Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

MBC GROUP Streamlines Playout with Integrated Software Solution from Imagine Communications

31/03/2021

Imagine Communications has gone live with the first phase of an innovative new playout infrastructure for MBC GROUP, the largest and leading media company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Imagine and MBC collaborated over an extended period to achieve the broadcaster's goals of creating a highly efficient playout automation environment that protects revenue streams through multiple, interlocking redundancies, while providing opportunities for future expansion.

To deliver both the cost-effectiveness and operational flexibility that MBC GROUP sought, the entire solution at the broadcaster's headquarters in Dubai Media City has been implemented in software running on COTS hardware. Pivotal to the installation is Imagine's scalable Versio modular playout solution, which allows MBC to quickly and cost-effectively add new channels to meet its changing business needs, while enabling the addition of new functionalities without disruption to the broadcaster's daily operations.

MBC is a market-leading broadcaster, and we intend to continue to grow, said Nader Mokhtar, Director of MCR, Broadcast and STB Technology at MBC GROUP. Central to our planning is a highly automated playout operation, which provides a high level of security and resilience, and allows us to maximize our revenues across multiple platforms. Imagine Communications impressed us with a detailed proof of concept that demonstrated that their dedicated regional team really understood our long-term requirements, and could deliver an agile, scalable solution that would match our needs.

The modular nature of Versio enables media companies to choose from an industry-leading variety of functionality on an as-needed basis. Via Versio Graphics, MBC can leverage Adobe After Effects to create and modify sophisticated graphics in real time, even while on-air. The touchscreen-based Versio Master Control Surface (MCS) provides live control for all functionality, simplifying and streamlining MBC's workflow from creation to air.

Mokhtar added: An important requirement was to integrate After Effects into the workflow to deliver outstanding on-air graphics, synonymous with the MBC brand. Imagine Communications understood those requirements and has provided a tightly integrated, highly resilient and scalable end-to-end playout infrastructure that can grow as our needs change.

The first phase of the playout center is equipped to deliver 11 premium HD channels, with full N+N redundancy and seamless failover. Centralized control of the Versio playout channels, graphics and master control, as well as all third-party devices, is handled by Imagine's field-proven ADC automation. Versio IOX high-performance storage delivers large-scale shared storage for all content and playback and provides an environment in which third-party software tools can be readily incorporated.

Imagine Communications' Nexio+ AMP video servers manage content ingest with content workflows controlled using the Nexio Motion workflow orchestrator, in conjunction with the Versio IOX shared storage. The software-defined architecture provides interfaces to a number of external networks, including traffic and scheduling, as well as data sources for the on-air graphics.

Source material and live feeds are delivered as SDI signals, which can be seamlessly switched in the Imagine Platinum IP3 router ensuring fault-free delivery with minimum latency. The Platinum IP3 integrated multiviewer functionality provides MBC with a highly reliable and space-saving monitoring solution. Imagine's Magellan SDN Orchestrator software control system handles signal management and paves the way for hybrid IP/SDI expansion in future phases. Channel outputs are delivered to the various platforms in a mixture of hybrid SDI or compressed transport streams.

This is a significant project for the region and indeed for Imagine, said Anas Hantash, head of Middle East, South Asia and North Africa for Imagine Communications. It's a groundbreaking playout platform for MBC, which delivers excellent production values and precision playout with extremely high reliability. Our software approach means MBC can scale the solution almost infinitely, in terms of the number of channels, its geo-diversity, and where required, additional functionality. All this in a solution that comfortably meets MBC's CAPEX and OPEX targets, while establishing a strong platform for growth in the future.

Hantash added, I'm extremely proud of the journey we have taken with MBC's experts. We worked closely as a team to first identify all the business workflow challenges and then to explore areas of improvement. The conclusion is the implementation of a state-of-the-art solution that addresses MBC's business needs today and enables a smooth future expansion for the next phases of their business growth.

The new system contract was awarded to Imagine Communications in May 2020, commissioned in late 2020 and went on air in March 2021.

MBC GROUP and Imagine Communications won the 2021 Digital Studio Award for Excellence in Technical Installation and Supplier Innovation for the implementation of Imagine's Versio playout solution at MBC's Dubai facility. The award ceremony was held in Dubai last night.
LINK: https://www.kitplus.com/news/MBC_GROUP_Streamlines_Playout_with_Integr...
See more stories from tvbay

More from TV-Bay

27/03/2024

CueScript Poised to Transform the Prompting Experience wi...

CueScript, the leading developer of professional teleprompting solutions, is poised to transform the prompting experience with a line-up comprised of world firs...

27/03/2024

BeckTV to Focus on Systems Integration for Sports Venues...

Visit Beck TV at 2024 NAB Show at Booth C4035 BeckTV, a premier systems integrator for the broadcast media industry, will showcase its facility design, enginee...

27/03/2024

Arkona to Introduce BLADE master Control and Orchestratio...

arkona technologies GmbH, provider of IP core infrastructure solutions for top-tier broadcast productions, is cutting through the complexity of live production ...

27/03/2024

KRK Launches ROKIT Generation Five Studio Monitors

As the unwavering cornerstone of professional audio monitoring for over three decades, KRK earned its reputation through a rich history of innovation and precis...

27/03/2024

Join Maxon for NAB 2024

Maxon, developers of professional software solutions for editors, filmmakers, motion designers, visual effects artists, and creators of all types, is excited to...

27/03/2024

OpenDrives Reinvents Media Industry Infrastructure Invest...

OpenDrives, Inc., the global provider of software-defined media workflow solutions and data management capabilities, will unveil its new Atlas platform and busi...

27/03/2024

Pixotope NAB 2024 Virtual Production Showcase Shapes the...

Pixotope, the leading software platform for end-to-end real-time virtual production solutions, is ushering in a new era of immersive storytelling at NAB 2024. A...

27/03/2024

Dolby Atmos-enabled CMP Studio Tackles Immersive Mixing W...

Like many in the industry, Multi-platinum, Award-winning Producer, Engineer, Mixer, Songwriter and Musician Clint Murphy's latest work has been consumed by ...

27/03/2024

Ateliere Creative Technologies Unveils the Future of Medi...

Ateliere Locations: AWS Partner Village W1343 F, W1343 S and Fontainebleau Hotel Contact: Arianna Ruvalcaba, Arianna.Ruvalcaba@ateliere.com Century City, Cal...

27/03/2024

Imagine Enables Unified Control of Hybrid On-prem and Clo...

At the 2024 NAB Show (April 14-17, Las Vegas Convention Center, booth W2467), Imagine Communications is making it easier for media companies to efficiently oper...

27/03/2024

LG Studio Series DVLED Displays Make Virtual Production A...

LG Business Solutions USA, a leading innovator of cutting-edge display technologies, has introduced LG Studio Series DVLED, a new family of advanced giant-scree...

27/03/2024

ZTransform Appoints Bob Hawkanson as SVP of Sales for Nor...

Systems and solutions provider continues team expansion and accelerates nation-wide growth strategy ZTransform, a leading technology systems and solutions pro...

27/03/2024

Appear Showcases Groundbreaking Live Production Technolog...

Appear, the global leader in live production technology, will demonstrate its innovative solutions for contribution, remote production and distribution at NAB S...

27/03/2024

Grass Valley expands PHABRIX T and M inventory with QxP p...

Test & measurement innovator, PHABRIX, has announced that Grass Valley has expanded its already-extensive inventory of PHABRIX test & measurement (T&M) equipmen...

27/03/2024

Arrow Media Targets High-Efficiency Story-Telling with Li...

Arrow Media, an award-winning producer of documentary, factual and non-scripted content, creates high quality programming covering a wide range of subjects. Est...

25/03/2024

Tiffen 58mm Filter System Ready for iPhone

Creative Tool for Content Creation, Scouting, iPhone Filmmaking & Photography For the first time, Tiffen brings award-winning professional motion picture and s...

22/03/2024

Vubiquity Addresses Global Distribution and Media Supply...

Vubiquity, an Amdocs company, announces its NAB 2024 showcase (booth W3567). Vubiquity is a technology-led media services provider that empowers the world's...

22/03/2024

Clear-Com Unveils Groundbreaking Show Floor Experience at...

Clear-Com , a global leader in innovative communication solutions for the broadcast and live performance industries, is set to captivate attendees at the Nation...

22/03/2024

BCNEXXT NAB 2024 Showcase Brings Massive Savings and Eff...

BCNEXXT is showcasing the future of playout operations at NAB 2024 with the cloud-native solution, Vipe at the IABM lounge W236LMR (Level 2). Reducing operation...

22/03/2024

LOGIC and EMBRACE Announce Partnership To Accelerate Medi...

LOGIC media solutions GmbH is delighted to announce that it has partnered with solutions provider EMBRACE SAS. This partnership encompasses sales and services f...

22/03/2024

Limecraft Highlights Media Intelligence and Real-Time Col...

With less than a month to go until NAB Show Las Vegas, mediatech innovator Limecraft is calling on the industry to change the way it talks about Artificial Inte...

22/03/2024

Matrox Video 2024 NAB Show Lineup Drives Implementation o...

Technology innovator Matrox Video will exhibit in Booth SL5073 at the 2024 NAB Show, April 13-17 in Las Vegas, providing product demos and featuring customer s...

22/03/2024

Tolka to Promote Broadcast Bandwidth Monetizing Solutions...

Tolka Telecommunications (www.tolka.tv) will promote its extensive range of broadcast media products and services at the April 14-17 2024 NAB Show in Las Vegas....

22/03/2024

PlayBox Technology Research Illuminates the Path for Audi...

In the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of media and entertainment, PlayBox Technology shines a bit of enlightment with its most recent white paper publicati...

22/03/2024

Evertz Leads Industry with Revolutionary Solutions in Sat...

Evertz, a global leader in media and broadcast solutions, is proud to announce its groundbreaking advancements in revolutionizing satellite ground infrastructur...

22/03/2024

Joseph Electronics Highlights Videosys Broadcast Camera C...

Joseph Electronics, US distributor for UK camera control specialist Videosys Broadcast, will be showing a range of Videosys camera control products at NAB 2024 ...

22/03/2024

LucidLink Hosts Creatives at NAB 2024 to Discuss Collabor...

LucidLink, the storage collaboration platform for the world's largest studios, brands, and creative professionals, will host several thought leadership sess...

20/03/2024

GB Labs keeps an eye on the future with its innovative st...

Stand SL5090, NAB, Las Vegas, April 13-17 GB Labs will be presenting its remote working solution, Unify Hub, which provides seamless post-production workflows ...

20/03/2024

Ateliere to Develop First End-to-End Generative AI Media...

Ateliere Creative Technologies, a leading media software solutions company, today announced its AI roadmap, redefining the award-winning Ateliere Connect media...

20/03/2024

Nevion announces 100G add-on to its Virtuoso media node

evion, a Sony Group Company and award-winning provider of virtualized media production solutions, announced today the Virtuoso UplinX, a 100G uplink add-on to i...

20/03/2024

Accedo Launches OTT Video Managed Services Offering

Global video solutions provider, Accedo, has launched a dedicated OTT Video Managed Services offering. Designed to reduce complexity and risk for video service ...

19/03/2024

Pliant Technologies Debuts CrewWare 2 Software Update at...

Pliant Technologies will present its new CrewWare 2.0 software update at the 2024 NAB Show (Booth C5310), marking the first substantial update since its introdu...

19/03/2024

Box to Box Films shares with MediaSilo

Box to Box Films, an Emmy award winning producer of high end documentaries and factual entertainment, has extended its agreement with EditShare and will contin...

19/03/2024

CJP building virtual production suite for Basingstoke Col...

CJP Broadcast Service Solutions, systems integration, production and content digitisation specialist, is developing a cutting-edge production suite for Basingst...

19/03/2024

Telestream Introduces AI-Powered Tools for Rapid Content...

As media proliferates across a growing number of platforms - including OTT streaming services, social media video channels, direct-to-consumer offerings, intera...

19/03/2024

Media Links Showcases Anything Anywhere IP Solutions at N...

Media Links, manufacturer and pioneer in Media over IP transport technology, will highlight its complete ecosystem for Media Delivery applications at the upcomi...

19/03/2024

Ambersphere Solutions Ltd Becomes Part of ACT Entertainme...

Ambersphere Solutions Ltd, a leading provider of professional lighting solutions in the UK, has officially become a part of ACT Entertainment, North America'...

19/03/2024

Magewell Unveils Modular Rackmount IP Conversion Family

For years, Magewell has been a market leader in helping production and AV professionals bridge traditional and IP-based media workflows with innovative solution...

19/03/2024

EMG-Gravity Media Appoints Scott Kinlyside As Managing Di...

EMG / Gravity Media has confirmed the appointment of Scott Kinlyside as Managing Director, Australia. Scott Kinlyside's appointment builds on the group'...

19/03/2024

Broadcast Solutions provides modern outside broadcast sys...

Broadcast Solutions, one of Europe's largest media systems integration groups, has delivered a large outside broadcast truck, flyaway kits and support syste...

19/03/2024

CDC Upgrades to Ikegami UHK-X700 4K HDR Cameras

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the national public health agency of the United States, has upgraded the technical facilities at its Broadcast &...

19/03/2024

Net Insight and Mobilelinks elevate Swedish ice hockey pl...

Net Insight partners with Mobilelinks, a premier service provider of broadcast and media transport services, to deliver an unparalleled broadcasting experience ...

19/03/2024

Ateme Propels Spatial Computing with TITAN Encoders for A...

Ateme, the global leader in video compression, delivery and streaming solutions with innovation at its core, announces that its TITAN encoders now enable new wa...

19/03/2024

Lightware Visual Engineering Appoints Tan Tiong Leng as S...

Lightware Visual Engineering, a leading manufacturer of connectivity solutions for the professional integrated systems market and a pioneer in signal management...

19/03/2024

NAKIVO Enables Agent-Based Backup and Recovery for Proxmo...

NAKIVO, the leading backup and disaster recovery solution provider, delivers agent-based backup support for Proxmox virtual machine data to cater to the differe...

19/03/2024

Simplestream continues expansion of live stream monetisat...

Expanding its already highly developed ad-tech stack, a core component of the streaming expert's frontend framework App Platform, Simplestream has added to ...

19/03/2024

Experience Commerce Becomes Social Media Agency for Nissi...

The account was won following a competitive multi-agency pitch. Through this partnership, Experience Commerce will work towards maximizing Nissin Geki Korean No...

14/03/2024

Evertz Highlights Its Powerful NEXX Processing And Router...

At NAB 2024 (Booth SU2027), Evertz will be showing its NEXX next generation processing and routing solution, a compact and robust product that provides broadcas...

14/03/2024

A la Vista collaborates with Videomenthe to subtitle its...

A la Vista is an audiovisual production association based in Switzerland, entirely dedicated to social issues and the promotion of diversity and world cultures....

13/03/2024

Cricket Australia Partners with Dalet for Groundbreaking...

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced that Cricket Australia (CA) has chosen Dalet Flex to increase fan...