With the implementation and go-live of its new R25 million Avid Airspeed server for digital ingest and playout, Mauritius Broadcast Corporation (MBC) has completed Phase II of its digitisation strategy - achieving a completely tape-less environment from acquisition to transmission.
MBC's 10-year journey to reach this objective has been strongly supported by the expertise and integration skills of technology partner, Spescom Media IT.
Explains Gopaul Suraj, Systems Administrator at MBC: "Our technology optimisation strategy, initiated almost a decade ago, positions MBC to compete more effectively in a broadcasting arena where new technologies are lowering barriers to entry, increasing the quality and speed of content creation, and fast diluting adspend, a primary source of revenue for broadcasters.
"Reaching this landmark target has required much innovation, refining and consistent application of our vision. The expansion of our business model and migration to world-class technology solutions has been essential in ensuring that we remain relevant and can continue to meet the growing demands of our viewers.
"Our strategy included making use of leading technologies that were modular; that could easily integrate, and efficiently operate with other industry standard solutions; and which would provide us with required scalability and flexibility. The Avid technologies have been a mainstay in this regard and we have developed a close relationship with Spescom Media IT, a systems integrator whose high quality service, technological insight and expertise, and deep integration skills have stood us in good stead."
The journey
The digitisation strategy currently being followed by MBC was initiated at the end of the '90s when the broadcaster adopted DVB-T for Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) services and launched 12 new digital channels.
With the flexibility offered by an all-digital broadcast environment, MBC could offer viewers more programme choice, Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) services, mobility, and enhanced video and sound quality. It did, however, require changing technology at the studio and transmission levels.
Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial (DVB-T) is a DTT broadcast standard that allows for transmission of compressed digital audio, video and other data in an MPEG transport stream, using COFDM modulation.
Says Suraj: "Digitisation has required a paradigm shift in work methodologies as the new technologies are integrated into the whole system - the programme making as well as airing chains. These are the new tools of the trade and we needed to harness them to remain competitive."
MBC has set its analogue switch-off deadline - when viewers will only be able to receive broadcasts with the aid of a set-top box - for 2012.
"Simulcast is costly, so the shorter the period, the better," says Suraj. "To speed uptake, set-top boxes are being sold at affordable prices (US$30-$70) throughout the island. Along with the introduction of a 24x7 movie channel, this has resulted in the percentage of Mauritians with DVB-T increasing from 30% to 50% within six months. The introduction of six new digital channels is expected to further spur uptake, with target penetration of DVB-T set at around 75% to 85% for end 2010."
The technology
MBC's replacement of its Avid LANshare server, which had reached capacity, with an Avid Unity ISIS media storage solution was the catalyst for technology change. Says Suraj: "With more storage, and more intelligent storage capabilities, we decided to completely optimise our processes, digitising the newsroom and replacing our edit suits, which had format handling limitations.
With the ISIS system up and running, MBC acquired high definition digital Sony EX3 cameras to replace its Betacam and DVcam equipment. A database server for text, which allowed text produced by news editors to be read directly in editing rooms and on-air radio transmission, was set up on the LAN platform to create a paperless system. The last step was the introduction of a play-out broadcast server that bridges the gap in editing, providing a totally tape-less solution from acquisition to transmission.
MBC went live with automated play-out at the end of May 2010. The system set-up included:
* The replacement of older analogue Mojo interfaces with Avid Media Composer Mojo DX for digital video capture, editing, monitoring and output;
* Five new licences for Media Composer;
* The upgrade of dongles to MC4.05 software;
* A fully redundant system for News play-out, including two AirSpeed servers and their automation software (iNews Command);
* Nine transfer managers for News workstations; and
* An upgrade of MBC's ISIS storage from 16 TB mirrored to 32 TB mirrored with the addition of two chassis on MBC's clustered system directors.
Says Thomas Makore, MD of Spescom Media IT: "The two Avid AirSpeed servers provide the workflow-connected HD and SD acquisition and playback capability that extends the speed, capability, management and flexibility of professional media production. It offers ingest and play-out support of start-to-finish XDCAM-HD workflow in conjunction with Avid editors. It is also extremely efficient in terms of operation."
Compared to traditional video servers, the 1.5RU form factor packs more channels in a smaller space, and the choice of MPEG-2 HD, AVC-Intra, or DNxHD with DVCPRO25/50 and IMX30/50, or SD (DVCPRO and IMX only) means MBC can select the capability it needs while saving on cost, space, and power.
The AirSpeed also offers flexibility and growth, adapting to changing needs.
Says Makore: "Four MPEG-2 HD/AVC-Intra 50 or two DNxHD channels handle any combination of record and play. The SD DVCPRO and IMX model is field upgradeable to MPEG-2 HD, AVC-Intra, or DNXHD, and modular codec design means that AirSpeed can support other HD formats in the future. And operation is straightforward. The Remote Console control application provides intuitive set-up, control, preview and monitoring for all functions and channels."
Says Suraj: "Overall the news play-out has been successfully and smoothly broadcasted on the two Airspeeds for the 15h00 and 18h30 live time slots.
The encoding quality for the transfer was perfect and no losses occurred.
Some of the recent World Cup matches (100 minutes) were also broadcast (deferred) after ingest. Our success proves that Airspeed is a robust and reliable solution for play-out."
Designed by the Beijing Film Television and Radio Design Institute, a new 10 400m2 building will house four TV studios and nine radio studios, and cater for further expansion of MBC's broadcasting services. "We look forward to occupying these new premises having completed our first phase of digitalisation. Once the building is ready, all our broadcasting assets will be migrated to the new building with no or very little disruption of service."
A new bouquet with six channels will be launched after MBC moves to its new headquarters. The broadcaster will not be resting on its laurels, however. Says Suraj: "Optimising MBC's operations is an ongoing initiative and our journey will continue."
Says Makore: “MBC has the right technologies, a knowledgeable in-house technical and engineering team, and strong leadership that has proven itself very capable of executing a well defined strategic vision. We believe the broadcaster has put in place a technological foundation that will allow it to remain competitive in the fast transforming broadcast industry. Spescom Media IT remains committed to providing the support and skills as MBC continues its evolution.
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