Middle East's first fully HD broadcaster bases playout on Omneon Spectrum server system

Watan TV and Watan TV plus both went on air earlier this month as part of the launch of the region's first all-HD broadcast facility. These new channels are owned by Dar Al-Watan, which also distributes Kuwait's leading newspaper and other regional publications.

"We liked the robustness of the Spectrum system, as well as its openness and interoperability with the different media file formats we will be using,"

said Ihab El Baba, technical director at Watan TV.

"But ultimately, as with everything in television, reliability was the driving factor. Along with the proven history of Omneon developing solid playout systems, the configuration of our new Spectrum system means redundancy is built in."

Watan also selected the Omneon Spectrum system because it plays standard QuickTime-wrapped clips natively and can sequentially decode DV or MPEG-2 content back-to-back. Because Watan TV will be originating news content, beating the competition to air will be critical, and the workflow efficiency of the Spectrum server was another key advantage.

Watan's new facility is divided between two sites. The first includes the largest TV studio in the Middle East, and a second smaller space contains HD studios and a master control room. The two playout channels will be managed by Pebble Beach Neptune automation. On the production side, programs finished on Final Cut Pro will be sent to the Spectrum system for eventual distribution to regional viewers via satellite.

"Omneon systems enable our customers to be innovative and give them a competitive advantage," said Geoff Stedman, Omneon vice president of worldwide marketing. "Companies such as Dar Al-Watan are bringing a range of engaging and informative television to the region and are doing so in the fastest and most efficient manner possible. The Omneon Spectrum server provides a reliable platform not only for today but as broadcasters grow in the future."