Dogan TV, the leading independent media group in Turkey, is migrating its television production capabilities to high definition with Grass Valley.
As a central part of this long-term partnership with Grass Valley, Dogan TV will standardise on LDK 8000 Elite multiformat HD cameras, LDK 8300 HD Super SloMo cameras, and Kayak production switchers for all of its HD facilities.
Dogan TV has two HD studios and seven SD studios with its own HD and SD control rooms at its headquarters in Istanbul. The smaller studio (300m2) has four Grass Valley LDK 8000 Elite HD cameras and a 2.5 M/E Kayak production switcher. The larger (1000m2) is equipped with eight LDK 8000 Elite cameras and a 3.5 M/E Kayak switcher.
The company’s largest outside broadcast truck has also been re-equipped for HD production, with 16 Grass Valley cameras including two LDK 8300 HD Live Super SloMo camera systems and a Kayak HD 3.5 M/E production switcher. Local sales and support is being provided by Grass Valley’s principal distributor in Turkey, Istanbul-based consulting company Arttek.
“When we developed our plans to move to HD we naturally looked at all the suppliers of production equipment,” said Hakan Tumer, CTO of Dogan TV. “Grass Valley impressed us with the technical superiority of their products, not least the excellent super slow-motion cameras. Working with Arttek, we also developed a strong local support relationship, and we are very pleased with the service Arttek and Grass Valley are providing in terms of technical support and training.”
“Audiences expect HD from their premium channels, while programme producers expect the very best in HD facilities,” said Jeff Rosica, senior vice president of Grass Valley. “Grass Valley cameras and switchers deliver the best possible pictures so that users get the superior-quality performance they expect, while viewers get to enjoy the best HD images available. We are delighted to have worked with Dogan TV on this project, and we look forward to a long and fruitful continuing relationship.”
The contract, negotiated in association with Arttek, represents the largest order in the country for HD production equipment. The installation of this equipment allows Dogan TV to produce much of its own premium content for its new Kanal D HD channel, already on air. The upgrade to the truck ensures that remote HD production capability is available for high profile sporting events, such as the Champions League and UEFA Cup football games for which Dogan TV has the broadcast rights in Turkey.
