SOLUTIONS: ENDEMOL, AMSTERDAM NETHERLANDS The usual channels
The world’s largest independent TV production company has opted for cutting-edge communications in its new Dutch office, writes James Christopher
of its system simply by adding or removing devices from its network, allowing the company to efficiently adjust the size of the network for maximum efficiency, expanding it during its larger productions and then scaling it back down.
User friendliness is another
advantage, with Endemol employees able to switch between TV channels in three different ways. Employees can select TV channels from a channel list; alternatively, they can use the client software on computers and laptops to determine their own screen input; or they can operate the receivers via a remote control. The solution also
AvediaStream TVgateways enable Endemol to stream live TV from a satellite providing the company with foreign and Dutch channels
ENDEMOL IS the largest independent television and digital production company in the world, comprising over 80 facilities spanning 31 countries. Having established new offices in Amsterdam, the company was keen to install a cutting-edge communications system. This system had to meet
several needs, including having the ability to receive foreign channels as well as Dutch television, and the ability to receive live feeds from a broadcast centre in Hilversum and record live streams from the Amsterdam office to be broadcast later. Endemol also wanted to
deliver digital signage across its network, in order to share information such as viewing figures. Lastly, the system had to be able to scale to accommodate a network
[INSTALLED]
ALL EXTERITY AvediaStream TVgateways AvediaStream encoders AvediaPlayer receivers AvediaServer
www.installation-international.com
that constantly shifts in scale depending on the size of the current production. Realising that a flexible
IPTV solution was the answer, Endemol turned to integrator MK2 Audiovisueel and Exterity to provide a system that met its specific needs. “Our employees need to be able to access regular satellite TV channels, fibre signals from Hilversum and our own studio signals from Amsterdam, quickly and easily,” explains Marc Mul, technical manager at the post production department within Endemol. “Endemol is a very dynamic organisation; during major productions, we use many more offices than in periods of calm – and it is vital that all of us have access to a TV connection, regardless of which office we are in.”
CUSTOM SOLUTION
The solution Exterity supplied consisted of multiple AvediaStream TVgateways. These are capable of streaming SD and HD channels simultaneously, and distributing free-to-air and encrypted content from DVB-S or DVB-S2 sources (first- and second-generation
digital satellite). This allows Endemol to stream live TV from a satellite, providing the company with the foreign and Dutch channels it requires. In addition to this, having
several AvediaStream encoders allows Endemol to stream its own content and record it for later use. Some of the encoders feature SDI outputs, which allow the company to stream and record content from the broadcast centre in Hilversum in a similar way. Lastly, around 250
AvediaPlayer receivers were installed behind TV screens placed in corridors, meeting rooms, canteens and various other locations around the building to ensure that staff could access content at any time.
All of this equipment is
managed from a central location via AvediaServer, Exterity’s application management platform, allowing Endemol to monitor its content and determine who can access what, as well as perform actions such as turning off all TVs simultaneously from one location. This means the system can be run by just a few people.
This solution uses the office’s existing infrastructure, specifically the internal IP network (LAN), so all of the TV channels are delivered via a single network cable – a significant factor in reducing installation cost and complexity. In addition, the use of the existing network means that the equipment can be run by Endemol’s current IT staff, without the need to hire additional personnel.
BENEFITS OF SCALE This new solution means Endemol can adjust the scale
accommodates Endemol’s need for digital signage transmission by converting DS content into an appropriate TV signal that can be added to the channel list. These signals can also be transmitted in high definition if desired. Colin Farquhar, CEO at Exterity, says: “This development shows how IPTV can benefit dynamic, fast- moving organisations. The flexibility and scalability of the solution means that Endemol can easily adapt to the constantly changing conditions in its industry.”
www.endemol.com www.exterity.com www.mk2.nl
Around 250 AvediaPlayer receivers were installed around the building to ensure that staff could access content at any time
October 2012 57
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