Kuwait Television prepares for a high definition future

Megahertz Broadcast Systems has completed the design and integration of a new High Definition outside broadcast vehicle for Kuwait Television (KTV), making this the first HD OB in the Middle East.
The vehicle, which was built by UK coachbuilders A Smith Gt Bentley, is 13.5 metres long and has one side capable of expanding to give the truck an overall width of 3.8 metres. The equipment list includes seven Sony HDC-950 High Definition cameras that work over Fibre, plus 64x64 SD (standard definition) and 64x64 HD (high definition) Sony Routers, a Sony MVS-8000A SD/HD vision mixer and a Studer Vista 7 audio desk.
Mr Salah Al-Siddiqi, Director of KTV Studios and Outside Broadcasting, said: “This OB vehicle - one of two planned by KTV - is the kind of project you don't invest in every year, so we had to think in future terms and acquire the latest technologies in outside broadcast. This new OB falls within KTV’s overall plan to renovate and empower its capacity to cover sports and national events. Although KTV is not broadcasting HD now, we have decided to make the truck HD as plans are being formulated to broadcast HD in the future.”
For this particular project, Megahertz worked closely with its Kuwait-based partner EEMC. Mr. Al-Siddiqi says the two companies were chosen to handle the systems integration because KTV had worked with them before on a number of projects, including the refurbishment of its Master Control Centre.
“We have a good working relationship with Megahertz Broadcast Systems and EEMC, based on good cooperation, teamwork and trust,” Mr Al-Siddiqi added. “Megahertz and EEMC offered KTV the best advice as to various complex choices between systems and technologies.”
Frances Jarvis, Managing Director of Megahertz Broadcast Systems, said: “This was a complex project because it involved such high specification equipment. However, we are delighted with the result and are very pleased and excited to have been involved in the building of the first HD OB vehicle for KTV. We are now working on a large HD vehicle for another customer and anticipate that, with the technological changes currently taking place in broadcasting, we will be asked to build many more.”
(GB/CD)