Asharq Egypt upgrades to remote production
When Asharq Egypt set out to redefine its live production capabilities, it envisioned a state-of-the-art remote production studio that would seamlessly connect Cairo to its Dubai headquarters. To bring this vision to life, the broadcaster entrusted Broadcast & Studio Solutions (BSS) with the systems integration. Vijaya Cherian brings you the tech details.
Asharq Egypt, the broadcast network's third cutting-edge facility after Dubai and Riyadh, recently made a multi-million-dollar transition to an IP-based remote production model that has significantly reduced its operational costs owing to more flexible production scheduling and a decline in travel expenses. Headed by Asharq News Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Omran Abdallah, the project was integrated by local player BSS, whose role was to ensure that every element – from infrastructure to cutting-edge broadcast technology – was designed for efficiency, scalability and future growth.
'This project was not merely an upgrade but a complete transformation,' says Abdallah. 'The legacy systems in place were outdated, inflexible and incapable of supporting modern IP-based workflows. The new infrastructure, designed from the ground up, allows for effortless scalability, whether adding new cameras, increasing audio capacity or expanding the network's capabilities in the future.'
The upgrade saw the deployment of new technology designed to create a high-performance workflow tailored to the evolving needs of live broadcasting. The project went live last year without any disruptions.
Tareq Eid, Managing Director of BSS, says the integrator 'was fully involved in the end-to-end delivery of the remote production studio in Cairo, supplying all the equipment, handling the installation and overseeing the commissioning of the entire facility'.
For the video set-up in the new IP studio, Asharq Egypt has opted for Grass Valley LDX135 full SMPTE ST 2110 IP cameras coupled with Canon lenses. This project includes the addition of four cameras, eight microphones, four bodypack receivers and two video wall engines, all integrated for a streamlined and efficient production experience. The studio operation also features an Autoscript prompting solution, Vizrt graphics for dynamic visuals and Evertz sync generators to ensure precise system synchronisation.
Audio workflows were designed with Dante Audioover-IP architecture and an SSL audio mixer. The system also incorporates RTS intercoms for real-time communication, essential for live production teams managing complex broadcasts.
One of the most complex challenges in this project was ensuring low-latency, high-reliability connectivity between Cairo and Dubai to facilitate remote production. To achieve this, the team installed TVU RPC encoders and decoders as the main system and Nimbra for backup, ensuring seamless video transmission between both locations. After rigorous testing and optimising network performance, the integration team eliminated potential connectivity issues, allowing real-time collaboration and remote management.
At the heart of the system is a Cisco network switch that ensures stable, high-speed connections, facilitating 25 client connections and supporting the demands of a modern remote production environment. BSS ensured that all components adhere to SMPTE ST 2110, AES67 and Dante Audio standards, making it easier for Asharq Egypt to integrate future advancements without requiring major overhauls.
Although there was no formal vendor training on this project, Eid says BSS facilitated several in-depth technical knowledge transfer sessions with the broadcaster's in-house team. 'We offered sessions that provided detailed insights into the system's architecture, workflows and maintenance protocols. Additionally, BSS provided as-built drawings, manuals and comprehensive documentation to ensure a smooth transition and continued operational efficiency.'
'Our Egypt facility has already started delivering tangible business benefits,' says Abdallah. 'The integration of advanced video and audio solutions has enhanced the quality of live broadcasts, positioning Asharq Egypt as a major player in remote production. Furthermore, by consolidating operations into a centralised, connected environment, we have achieved greater control over our workflows, ensuring efficiency and adaptability.'
The new system at Asharq Egypt has a modular design that allows seamless integration of new tools such as AI-driven automation, cloud-based services and enhanced robotics for even greater production flexibility.
'BSS, as the sole systems integrator on this project, has delivered a future-proof broadcast facility designed to meet the current and future demands of a rapidly evolving industry,' says Eid proudly.
As media organisations worldwide embrace remote production and IP-based workflows, Abdallah says Asharq Egypt's investment is part of its objective to remain ahead of the curve.
'By being equipped with the latest innovations, we believe we will drive the future of broadcasting,' he concludes.
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