Network Electronics has supplied MTV with routing solutions for the play-out of six channels from Amsterdam. MTV has successfully deployed the system, which consists of a VikinX Modular 256×256 router, GYDA control and monitoring, and a world-first Web Panels deployment, writes Fergal Ringrose.
The matrix is now live at MTV Amsterdam, controlling and routing play-out of MTV channels, encoding and the transport of video to and from the studio and master control room (MCR). Upon full roll-out, the router will assist with the play-out of MTV NL, TMF NL, TMF Flanders, and the shared channels of Nickelodeon/Comedy Central, Nickelodeon NL/MTV NL (with localized advert insertion for the Flanders region) and Nickelodeon/MTV France for French-speaking Belgium.
Network Electronics has supplied separate Web Panels for the studio, encoding and MCR (Master Control Room) to allow MTV to set up separate functionality and control through one central matrix. MTV selected Network Electronics’ technology for its operational flexibility and the power and adaptability of its control software running on Web Panels. This industry first Web Panel deployment enables MTV to easily manage the routing of video, with the option for bespoke interfaces for each individual or category of user.
“We were delighted with how efficiently this system has been deployed. The flexibility and reliability of the solutions that Network Electronics has supplied ensures that we now have in place a high-performance yet cost-effective structure,” said Erik Walrecht, broadcast technology manager, MTV. “Having moved our broadcast centre to Amsterdam at the beginning of 2007, we were eager to implement an advanced, reliable system to ensure the smooth operation of video transport to consumers throughout the MTV North region of The Netherlands, Flanders, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. We are very impressed with the Network Electronics solution and were delighted to be able to draw upon its vast experience and expertise in routing and signal transport.”
The Network Electronics Web Panel, which MTV was the first to use, is a platform independent router control application. Templates are available and are fully configurable, offering multilevel control with level breakaway. A particular strength of Network Electronics’ System Configurator is that it is almost infinitely configurable, down to the individual user level. The combination of Web Panel and Configurator means that each user has access to just the functionality and options they need wherever they are, maximising both efficiency and security.
