Sony Professional Services Contracted For GMTV Production Infrastructure Overhaul

Sony Professional Services has been contracted as the solution design consultant, systems architect and project manager for the overhaul of GMTV’s production infrastructure.
The project aims to achieve greater innovation in multi-media content creation and put more power into the hands of GMTV’s production teams.
The implementation of the project will take a phased approach and begin with the refurbishment of the Children’s Department & Promotions production network by Q4 this year. This will be expanded to include the GMTV Newsroom and main station programming by Q2 2008 across a multi-platform environment. The plans include the installation and integration of a central digital archive based on Sony PetaSite technology, which will enable all staff to access and utilitise archived digital content directly from their desktop.
“We wanted an experienced partner who could deliver an end-to-end solution with the flexibility and capability to meet the needs of our increasingly demanding audiences for the next few years,” commented Geoff Wright, Chief Engineer, GMTV. "We were aware of Sony’s strong track record in delivering innovative and tailored production systems and after reviewing the digital facility it delivered for NOB Cross Media Facilities in the Netherlands we were convinced that Sony was the only company for the job."
The project began with a six-week consultancy period, in which Sony documented all internal and external workflow procedures and individual operations requirements. This information was then translated into a production workflow document, which allowed for a specification to be agreed upon, a system design to be drawn up and all costs to be calculated.
The Sony solution will also cover the delivery of the system and include change management, training and support for the new technology and workflow.
“We are delighted to be helping GMTV respond to the changing media landscape and to fulfil its vision to become a 24/7 broadcaster," said Matthew Coombs, Director of Sony Professional Services, Sony Europe. "Its decision is another strong indication of how the European production market is evolving and with our skills and experience in designing and delivering these major transformation projects, we are well placed to help them make round the clock broadcasting a reality."
(DS/SP)