Abu Dhabi Media Company to pioneer high definition TV broadcasting across Arab World

The arrival of the first two vans has been fast-tracked following a deal announced with Thomson Grass Valley, a French company which provides the world's leading media, entertainment and communications companies with technology, services and systems.

According to His Excellency Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Media Company, the investment in HDTV technology plays an important part in communicating the emirate's landmark achievements throughout its economic, social and cultural development.

Al-Mazrouei said:

"As Abu Dhabi establishes itself as a world-leading destination for investments, arts, culture, tourism and sports, the media has a duty to chronicle this national success story in the best way it can. We are proud, therefore, that Abu Dhabi Media Company is pioneering a new era of HDTV reporting that further reinforces Abu Dhabi's status as the media hub for the Arab world."

On this event Edward Borgerding, CEO of Abu Dhabi Media Company says:

"ADMC is developing into a leading media player both within the region and globally. The delivery of these 2 vans with another 2 to come are further evidence of our commitment to world class content, distribution and technology. With high definition television rapidly becoming a global standard, this investment allows the company aggressively pursues content production and delivery strategies that can equal those available anywhere in the world."

Abdul Hadi Al-Sheikh, Chief Technology Officer at Abu Dhabi Media Company comments:

"Our partnership with Thomson Grass Valley has provided Abu Dhabi Media Company with the technical know-how and infrastructure to support this new era of High Definition broadcasting across the Arab world. Combined with innovative local content generation and cost effective production facilities, Abu Dhabi is increasingly reinforcing its role as a leading media hub for the region."

He also added: "ADMC's Corporate Technology is proud to announce the arrival of the first OB trucks. By combining the latest technologies, state-of-the-art full High Definition equipment and a professional OB team, ADMC will stand for the highest quality mega-events ever seen on TV across the Arab world."

The new vans, which carry between five to eight cameras, also feature Wireless High Definition camera's, Digital sound systems, HD sow motion disk recorders, HD transmission systems and air conditioning systems that can deal with extreme operating temperatures during summer. The new vans will be operational in September.