Imagine Communications has installed its solutions at Alma TV, the largest cable television operator in Kazakhstan.
Imagine implemented a compact and scalable playout solution for Alma, allowing it to add four new HD channels to its service.
Six Versio playout units were installed, with four main and two backup channels allowing for maximum redundancy.
Content is managed by a Nexio Motion intelligent media movement system, which creates automated processes to move and manage media across multiple devices. The system also includes a Platinum MX 32×32 router with integrated Platinum SX Pro multiviewer for monitoring.
“The move to creating and delivering our own channels was a new step for us,” said Alexander Trubin, head of playout for Alma TV.
“We needed a packaged solution that would be absolutely reliable, with ironclad and automated redundancy. We challenged our systems integrator DNK to build it all in just a one-rack cabinet.
“Leveraging its experience implementing Imagine Communications’ solutions into broadcast facilities, DNK was able to meet all of our goals. We are delighted to be able to add our own channels so quickly.”
Imagine’s solution also included the Selenio MCP3 platform, which provides ten MPEG-2 and H.264 encoders to generate SD and HD outputs for each channel, including integrated loudness control. Test and measurement equipment includes Videotek devices for signal control and an MSA-100 multi-source transport stream analyser to monitor the encoded outputs.
“This is our first playout implementation in Kazakhstan, and the first venture into playout for Alma TV,” said Mathias Eckert, vice president EMEA for Imagine Communications.
“Our core Versio, Platinum and Selenio products have delivered a tightly integrated solution which provides automatic up- and down-conversion as required, along with the high level of redundancy the customer specified.
“We can accomplish this in a short period of time and in a compacted space to get the broadcaster on the air quickly while saving real estate, power and air conditioning.”
