Omneon announced that licensed FIFA broadcaster SKY Perfect Communications Inc, Japan’s leading direct-to-home (DTH) provider and digital multichannel broadcast service, is using an Omneon Spectrum media server system to support the launch of a new HDTV channel dedicated exclusively to the 2006 FIFA World Cup. A reliable and scalable playout platform, the Omneon Spectrum server system enabled a smooth and rapid launch of SKY PerfecTV!’s new HD service.
The new HD channel is delivered over SKY PerfecTV!’s 110-degree communication satellite (CS) digital broadcasting service. The new channel went to air on May 9 and will broadcast all 64 matches of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, as well as past matches between competing teams, game forecasts, and other informational programming related to the tournament.
“SKY PerfecTV! required a smooth, cost-effective addition of a digital HDTV channel,” said Geoff Stedman, vice president of marketing for Omneon. “The Omneon Spectrum media server system offered the flexibility to get on air quickly with a hybrid SD/HD environment, integrating perfectly with their existing automation system.”
With the assistance of systems integrator Itochu Cable Systems, SKY PerfecTV! installed a mirrored multichannel SD/HD Omneon Spectrum media server system as their first HD server installation, under the control of Harris D-Series automation. The highly scalable architecture of the Omneon server system will allow SKY PerfecTV! to expand the system affordably and incrementally as necessary to meet the group’s future HD playout requirements.
More information about the Omneon Spectrum media server system is available online at www.omneon.com.
