OUTSIDE BROADCAST NEWS

Systems integration – a specialised approach

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:58

A systems integrator is an individual or business that builds systems for broadcast, production and post-production clients by combining hardware and software products from multiple vendors.

Using a systems integrator that aligns cost effective, pre-configured components and off-the-shelf software to meet key business goals is preferable to more expensive, customised implementations that may require original programming or manufacture of unique components.

Creation of these integrated systems may include designing or building a customised architecture or application, integrating it with new or existing hardware, packaged and custom software, and communications infrastructure. Some systems integrators working in specialised areas, like installations or upgrades, may offer more customisation for specific applications.

Systems integration has traditionally been a crucial specialty and the existing hardware or software must be preserved within modern broadcasting networks.

Fortunately South Africa, with its modern broadcasting, production and post-production infrastructure, is well served on the systems integration front with a multitude of companies supplying equipment from a broad spectrum of manufacturers.

It is common practice for a single company to supply equipment from various manufacturers to satisfy the customer’s requirements. The ability to determine the correct mix of equipment and manufacture is a highly skilled area.

Existing customers also require upgrades to systems remain abreast with technology. Suppliers are required to cater for this need and ensure that upgrades are totally compatible with the existing infrastructure for seamless integration. For instance it is clear that file based systems are becoming the de facto means of signal storage as opposed to traditional tape formats.

Sales manager of Jasco Broadcast Solutions (formerly Spescom Media IT), Steve Lauter confirms this. “File based is definitely an on-going trend and the spin-off from this was pretty noticeable at the recent IBC broadcast technology trade show in Amsterdam where a number of vendors offered various archiving solutions.”

Colin Wainer of Inala Broadcast, a major systems integration specialist, concurs: “I would say that signal storage in the future will be totally file based.”

Sony South Africa’s Broadcast and Professional Division supplied a fully systems integrated high definition (HD) outside broadcast (OB) van to pay-TV broadcaster M-Net SuperSport this year.

“It has just been announced that Sony was awarded the contract to supply SuperSport’s OB division with another new 28-camera HD unit, similar to the recently completed OB6 HD,” says Sony South Africa’s Gerhard Strydom.

An OB van is a prime example of the intelligent use of systems integration. Space restrictions dictate that the correct mix of equipment is critical, and a look through any of the modern OB vans which travel the roads of South Africa confirms this.

Timbre Broadcast Systems’ Armand Claassens has also provided services for mobile OB requirements. “Malapati Productions are the kings as far as mobile OB rigs are concerned,” he says. “We are currently running 20 Panasonic cameras in three different rigs, two of which run the Tricaster 850 Extreme, which is a complete live integrated production system with ISO recorders.”

Systems will continue to evolve, expand and upgrade and the need for systems integration specialist companies and personnel will grow. South Africa remains abreast of world trends in this regard and offers world class product, service and support.

” SCREENAFRICA Print Magazine – October 2011 (view here)
By Andy Stead

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