Hannu Pro implements at MTG Grass Valley K2 Edge Integrated Play-out Solution for 14 SD and HD channel broadcasting - Hannu Pro (TV, playout and broadcast solutions)


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Hannu Pro implements at MTG Grass Valley K2 Edge Integrated Play-out Solution
for 14 SD and HD channel broadcasting

The 1st phase

In June 2011 Hannu Pro and MTG agreed on 2-channel play-out system delivery for MTG's Viasat play-out centre in Riga. 2 channels currently broadcast following programmes: CTC Baltic and CTC Estonia in SD and two languages with invision subtitles, plus aspect ratio conversion and video index inserted into VBI. Supplied solution is based on Grass Valley K2 Edge (Nexus) 2 SD/HD channel intelligent play-out system - a single unit provides high quality broadcast graphics, teletext and invision subtitles, video server functionality, fully automated control and multichannel audio support. During the summer Hannu Pro supplied: 3 K2 Edge (Nexus) server systems for automated N+1 redundancy switching; 32x32 SDI switcher with Cobalt control support; 30TB Infortrend network attached storage system (NAS) as nearline media storage; a Cobalt automated play-out control (POC) system with client-server architecture; a Channel Composer (Channel Director) - solution for creating the on-air look of a channel - manages the import and animation of 2D and 3D graphics, creates animations, and links graphics templates to data sources for real time on-air presentation; a Publitronic Front Porch Digital DIVArchive module for automated media achieving and retrieval; an Apantac multiviewer system; advanced video and audio monitoring equipment to meet broadcasting standards; Wohler audio control systems and compliance recording system; a Cisco router; as well as number of supporting Apple, Dell and HP computers. This first system well contributed to further development of more new SD and HD TV channels later.

MTG channel upgrade - 2-nd phase diagram

2nd phase

In 2012, following its global development strategy, MTG continued implementing their channel expansion projects using solutions developed by Hannu Pro.

Initially Hannu Pro implemented new installations for 2 additional TV channels for Eastern Europe region totalling the amount of provided channels to 4. Two new channels broadcast Viasat Explorer Russia and Viasat Explorer East in SD and six languages with five simultaneous subtitles and cue tone for advertisement insertion. Channel branding, video indexing, simultaneous multi-language audio channels and subtitles are supported for all new broadcast channels. Installed broadcasting systems are based on Grass Valley K2 Edge intelligent broadcasting platform, which includes powerful redundant (4+1) servers and Cobalt automation software. All 4 channels share single backup unit and continuous monitoring provides data for automated commutation of SDI router to guarantee uninterrupted play-out. Integration to the central archive is provided.

MTG channel upgrade - 3-rd phase diagram

3rd phase

Later, at the end of the year MTG put into effect yet another (third) channel expansion project. Implementing this project Hannu Pro deployed 3 SD and 3 HD channels in simulcast using N+1 redundancy architecture - with Dolby surround or stereo audio and with separate different channel graphics and ticker (running text line). Conditions for integration into existing MTG broadcasting infrastructure (central SDI router and multiviewer) were also taken into account. Broadcasting is carried out using Grass Valley K2 Edge platform, which includes Cobalt automation and Channel Composer channel branding software, as well as powerful server system operating in 3+1 redundancy mode with preview system. A number of rack-mount Dell servers are taking care of broadcasting process control. System also includes fully redundant a Guntermann & Drunck KVM switcher; a Cisco IP switcher; Wohler audio and video signal control equipment; AXON signal converters; as well as a MAC Pro workstation forming additional content ingest facility; and other equipment. Several Ericsson IRDs are installed to provide signals for continuous off-air monitoring and compliance recording, which carried out by 6 channel Actus monitoring system. Off-air monitoring data is used for automated router commutation if deviations from preset signal quality are detected. Integration to the central archive is also implemented.

MTG channel upgrade - 4-th phase diagram

4th phase

In May Hannu Pro finished 4th phase of MTG's play-out system upgrade providing 3+1 new channels allowing reallocation of three existing channels at MTG/Viasat play-out centre in Riga. Providing yet another new Grass Vally Edge play-out system for Viasat Nature, Viasat History and Kanal 2, project allowed free up resources on existing linear play-out for LNT and TV5 programmes and also allowed provide invision subtitling. Technical solution offered by Hannu Pro is based on Grass Valley K2 Edge intelligent play-out system operating at 3+1+1 redundancy scheme. Each single play-out server unit provides high quality broadcast graphics, teletext and invision subtitles, video server functionality, fully automated control and multichannel audio support, as well as special preview option. Grass Valley TX/MAM (media asset management) system with redundant servers is used to manage all systems and contents. Project also includes a Cisco router; a Harris multiviewer; Wohler audio control systems; an Actus View compliance recording system; a number of supporting Dell computers; and other ancillary equipment.

Installation and rollout

Hannu Pro service team - engineers and technicians provided technical project implementation. Service centre carried out equipment installation and cabling, configuration, setup and preparation for rollout of all systems, as well as integration with existing MTG's broadcast systems including traffic management, ingest and archive. Hannu Pro also developed and supplied transmission control room furniture to host monitors and other equipment. Market value of all four MTG play-out centre upgrade projects approximates at EUR 1.5 million. With more than 125 million viewers MTG is leading media business in Northern Europe.

MTG play-out systems upgrades for 16 SD/HD channels