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Saudi Arabia launches major TV network expansion
Editor ©RapidTVNews | 25-08-2010
As part of major infrastructure initiative enabling satellite, DTT and HD migration as well as new broadcaster provision and IP, the government of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched a next-generation TV and radio exchange network.
This initiative will see the deployment of a state-of-the-art solution for contribution between studios and broadcast facilities located across the country, and for the exchange of radio and TV content between locations. The network's first stage of deployment will include HD-capable terminals and a central earth station pointed to Arabsat 5A, which launched in June. The initial deployment will use Ku-band satellite bandwidth with the future option of Ka-band when the upcoming extra satellite capability becomes available.
To facilitate the project the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture and Information has employed the services of Newtec and local integration company First Gulf Company. Newtec's participation with its equipment in this major contract will also contributes to provision for the expansion of Saudi Arabia's capacity for DTT broadcasting, with the extra capacity being used both for migration to HD of the current channels, and to accommodate the first private broadcasters now appearing in the Kingdom.
The DTT network will migrate from one single MFN bouquet to different SFN bouquets and will be entirely based on Newtec Horizon technology, with up to 80 DTT towers being added throughout the Kingdom. In addition, SFN gap fillers will be added to expand indoor coverage.
"The provision of the best possible media and information infrastructure is a key priority for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," explained Dr Riyadh Najm, Assistant Deputy Minister for Engineering at the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture and Information. "Our programme is now progressing well, and this radio and TV exchange implementation is a cornerstone of the infrastructure project, where we are pleased to work together with professional and experienced parties — an essential base."
