MHz Completes International Systems Integration

An international independent systems integrator, has successfully completed the design, engineering and build out of four new HD-ready studios, a digital automated server-based newsroom and a multi-channel playout master control room (MCR) at the Times Group in Mumbai, India.
Megahertz (MHz) also provided the design consultancy for eight DSNG vehicles for the company. These expansions have enabled the Times Group to launch a number of new channels including ET NOW, its recently introduced television news channel being produced in collaboration with the Economic Times, a leading Indian financial daily newspaper.
Megahertz provided its systems integration skills to support the build out of the installation at the Times Group - from the initial stages of the system design and engineering planning through to project management services, product selection and commissioning.
Working alongside the Times Group engineering team, a MHz project manager supervised the work completed in both Mumbai and at the company’s headquarters in Ely, UK. In order to ensure additional cost-efficiencies MHz hired local wiring, electrical technicians and engineers who worked alongside the MHz specialists to successfully deliver the project on time and within budget.
"We are delighted to have successfully completed the design and build out of the facility at the Times Group in India as it is another good example of our ability to handle large customer-focused projects in this region," said Robert Stopford, Sales Director of Megahertz.
"The Times Group was keen to work with a systems integrator that had proven international experience in the design and implementation of file-based newsrooms - and Megahertz was able to offer this pedigree with its track record of success worldwide.
"Our team recognised the business drivers at Times, and supported their effort to design and build a facility that would not only meet the needs of their diverse audience but also minimise their operating costs with new workflows," he said.
At the heart of the Times Group’s operation is the Avid iNews newsroom computer system which enables the newsroom staff to create the content, timing and accuracy of news broadcasts quickly and reliably - and to manage news rundowns with ease and flexibility. ET NOW also incorporates 35 Apple Final Cut Pro editors alongside 14 Avid NewsCutters video editors to manage the fast turnaround required for news stories.
The main control room is built around a Snell Kahuna SD/HD multi-format production switcher while the MCR and transmission areas use the Harris ADC playout automation integrated with the Omneon Spectrum media servers to provide streamlined workflow efficiencies for ingest, production and playout.
Stopford concluded: "Our capacity to provide customers with a consistently high level of quality and service - while simultaneously offering a sound understanding of their operational requirements has been fundamental at the Time Group installation enabling us to maximise on efficiencies brought about by the transition to file-based workflows."
Part of the AZCAR Group, one of the worlds largest and longest-established independent broadcast systems integrators, MHz plays a significant role in designing and delivering innovative solutions to the world’s leading broadcasters, telecommunication and digital media companies.
(BMcN/BMcC)