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Blackmagic hardware installed at pearl.tv

Pearl TV has become the first European broadcaster to transmit in 4k to ASTRA.

pearl.tv has become the first European broadcaster to transmit in 4k to ASTRA.

The German satellite channel has installed a 12G-SDI multicam workflow, featuring Blackmagic hardware.

The Ultra HD workflow includes the ATEM 2 M/E broadcast studio 4K, studio camera 4K and ultra studio 4K extreme.

The move required the channel to install more than 800 meters of 12G-SDI single link coax in order to connect the facility’s two studios and a central production gallery.

“Any of our existing SDI runs that were longer than two meters had to go and were replaced with premium 12G-SDI coax,” said pearl.tv general manager Dr. Michael Sichler. “This ensured full signal integrity throughout our entire 4K production chain.”

At the heart of the multicam workflow is Blackmagic’s ATEM 2 M/E broadcast studio 4K switcher, which features 12G-SDI connectivity, handling Ultra HD at frame rates up to 60fps and delivering live production for broadcast. Lower thirds displaying pricing, product details and contact information for purchasing were added, and a playout system from Blackmagic OEM ToolsOnAir, paired with an UltraStudio extreme 4K, provides a H.265 encoded file for transmission.

To ensure viewers across the pearl.tv network can still access the channel’s programming on any television, the switcher also generates a HD output, and a down converted SD signal is produced through an encoder for simultaneous multi format transmission.

Daily live content acquisition of up to eight hours is produced using six Blackmagic studio camera 4K across the channel’s two main studios, and a further three Blackmagic URSA 4K cameras, which are used for filming outdoors.

“Our channel is aimed at a male, over 40 audience and focuses on the latest must have gadgets and technology,” Michael added. “Shopping in person is a very tactile, emotional experience, and we have to get as close to that as we can. We have to show them in the highest possible standard why they should buy an item.”