Syrian TV streamlines news operation with VSN

Dubai Media Inc. recently awarded a $7m project to Middle East systems integrator Salam Media Cast to undertake the deployment of a news production facility at Syrian TV. The news facility, powered by VSN solutions, includes two studios, a newsroom system, non-linear editing suites, a graphics system, video servers and a data tape archive solution.

The Syrian national TV channel had previously selected VSN as the desired newsroom and automation solution, as some other private channels in this country were pretty satisfied after optimising their workflow with the Spanish company’s solutions. A good interoperability with Arabic fonts also helped to make the difference. Both studios are equipped with six Sony BVP E30 standard definition cameras although wired for eight, Sony vision mixers, Sony VTRs, Evertz mulitviewers, Miranda graphics equipment as well as solutions from Harris and Tektronix.

VSN products are commanding various areas, programmed lines ingest vsnautorec, asset management, network editing (60 workstations with FC infrastructure), redundant studio playouts, 60-seat NRCS system (vsnnews), teleprompter, complete digital archive (vsnarchive, HSM plus a 132TB LTO-4 robotic tape library) will be supplied by VSN. The Spanish company also guarantees a full integration with graphics and other third parties’ equipment.

The news centre is connected to Syrian TV’s main centre via microwave link and fibre optics. The master control room will be run by the powerful vsnmulticom automation solution, in a fully redundant configuration, driving two parallel VMax videoservers.

Sami El Shafai, executive director of Salam Media Cast claims the systems integrator always seeks to provide state-of-the-art solutions to comply with industry standards and clients’ requirements. “Our goal has always been to provide our clients with flexible and upgradeable solutions that are state-of-the-art but also cost effective. We couple this with our in-house competence in terms of providing the most appropriate design, workflow, engineering, training and after sales support,” he said.

ORTAS management selected VSN for a fast roll-out for their brand new facilities. As they point out: “having one single company in charge of most systems guarantees a painless commissioning process and minimises the training cycle for our staff”