Qvest Media, Al Jazeera Training Centre, Peter N
Qatar-based Al Jazeera Network recently awarded one of the most hotly-contested projects in the region to Dubai-based systems integrator Qvest Media FZ LLC. According to the deal, Qvest will put in place a cross-functional, media-technical infrastructure at Al Jazeera Training Centre (AJTC), a brand new state-of-the-art broadcast training facility designed to provide training courses in new technologies and contemporary concepts to Al Jazeera’s employees. Qvest Media will be responsible for all phases of the project, including systems design, supply, integration and training.
Four studios and corresponding control rooms with support for a range of broadcast formats will be designed for the project. The contract will include fitting out auditoriums that can accommodate upto 200 people with the latest presentation and communication technology for interactive live training courses. All areas of the complex including recording, production and further processing will be equipped entirely with HD-capable technology. People will be able to train on all file-based audio and video formats as well as all standard HD/SD formats available in the market at AJTC.
To provide a file-based workflow, Qvest Media will deploy a fully redundant central Media Server System based on Avid Unity ISIS storage servers. Control of ingest and playout processes will be handled by Avid Interplay platforms. Decentralised areas of the Media Server System, such as on-air graphics, low-res browsing and craft editing will be linked via IP to the Avid storage system. Additionally, Avid iNews will be the newsroom of choice for editorial training purposes. Avid iNews will be connected with all large feed and agency networks. The video and graphics processing will be realised using Final Cut Pro and 3D graphic workstations networked with the system environment.
In accordance with the requirements of a modern broadcasting installation, all central components such as the systems for routing, multi-viewing, signal conversion, synchronisation and so on will be accommodated in a central equipment room.
Speaking about the deal, Peter Nöthen, managing director of Qvest Media said: "We are delighted that Al Jazeera is placing its confidence in us for this trend-setting project. Based on our experience, we can say that with its innovative approach to uniting all multi-media training areas under one roof, the broadcaster has its finger on the pulse of the time. Creating a training infrastructure that unites all processes and tasks of the increasingly convergent media is certainly an important investment for the future."
