Harris technology helps Teleclub (Switzerland) migrate to HD

The new facilities include two Harris server systems to support its sports and series channels, along with Harris branding, signal processing and workflow systems.

Teleclub, Switzerland's largest pay-TV operator and one of Europe's first broadcasters, has implemented a major HD upgrade at its facilities in Volketswil, near Zurich.

Extensions include two server systems Harris to support its sports and series channels, along with Harris branding, signal processing and workflow systems.

Teleclub, which is currently available on cable television and IPTV platforms, is the creator of many of its own channels and the headquarters of several global brands. These include successful sports, series and film channels. When it comes to sports, the company has the broadcast rights to major events, including the Swiss football and ice hockey leagues. The key drivers of this project were being able to manage workflows when it came to live sports broadcasts and for all coverage to be available in HD.

Two Nexio systems

Of the two Nexio server systems, the larger is dedicated to sports and includes nineteen Nexio AMP quad-channel servers from Harris, providing a total of seventy-six HD channels. The Nexio Farad shared storage system includes Harris' patented Intrinsic Mirroring technology for end-to-end redundancy.

Teleclub has the capacity to record up to 36 HD channels simultaneously during a sports weekend. An extension of Nexio's in-place editing capabilities, developed by Harris, allows Final Cut Pro editors to work on files that grow as they are recorded and create instant headline packages for halftime and the postgame slot.

The second server system is dedicated to the broadcast of the series channels and includes six four-channel Nexio AMP servers, once again sharing the Nexio Farad storage system. The project also includes Harris' Invenio Motion digital asset management software, which allows users to design and automate custom workflows. It also ensures that all databases requiring access to content and metadata on the two new server systems remain synchronized without the need for any intervention. An extension to Harris' existing ADC automated content management and distribution system controls streaming from the new servers.

The installation also includes Harris' Selenio media convergence platform, which provides Teleclub with automated signal processing and logo insertion. The Selenio expansion helps control and monitor band-based video and audio signals throughout the facility. Additionally, its compact design reduces space, power and wiring needs.

“We had to create an infrastructure that could meet the HD expectations of our audience across all channels and we have taken this opportunity to develop a new workflow system that allows us to operate efficiently and effectively,” said Benno Zimmermann, director of the production and broadcast center at Teleclub. "We enjoyed a long and excellent working relationship with Harris and their local distributor, Videolink, and they were able to demonstrate that they had the technology and could implement it within the timeframes we had. We can now say that our live sports facility is incredibly stylish and impressive, and we couldn't have done it without Harris' outstanding support."

“One of the most important challenges we have faced has been the short period of time we had to reach an agreement on the functionality and the beginning of the new sports season, particularly because the project involved a significant element of custom development,” added Daniel Meyer, technology director at Teleclub.