BSkyB 'race away' with Sonifex Arc Multi Master System

BSkyB are the latest company to purchase an Arc Multi Master ISDN codec control system for a joint project involving Channel 4's TV and SIS at studios in Hayes.
The system has been installed for the launch of 'At the Races' – the new horseracing channel, which goes on-air in May 2002. 'At the Races' involves audio links to 15 racecourses and will be broadcasting daily.
BT had installed the 15 audio codecs in the BSkyB studios, each connected to a codec at the racecourse to allow commentary and communications between them, and BSkyB needed a system to control the calls to and from the racecourses.
The Arc Multi-Master is a system designed to do allow operators in different studios control of the whole ISDN communications system, routing ISDN telephone numbers for both incoming and outgoing calls.
Vaughan Rogers, Head of Sound Operations at BSkyB, said: "At the time of looking for our first system, we needed a reliable hardware solution providing simple interfacing to codecs – the Arc Multi-Master was the one system that could do all that, and more. For the 'At the Races' project, the choice of codec controller was straight forward, because our existing system is so easy to use."
Marcus Brooke, Managing Director of Sonifex, added: "I’m delighted that BSkyB have ordered another Arc Multi-Master System. It has been designed to offer broadcasters the unique benefit of making ISDN audio links as simple as using the telephone. Vaughan and his team have a lot of experience in using it already and I’m sure that the new system in Hayes will fulfil all of Vaughan’s needs."
The Arc Multi-Master combines state-of-the-art technology with ease of use at an affordable price. It is capable of controlling up to 16 codecs or can make and receive ISDN calls from internal terminal adaptor cards. Additionally, the PC-based ARC AkCESS audio routing and control software allows each studio to see the current status of every codec on the system.
Sonifex, www.sonifex.co.uk
(GMcG)