Harris Broadcast Communications will soon deliver an integrated infrastructure and workflow solution for the first Iraqi high-definition (HD) news channel in the Kurdish region of the country. Rudaw Media Group, one of Iraqs leading publishing companies, selected Harris technology as the core of its new file-based production workflow and playout facility. With this channel, Rudaw […]
Harris Broadcast Communications will soon deliver an integrated infrastructure and workflow solution for the first Iraqi high-definition (HD) news channel in the Kurdish region of the country. Rudaw Media Group, one of Iraqs leading publishing companies, selected Harris technology as the core of its new file-based production workflow and playout facility. With this channel, Rudaw will extend its reach beyond print media and venture into television to gain audience share from Kurdish-speaking TV viewing communities.
Based in Erbil, the capital city of Iraqs Kurdistan region, this news production center will incorporate the latest Harris HD infrastructure and workflow technologies for signal routing and management, distribution and play to air. The deal was brokered by Sahi-Ateksis, a leading distributor in the region.
The facility will primarily be used for the production of news programming and documentaries, and is expected to go on air at the end of September 2012.
Hejar Berenji, technical director of Rudaw Media Group, said: “We were looking to build out the most comprehensive and streamlined HD file-based news production workflow and playout facility in the region, and chose to use the proven Harris infrastructure and workflow solutions because they are both reliable and future proofed. Furthermore, Harris understands the nature of our new business and is able to provide us with a locally-based technical support team that recognises the cultural and linguistic diversity of the region.
The infrastructure solutions to be implemented at Rudaw include a Harris Platinum router that integrates video and audio processing, as well as Harris HView SX Pro multiviewers, within its frame. This single-frame routing and multiviewer solution minimises space requirements, cabling and energy consumption. Harris Videotek CMN-41 test and measurement devices will ensure signal integrity and superior on-air quality.
Harris Invenio digital asset management software will simplify content ingest and storage across the media workflow, and transfer that content to the NEXIO HD playout server for onward transmission, all under the control of the Harris ADC automated content management and distribution system.
Said Bacho, vice president sales and service for the Middle East and South Asia at Harris Broadcast Communications, said: “Our established track record of delivering well-engineered technical solutions that meet the business and operational needs of our customers has been critical to our success in the Middle East, and the project at Rudaw TV is no exception. The implementation of the Harris file-based HD workflows at Rudaw will provide all round benefits today and reduce the costs associated with upgrades in the future.
