Sony Broadcast & Professional supports launch of MBC 2

MBC 2 is an English language channel, hosting movies, light entertainment and music for the Middle East region and was launched on the 12th January. The professional Services division of Sony BPE delivered a complete transmission complex for this new channel that includes a dedicated Transmission Control Room (TCR), Central Apparatus Room (CAR) and Master Control Room. Infrastructure has also been included for the provision of a Production Studio and digital editing facilities.

"The new channel will expose MBC to a new audience and we were delighted we could partner with Sony to achieve a successful launch," said Ihab El Baba, Technical Director, MBC.

Sony Broadcast & Professional won this contract based on the successful delivery of the original MBC Dubai Project, where Sony was the primary solution provider in the strategic relocation of MBC from its main headquarters in London to its new premises in Dubai Media City in 2001.

"We are pleased to continue our successful working relationship with the leading news and entertainment broadcaster in the region, and aim to further strengthen our association with MBC, supporting them with any future technological requirements," said Hassan Ghoul (General Manager) Sony Broadcast & Professional Middle East.

Sony closely managed all the third party suppliers and general contractors to achieve successful delivery of the project. MBC needed a partner to provide a professional service that would meet their technical needs but importantly their business needs. This would leave MBC to concentrate on their internal operations and the demanding preparations required to launch a new channel. Sony also supported MBC prior to launch with operational training combined with on-air engineering support.

"Sony expertly integrated the transmission facilities for MBC 2 under pressure and against challenging deadlines," said Ihab El Baba, Technical Director, MBC.

"Sony's successful relationship with MBC is based on their delivery of a professional service that meets our technical and operational requirements but also realises business benefits by meeting our business needs."

Against very challenging time constraints, the Professional Services division of Sony BPE provided MBC with their expertise in professional project management, planning and control, business support, logistics and the engineering services for the design, test and commissioning of the project.