The Nautical Channel has installed a PlayBox Technology EdgeBox remote playout system. The equipment now operating at WRN Broadcast in London is providing playout for DISH in Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA. The EdgeBox at WRN is a fully automated redundant playout solution that includes 1+1 AirBox playout servers along with other equipment. It is operated and supplied with all programme material, local channel branding, schedules, etc., via the internet, where programme contributions from around the world are accepted, edited and aggregated. The channel is relayed via fibre to New York and then onward to DISH in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The EdgeBox installation is a fundamental part of the Nautical Channel’s USA strategy of reaching over 70 million boating enthusiasts. Laurence Hopper, Nautical Channel CEO (pictured), explained, “We were looking for the most cost-effective solution to meet the highest video standards and ensure that our US viewers are delighted with the Nautical Channel. I’d read a lot about the success of PlayBox Technology and so I talked to them. They have a very flexible approach and were able to alter the system design to fit our needs and provide solutions for what we wanted to do.” Hopper added, “I also liked the way the information was presented – in a clear up-front way. Other vendors started at a low price but they just got more and more expensive as we started to include all the bits and pieces that were needed to make the system work.” PlayBox Technology (UK) Sales Manager & Systems Architect, Ananth Sam, commented, “In all this has been a very good and interesting project for us. It’s been fantastic working with the people at Nautical Channel as they are very proactive and knew exactly what they wanted. We were able to work with them to find the right solutions. Now, just two months on, the channel is on air.” www.playbox.tv
