The new OB installation features an architecture with main and backup switching capabilities, ensuring complete redundancy for mission-critical live coverage of government events and cultural activities.
Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA), the official television channel of the Emirate of Sharjah, has enhanced its studio and outside broadcast (OB) operations with advanced production switchers and multi-channel signal processors from FOR-A.
As part of the project, SBA has installed the FOR-A HVS-2000 3ME production switcher with the HVS-3355OUA panel as the primary switcher in its OB truck, supported by an HVS-1200 12G video switcher as a backup for both OB and studio operations. Additionally, the installation includes multiple FA-505 multi-channel signal processors and two FA-1616HB-12G units with Dante audio capabilities, ensuring seamless signal processing and audio integration.
Speaking about the upgrade, Aisha Alzareef, Engineering Technology Sector Manager at Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, said: “This technology upgrade represents a strategic investment in our broadcast infrastructure. The FOR-A solutions provide us with a unified architecture across our studio and OB operations, enabling seamless integration of 12G-SDI workflows. The scalability of these systems, particularly the multi-channel signal processors, gives us the technical foundation to continue expanding our capabilities while maintaining the highest broadcast standards. Most importantly, the reliability of the FOR-A equipment ensures we can meet our critical mandate of delivering high-quality content to our audience.”
Mounaf Hannouneh, Broadcast Engineering Manager, added: “The integration of FOR-A technology has transformed our production capabilities. In our studios, the multi-channel signal processors give us unprecedented routing flexibility and format conversion options. The ability to handle multiple audio formats with comprehensive processing and delay management has streamlined our workflows significantly. This versatility, combined with the reliability of our new switching infrastructure, ensures we can meet any production challenge.”
Moath Faisal, Senior OB Engineer, stated: “This latest installation represents a significant upgrade to our Outside Broadcast capabilities. The new production switcher gives us exceptional flexibility for live productions, with powerful effects capabilities and an intuitive control panel that our operators immediately embraced. Having reliable backup switching means we can guarantee uninterrupted coverage of critical events.”
The upgraded OB setup now features a robust, redundant system designed for seamless format conversion and compatibility across production scenarios, ensuring reliable coverage of government and cultural events.
Mohammed Abu Ziyadeh, Regional Manager Middle East & Africa, FOR-A, commented: “Sharjah TV, as the official broadcaster for the Emirate of Sharjah, requires technology that delivers absolute reliability for their government and cultural programming. The comprehensive solution we’ve provided delivers powerful creative tools while ensuring bulletproof reliability. From multiple mix effects and sophisticated keying to advanced signal processing and format conversion, the system gives their production teams everything they need to create compelling content while maintaining operational simplicity.”
Training and commissioning of the latest equipment was completed in early November 2024, and the facilities are now in daily use.
