously looked after only Central Europe and was recently given responsibility of the Middle East as well.
Birner termed the Middle East "a dynamic and highly innovative market with many exacting broadcast requirements".
Birner will concentrate Quantel’s efforts on major reference projects in the Middle East, some of which are coming to fruition in the next few months.
"This will provide the basis for build-ing a stronger presence in the region, providing sustained success for the longer term across a broader range of projects and countries within the region," Birner added.
