Broadcast Network Deliver Operational Area For Arqiva

Systems Integration specialist Broadcast Networks has supplied Arqiva with a new operational area within its Chalfont Grove Media Centre to monitor and control the playout services supported from the facility.
Arqiva provides much of the infrastructure and services behind television and radio channels in the UK and internationally.
Designed to the highest specifications, the new area enables Arqiva to achieve greater operational efficiency and provides room for the company to expand its playout business in the future.
As one of the UK’s leading system integrators, Broadcast Networks was ideally placed to tackle this project. With more than 20 years’ experience, Broadcast Networks specialises in the design and implementation of HD and SD Master Control Rooms, studio systems, Outside Broadcast vehicles, On Location communications, satellite uplinks and facilities for streaming media.
Paul Wallis, Sales Director for Broadcast Networks, said: "As well as allowing room for future expansion of its services, Arqiva’s European Playout Centre needed to reflect the company’s position as an internationally renowned provider of broadcast and media services. The design brief was an important part of this assignment as Arqiva wanted to distinguish itself from the competition by creating a facility that would immediately appeal to its top tier customers."
Kevin Hunt, Arqiva’s Project Manager, says he is delighted with the results that Broadcast Networks has achieved.
"The new European Playout Centre looks stunning and reinforces Arqiva’s reputation for delivering high quality playout services," he said.
The new playout suite incorporates a horseshoe-shaped main control desk accommodating three operator positions. There is also room for a future operator position and an engineering position. A smaller desk facing the main control desk accommodates the TX supervisor. Both desks incorporate LED lighting that dramatically illuminates the legs of the desk.
Four monitor stacks, each comprising four portrait-mounted large format 52” JVC LCD screens, are positioned in front of each of the operator positions. Underneath each monitor stack is a storage unit with three 19” rackmount bays for mounting the PCs associated with the operational positions. In the corner of the room, out of sight behind a monitor stack, are three equipment racks with lockable rear doors integrated into the reception area’s dividing wall. This storage ensures the operational space is kept as free as possible from technical ‘clutter’ to maintain the futuristic, streamlined look.
Arqiva’s Media Centre currently monitors over 50 channels, and room for expansion has been built into the design. The European Playout Centre was officially opened earlier this month and is now in use 24 hours a day.
(LB)