Archive for the ‘Systems Integration’ Category
Helping Astro Launch Malaysian SD to HD Revolution
Monday, September 6th, 2010As the shift from SD broadcast technology to HD broadcast Equipment gathers ever greater momentum around the world, so does demand for the specialist services of the Systems Integration Division at Gearhouse Broadcast.
The latest leading satellite television company to call on the expertise and experience of the Gearhouse Broadcast Systems Integration’s team of engineers and technicians as it looks to upgrade its broadcast facilities from SD to HD is Asian giant Astro.
The Malaysia-based satellite television company, the country’s equivalent to SKY in the UK in terms of output and subscribers, currently offers 125 channels, including eight HD channels, but their capacity to broadcast in HD is now being significantly increased as part of Astro’s stated aim of ‘placing Malaysia in the forefront of multimedia technology.’
SD TO HD EXPERTISE
The team from Gearhouse Broadcast has a proven track record in helping broadcasters make the transition from SD to HD broadcast equipment and technology smoothly and efficiently.
Recent projects have included delivering SD to HD solutions to the prestigious Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre in Qatar and the building of India state broadcaster Doordarshan’s first outside broadcast HD truck.
Astro produce much of their own programming from a network of six studio facilities and are keen to upgrade most, if not all, from aging SD broadcast equipment to the latest HD technology.
EXPERTS ON SD TO HD STUDIO CONVERSION
The UK-based Gearhouse Broadcast team, with some additional input from their colleagues at the company’s Sydney offices, has been called in to advise and oversee the upgrading of four studio floors and associated control rooms, with the potential to eventually help convert all six studios in the Astro stable.
Dave Gill, Senior Systems Engineer at Gearhouse Broadcast, said: “It is becoming increasingly recognised across the broadcast industry that when it comes to upgrading from SD to HD broadcasting, the level of HD experience that we have across all divisions of the company is a very valuable commodity.
“We’ve successful built up a reputation for enabling conversions from SD to HD because we not only own our own HD equipment but we also install it, operate it and sell it.
“It’s that proven day-to-day, hands on experience of HD broadcast Equipment and the technical expertise that comes with it that our clients value so highly.”
With a total floor area of 350,000 square feet, the Astro All Asia Broadcast Centre (ABC) in Kuala Lumpar is one of the world’s largest and most advanced all-digital broadcast and production complexes.
Let Gearhouse Broadcast Handle Your HD Upgrade
Monday, September 6th, 2010
The broadcast industry is in the midst of a revolution sparked by the steady introduction of ever more sophisticated and affordable High Definition, or HD, technology.
Although Standard Definition (SD) broadcasting is still alive and kicking, the onus is increasingly on broadcast professionals to produce high quality HD tapeless workflows for studios and Outside Broadcast facilities. In short if you are not already part of the HD revolution, you probably should be.
Broadcast Systems Integration Services
The good news is that with help from Gearhouse Broadcast’s Broadcast Systems Integration Services it does not have to be a case of ripping it all up and starting again. Our specialist Broadcast Systems Integration team can help and advise anyone who wants or needs to upgrade and convert their existing SD Outside Broadcast facilities, OB trucks or studios to HD.
As authorised dealers for many of the major players in the HD broadcasting market, Gearhouse can supply its customers with all their HD needs, whether for sale, rental or as part of an overall HD upgrade project.
As a multi-tiered broadcast company, Gearhouse Broadcast has a wealth of experience in the sales, rental installation and integration of HD products and equipment across all its divisions.
“Manufacturers are simply not producing SD equipment now and there is a significant rise in demand for our integration services around the world,” says Gearhouse Broadcast’s senior Systems Engineer Dave Gill.
We can maximise the potential of existing HD capable equipment, install new HD equipment and then help in managing the transition between the two formats.”
HD upgrade case studies
M-Net
When South African broadcaster M-NET needed an HD integrated outside broadcast truck they turned to Gearhouse Broadcast as proven integration specialists.
In the past, Gearhouse Broadcast supplied M-NET with multi-camera flyaway solutions and, based on the service they received on that occasion, they looked to Gearhouse Broadcast again to provide this large, custom-built multi-format trailer.
Doordeshan India
India’s state broadcaster Doordarshan chose Gearhouse Broadcast’s proven HD integration expertise when it came to commissioning their first custom-built HD outside broadcast truck.
The newly built vehicle is part of a major investment programme in HD technology by Doordarshan, and much of the actual system building and integration work was carried out at Gearhouse Broadcast’s Watford headquarters.
A TATA chassis was shipped to the UK to be adapted before Gearhouse Broadcast’s team of specialist technicians and engineers got to work fitting the outside broadcast van with specialist HD broadcasting equipment.
Gearhouse Broadcast to deliver Systems Integration Solutions at Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
International Systems Integrator, Gearhouse Broadcast and associate company AV Tech have been awarded the contract to expand the existing broadcast services at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre in Doha, Qatar.
The Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre complex is owned and operated by the Qatar Tennis Federation and governed by the Qatar National Olympic Committee.
As the preferred supplier to the Qatar National Olympic Committee, Gearhouse Broadcast and AV Tech have previously completed a number of broadcast cabling and audio visual contracts at various sports arenas including; the Aspire Tower and Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence, Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre, Qatar Sports Club, Al Arabi Sports Club, Al Khor Sports Club, Al Wakrah Sports Club and the Al Saad Sports Club.
The Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre complex consists of 2 indoor training and practice courts with a 130 seating capacity, 14 outdoor training and practice courts, 2 competition courts with a capacity of 600 people on each and a Centre Court with a capacity of 4,250 spectators.
The Gearhouse Broadcast’s previous project at the complex included installing a broadcast infrastructure which covered every area of the club including the field areas, commentator rooms, the stand areas, press rooms and practice courts.
The new installation will consist of installing wall boxes in 2 new courts, upgrading the existing TV rooms SD system to HD, fibre linking all wall boxes and removing the existing TV room equipment, making them safe during building works then reinstalling them in a new complex when building work has been completed.
To complete the installation Gearhouse Broadcast will be providing a crew of 3 Riggers/Wiremen and a Project Manager/Engineer.
Eamonn Dowdall, Managing Director at Gearhouse Broadcast said, “We are highly skilled in the provision of broadcast infrastructure installations, and in particular, the area of venue cabling having carried out numerous installations in the region previously at prestigious arenas such as the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence, the Aspire Tower and the previous installation at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre.”
“This installation will be challenging because we need to remove all the existing cables and re-terminate them during the re-install. Meticulous planning and flexibility will also be required to deal with the changing client requirements.”
Gearhouse Broadcast provides Systems Integration, Project Solutions, Broadcast Equipment Sales and Rental. With an HQ in the UK the company has regional offices in Doha and Dubai.
Gearhouse Broadcast Heading For IBC Amsterdam Industry Showcase Event
Friday, July 30th, 2010
International broadcast solutions specialist Gearhouse Broadcast will be showcasing some of their latest work for clients around the globe at the IBC (International Broadcast Convention) in Amsterdam next month.
IBC is the premier annual event for professionals engaged in the creation, management and delivery of entertainment and news content worldwide.
It brings together the leading broadcast companies, brands and investors under one roof at the RAI Centre in Amsterdam, attracting almost 50,000 attendees from more than 140 countries.
As well as exhibiting the latest cutting-edge technology in the rapidly evolving electronic media industry, IBC features a series of conference events led by leading figures within the broadcasting industry and a wealth of networking opportunities.
This year, Gearhouse Broadcast will be represented by its System Integration and Broadcast Sales Divisions.
Visitors to the Gearhouse Broadcast stand, situated at 10.C41, will be able to learn all about the latest broadcast systems integration projects the company has been involved in for international clients such as Al Jazeera and South African broadcaster M-NET.
The Systems Integration Division has carried out HD installations for studios, outside broadcast facilities and venues across the globe, and has a wealth of experience in providing solutions for studios and outside broadcast facilities covering everything from transmission and automation, tapeless workflow, master control rooms and broadcast cabling.
Over recent years Systems Integration has completed numerous HD outside broadcast (OB) truck builds for the UK and international markets.
As the UK’s leading international reseller of professional broadcast equipment, our Broadcast Sales Division specialise in sourcing and selling both new and used broadcast equipment.
Gearhouse’s extensive stock list of used broadcast equipment covers SD and HD camera channels, SD and HD camcorders, camera accessories, camera lenses, VTRs, monitors, vision mixers, audio video test equipment and audio video measurement equipment.
We are authorised dealers for a number of leading manufactures including Sony, Evertz, Harris, Snell, JVC and Tektronix, and to mark the occasion will be offering ex-World Cup kit broadcast equipment at very special IBC rates.
This year’s IBC is an excellent time to visit us at stand 10.C41 to discuss your next broadcast project or acquiring broadcast equipment at very competitive prices.
To register for FREE log on to www.ibc.org/registration and enter Gearhouse Broadcast’s password 10138.
Gearhouse Broadcast Chosen to Serve up Broadcast Solutions at Qatar Tennis Centre
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010A reputation for precision and flexibility helped Gearhouse Broadcast secure the contract to expand existing broadcast services at the prestigious Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre in Doha, Qatar, with associates AV Tech.
The Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre complex is owned and operated by the Qatar Tennis Federation and governed by the Qatar National Olympic Committee, who made Gearhouse Broadcast, which has offices in both Doha and Dubai, and AV Tech preferred providers after the success of a number of previous joint projects.
These have included broadcast cabling and audio visual solutions contracts at the Khalifa and various other national sports arenas including; the Aspire Tower and Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence, Qatar Sports Club, Al Arabi Sports Club, Al Khor Sports Club, Al Wakrah Sports Club and the Al Saad Sports Club.
Systems integration project management
Eamonn Dowdall, Managing Director at Gearhouse Broadcast, said: “We are highly skilled in the provision of broadcast infrastructure installations, and in particular, the area of venue cabling having carried out numerous installations in the region previously at prestigious arenas such as the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence, the Aspire Tower and the previous installation at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre.
“This installation will be challenging because we need to remove all the existing cables and re-terminate them during the re-install. Meticulous planning and flexibility will also be required to deal with the changing client requirements.”
http://www.gearhousebroadcast.com/uk/project-solutions/cable–distribution/
The Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre complex consists of a Centre Court with a capacity of 4,250 spectators, two competition courts with a capacity of 600 people on each, two indoor training and practice courts with a 130 seating capacity plus14 outdoor training and practice courts..
Gearhouse Broadcast’s previous project at the complex included installing a broadcast infrastructure that covered every area of the club, including the field areas, commentator rooms, the stand areas, press rooms and practice courts.
HD upgrade
The new installation will consist of installing wall boxes in two new courts, upgrading the existing TV rooms systems from SD to HD, fibre linking all wall boxes as well as removing the existing TV room equipment, making it safe during building works and then reinstalling it in a new complex.
To complete the installation, Gearhouse Broadcast will be providing a crew of three Riggers/Wiremen and a Project Manager/Engineer.
South African Broadcaster M-NET Turn To Gearhouse Broadcast For New HD Integrated Truck
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010When South African broadcaster M-NET needed an HD outside broadcast truck quickly and on budget they looked no further than UK system integration specialists Gearhouse Broadcast.
In the past Gearhouse Broadcast had supplied M-NET with multi-camera flyaway solutions and, based on the service they received on that occasion, they looked to Gearhouse Broadcast again to provide this large, custom-built multi-format trailer.
Andre Venter, Head M-Net Broadcast Services Africa, said: “We were looking for a solution to our outside broadcast requirement and as Gearhouse Broadcast supplied us with three flyaways in the past, which were delivered on time and to budget, we turned to them to assist us with a highly specified, time sensitive requirement for a 28 camera HD OB vehicle.
The vehicle was again delivered to South Africa well within the specified time frame and budget.”
Building to outside broadcast performance specifications
The outside broadcast trailer integrated by Gearhouse Broadcast is a triple expanding High Definition outside broadcast unit that caters for 28 HD cameras and up to three versions of 5.1 Dolby surround sound.
The unit’s lateral production area is large, spacious and air-conditioned, with three tiers of desks, which seat up to 12 production staff.
The front desk houses a 4ME vision mixer and space for 84 monitors. The second desk provides 16 monitors and comprehensive communications, while the third desk provides 32 monitors and comprehensive comms and monitoring facilities.
The third expand provides room for a second desk in the VTR area to provide space for up to 11 operators and a co-coordinator. The unit is wired for up to 12 EVS/ 14VTR.
In the vision area there is control for up to 28 cameras by seven operators, plus an engineering test position. The vision router is 576 x 576 and the audio router is 256 x 256 AES and analogue.
The unit is engineered with a large in/out capability to make it ideal for major events and is also fully air conditioned to maintain a comfortable operating environment even in ambient temperatures of 45 C°.
Take a 360° tour of a Gearhouse built OB truck.
OB truck systems integration services
“We were able to accommodate M-NET’s requirement for an OB truck within a tight deadline and to their exacting specification,” said Eamonn Dowdall, Managing Director at Gearhouse Broadcast.
“The selection of kit being used for this installation demonstrates that Gearhouse Broadcast can tailor the design to a specific market and budget according to individual customer’s needs.
“I believe Gearhouse Broadcast was selected for this project because of our proven and demonstrable experience in the provision of HD outside broadcast installations. We have delivered many previous high profile HD outside broadcast units in the UK and Europe.”
Gearhouse Broadcast to Deliver Systems Integration Solutions at Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010AV Tech and Systems Integration
International Systems Integrator, Gearhouse Broadcast and associate company AV Tech have been awarded the contract to expand the existing broadcast services at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre in Doha, Qatar.
The Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre complex is owned and operated by the Qatar Tennis Federation and governed by the Qatar National Olympic Committee.
As the preferred supplier to the Qatar National Olympic Committee, Gearhouse Broadcast and AV Tech have previously completed a number of broadcast cabling and audio visual contracts at various sports arenas including; the Aspire Tower and Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence, Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre, Qatar Sports Club, Al Arabi Sports Club, Al Khor Sports Club, Al Wakrah Sports Club and the Al Saad Sports Club.
The Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre complex consists of 2 indoor training and practice courts with a 130 seating capacity, 14 outdoor training and practice courts, 2 competition courts with a capacity of 600 people on each and a Centre Court with a capacity of 4,250 spectators.
The Gearhouse Broadcast’s previous project at the complex included installing a broadcast infrastructure which covered every area of the club including the field areas, commentator rooms, the stand areas, press rooms and practice courts.
Upgrading existing SD systems to HD
The new installation will consist of installing wall boxes in 2 new courts, upgrading the existing TV rooms SD system to HD, fibre linking all wall boxes and removing the existing TV room equipment, making them safe during building works then reinstalling them in a new complex when building work has been completed.
To complete the installation Gearhouse Broadcast will be providing a crew of 3 Riggers/Wiremen and a Project Manager/Engineer.
Eamonn Dowdall, Managing Director at Gearhouse Broadcast said, “We are highly skilled in the provision of broadcast infrastructure installations, and in particular, the area of venue cabling having carried out numerous installations in the region previously at prestigious arenas such as the
Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence, the Aspire Tower and the previous installation at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre.”
“This installation will be challenging because we need to remove all the existing cables and re-terminate them during the re-install. Meticulous planning and flexibility will also be required to deal with the changing client requirements.”
Gearhouse Broadcast provides Systems Integration, Project Solutions, Broadcast Equipment Sales and Rental. With an HQ in the UK the company has regional offices in Doha and Dubai.
Build of India’s First HD OB Van
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010When India’s state broadcaster Doordarshan decided it was time to commission their very first custom-built, high definition (HD) outside broadcast van they turned to Gearhouse Broadcast to deliver the solution.
The newly built van is part of a major investment programme in HD technology by Doordarshan and much of the system building and integration work was carried out at Gearhouse Broadcast’s Watford headquarters.
Following an initial brief from Doordarshan and project managers Agiv (India) Pvt. Ltd, a TATA chassis was shipped to the UK to be adapted by coach-building specialists JS Fraser of Oxford before Gearhouse Broadcast’s team of specialist technicians and engineers got to work. The van was fitted with specialist equipment to meet Doordarshan’s requirements, including: four Ikegami cameras (expandable to six if needed), Canon box lenses, a multi-format Snell Kahuna vision mixer, Marshall/Barco monitors and a Harris Router.
Ten weeks later the van was ready to be shipped back to India for testing and final adjustments, carried out in partnership with a team of engineers from Doordarshan’s parent organisation Prasar Bharati, and it is now fully operational, providing news and sports outside broadcasts.
The arrival of the country’s first HD outside broadcast truck was quite an event and marked by an official visit from Ms Ambika Soni, the Honourable Minister for Information and Broadcasting in the Indian Government.An order for a second van is testament to Gearhouse Broadcast’s expertise and specialist system integration skills, and Managing Director Eamonn Dowdall says: “I believe we were selected for our proven and demonstrable track record in the provision of high definition outside broadcast instillations.”“We have delivered many previous high profile HD outside broadcast units in the UK and Europe and now Doordarshan’s high definition van raises the bar for standards in Indian broadcasting and sets a benchmark for other to follow.”
Zoom in on new Gearhouse Broadcast Website!
Thursday, April 29th, 2010As one of the market-leading international broadcast service companies, Gearhouse Broadcast required a website capable of showcasing everything we do and all the latest developments in each sector we operate in across the globe.
Gearhouse Broadcast recently teamed up with web design and online solutions specialists Optix Solutions, to develop a new web presence capable of keeping up with the demands of such a fast-moving industry, and we are pleased to announce the new site went live this month.
Optix Solutions were charged with creating a website that is truly easy to use, quick to navigate and flexible enough to be adapted to reflect every important development in the broadcast world on a daily basis.
At the same time it highlights all the products and services available from our Sales, Rental, System Integration and Project Management departments worldwide, as well as latest company and industry news.
“We wanted a site that is not only simple and satisfying to use and lets people know what we have to offer but that also reflects our position and gravitas within the industry,” said Eamonn Dowdall,Managing Director at Gearhouse Broadcast.
“Given the business we are in it wouldn’t be right to rely on a dull static site that didn’t give the visitor a feel for just what an exciting, technical business we are in. We are absolutely delighted with the result and believe our customers and visitors will be too.”
At the click of a mouse you can check out the latest outside broadcast truck being built at our UK headquarters, what cameras are available for rent in Australia, product sales in Doha or project solutions in India.
With so much to cover, it was vital that the site was designed to be as easy as possible to navigate, to take the visitor where they want to go quickly and efficiently.
We have incorporated a specifically designed filtered search facility which enables the visitor to, for instance, find a product by type, condition (new or used) or brand. In the near future you’ll be able to bid for an ex-rental or excess stock bargain via e-auction.
Case studies are used to introduce the sheer scope of the projects that Gearhouse Broadcast are involved in day in, day out.
Visitors are offered detailed insights into everything from the technology Gearhouse Broadcast supplies to bring ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!’ from the Australian rainforest to our living rooms to the creation of India’s state broadcaster Doordarshan’s first custom-built outside broadcast truck.
Specially incorporated 360° panoramic image technology allows the visitor to take a virtual tour of everything from the VTR and audio set up in a HD (High Definition) outside broadcast truck to the wiring and cabling that makes it all work.