HITN-TV To Cut Over To FastBreak NXT Automation

The Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network (HITN-TV) will be cutting over to a new FastBreak NXT automation system by Sundance Digital at the heart of a new, larger broadcast operations centre located in the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard complex that is rapidly becoming the hub of New York's television, film and media industry.
HITN, which now serves over 30 million households in the US and Puerto Rico, installed its first FastBreak system from Sundance Digital several years ago which maintained a flawless performance record during its time of service. The upgrade to FastBreak NXT is a key step in the network's transition to all digital, HD-ready broadcasting out of a new facility that includes two larger production studios, an all-new expanded master control and digital production suites. The FastBreak NXT system will control two SD outputs: one for a satellite feed to Direct-TV and the Dish Network, and the other feed to MSO's (Multiple Systems Operator) such as Time Warner, Corncast, AT&T and Verizon.
Javier Casilimas, HITN's Chief Engineer, commented on the automation upgrade by saying: "The service from Sundance was fantastic! Their techs were here for two weeks for training and commissioning. They did a great job for us, especially in integrating all the component equipment. Now we can handle HD when we switch over."
FastBreak NXT automation at HITN will drive a SeaChange Broadcast Media Library/Media Client Platform, a Pro-Bel routing-switcher, Miranda's Presmaster and Imagestore-Intuition. "We plan to add Sundance's Intelli-Sat and SAM at a later date," added Casilimas.
Intelli-Sat is a satellite feed recording and management system and SAM (Sundance Archive Manager) manages near-line archiving. Both tightly integrate with FastBreak NXT.
HITN-TV produces a number of popular programmes seen nationally by Hispanic populations and rebroadcasts programming originating from Spanish speaking countries around the world.
Dan Rodriguez, Director of Communications and Public Affairs for HITN, remarked: "We have experienced tremendous growth as has the Hispanic demographic. The value of the FastBreak NXT is that it puts us on par with all the other major networks with regard to quality and technological capacity and allows us a much more efficient media platform."
The Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network Inc. was established in 1983 as a non-profit organisation to create a network of non-commercial telecommunications facilities to advance the educational, social, cultural and economic aspirations of Hispanics.
According to a Nielsen Media Research study, HITN-TV is among the Top 10 Spanish language networks in the country.
Further information is available at: www.hitn.tv.
Sundance Digital is a leading provider of automation solutions to the TV industry. Further information is available at: www.sundancedigital.com.
(KMcA/JM)