Salam Media Cast announces new partnership with VidiGo

The new deal, which comes hot on the heels of similar arrangements with HoloVis International Ltd and Visual Unity, will enable SMC to expand its world leading capabilities in the Broadcast Solutions market and offer an even greater range of technology, solutions and services to its burgeoning client base in the Middle East and Europe.

Launched in 2006, VidiGo has developed a range of high quality, intuitive software products running on standard IT-hardware that liberate the use of professional video and make the production of AV content accessible and affordable for everyone.

Among the many software solution in the VidiGo range are VidiGo Live, a multi-camera live production solution that incorporates audio and video effects; VidiGo Toolbox, a software solution that allows broadcasters to easily incorporate Skype, Google Maps and YouTube into their programming; VidiGo Graphics, that allows broadcasters to interact with social media; VidiGo Works, a software for creating, editing and distributing processional video content; VidiGo Playout, for incorporating Adobe Flash graphics into a playout schedule, and VidiGo Visual Radio, which gives radio broadcasters access to online, mobile and TV platforms.

Paul Hennessy, CEO of SMC, says the new partnership with VidiGo will allow SMC's broadcaster customers to access some of the most sophisticated software solutions on the market.

"SMC has a proven track record in identifying the very latest broadcast technologies and we are constantly investigating new ways in which we can bring value-added solutions and services to our clients," he says. "Our new partnership with VidiGo is very exciting as it expands our ability to deliver innovative workflows that truly benefit customer specific requirements."

Hans Krouwels, CEO of VidiGo adds: "We are delighted that SMC is partnering with us and look forward to introducing many new customers to our product range. By replacing complex hardware driven workflows with easy-to-use VidiGo solutions, creative staff can regain control of their workflow while broadcasters can make substantial savings in investment and operational costs."

Based in Doha, Qatar, SMC has over 35 years' experience of systems integration in the Gulf region. The company represents many worldwide manufacturers such as Avid Technology, Quantel, SeaChange, Leitch, Vinten Broadcast Ltd, Telestream, Vizrt and EVS Broadcasting. It also serves TV channels and networks, movie studios and network operators in the region, providing telecommunications, broadcasting, integrated systems and state-of-the-art security.

In 2010, SMC joined GSSG Holdings as part of its Media Group, with offices in Qatar, UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. More recently, the company has been expanding its team by acquiring local and international talent, opening an office in the UK and diversifying its activities to reflect the technological changes that are taking place within the broadcast and media industries. This shift in focus is enabling SMC to enter new markets and develop its business in the multiscreen environment. It is also introducing new services such as Salam Media Cast Support, a cost effective service that is designed to help customers deal with their day to day maintenance requirements and simplify the management of multi-vendor hardware and software to ensure that systems operate at peak performance.