Al Sharqiya prepares its jump to Ultra HD with the For-A HVS-1200 mixer

For-A installs its HVS-1200 production mixer in the news production studio of Al Sharqiya. Although it currently operates in HD, the switcher is 12G-SDI ready when the channel moves to Ultra HD.

Al Sharqiya Group, Iraq's first and largest private broadcasting company, was founded in 2004 by media magnate Saad al-Bazzaz with the launch of his satellite channel. Since then, the group has expanded its portfolio, offering a wide range of channels and services to both Iraqi and pan-Arab audiences. The group operates state-of-the-art transmission facilities in London, Dubai, Amman, Erbil, Baghdad and Basra.

Its flagship channels, Al Sharqiya Television and Al Sharqiya News, offer extensive coverage across the Middle East, North Africa and Europe across multiple platforms including satellite, OTT services and social media, where it has achieved significant reach with over one billion viewers during Ramadan.

Its news coverage originates from a large studio in dubai. He HVS-1200 mixer provides comprehensive control over cameras and sources, and is equipped with the For-A MELite technology, which allows the mixer 2 M/E create effects that appear to use six M/E paths in HD.

In addition to offering clear mixed vision and secure production control, the HVS-1200 also features a multi-display. This means wall monitors and on-set screens can be controlled from a single source, simplifying video architecture.

Ahmed BIN-Afif, CTO at Al Sharqiya Grous, comments: "We have been using FOR-A equipment for over a decade and have always found it reliable, versatile and packed with advanced features. The recent addition of their video switchers to our system has been especially impressive, offering exceptional performance and impressive true 4K outputs. For-A equipment is a vital part of our workflow, and we look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come."

Mohammed Abu Ziyadeh, For-A's regional director for the Middle East and Africa, also notes that "we are increasingly seeing customers choosing For-A's approach of traditional, proven hardware and SDI connectivity over our competition. The industry is in transition and For-A is well positioned for the shift to IP, but for now users want the security of well-tuned technology. Al Sharqiya is a prime example. The broadcaster's entire reputation is based on up-to-the-minute news coverage, so the study produces has to be in the air non-stop. FOR-A's established technologies guarantee that security.”