Showtime calls on Sony B&P expertise to complete move of HQ from London to Dubai Media City

Showtime's broadcast & post-production facilities recently moved from London to Dubai Media City and this phase will oversee the completion of this move. Showtime has succeeded in consolidating its complete broadcast operation in one location, Dubai Media City, whilst taking advantage of the latest in cutting-edge broadcast technology. Detailed design work has started and the project is scheduled for completion in mid-February 2005.

Sony B&P ME recognized internationally for its advanced broadcast systems is uniquely positioned as both a proven supplier and systems integrator. Sony B&P provides this 'systems integration' added-value service to customers through its Professional Services (PS) division. This division has the expertise and know-how to deliver best of breed technology solutions that can consist of other leading hardware, software and electronics vendors.

"We were very specific about our needs. Sony understood and responded appropriately and professionally to the brief for Phase I & II of this project. Working with Sony on Phase I was a mutually rewarding experience and we are delighted to be extending our relationship with them through Phase II," said Simon Dore, Senior Vice President - Technology and Operations, Showtime. "With the support of Sony B&P's expertise in this field, we believe that we have set a new standard and benchmark for broadcast operations in the Middle East. For example, we are in the process of creating a truly tape-less environment on a scale that ensures we achieve the operational and cost efficiencies so important to broadcasters today."

Showtime was pleased with Sony's system integration work completed in Phase I of the project last year, in terms of design quality, implementation timescale and importantly the ability to complete the project on budget. Hence, Showtime had the confidence in Sony's capabilities to deliver the right solution within the required timeframe, and felt that Sony was the natural choice for phase two of this important project.

"We are delighted to be working with Showtime once again on the second phase of this extensive project which calls on Sony to complete large-scale systems implementation and integration. Our Professional Services team working on this project, have developed a high level of expertise in understanding of the business needs of each customer and the market, delivering relevant solutions at the right price, in addition to providing high quality support post-installation," said Hassan Ghoul, General Manager, Sales, Sony B&P ME. "This team is heavily involved in the second phase of the Showtime project, whereby they will be incorporating additional play-out channels, ingest ports and server storage. Extra facilities will also be added such as subtitling and logo insertion and an archive library based on Sony's S-AIT Petasite."

Sony will integrate the solution for Showtime based on a combination of products from various known manufacturers including servers from Omneon, automation from Pebble Beach, subtitling from Screen, non-linear editing from Apple as well as Sony's archive system, video tape recorders and players and picture monitors. The complete system will boast a state-of-the-art cost effective solution which will fulfill Showtime's immediate needs with the ability to expand for tomorrow's needs.