November 2017 MANAGEMENT 19
Megahertz looks to build alliance with partners in APAC
Can you give us an update on Megahertz ’ s business in Asia-Pacific and share with us some of the key initiatives you will be looking to push through in your new role ? Paul Jones : We have had a very exciting and productive time in Asia-Pacific recently . We have completed a large project for almost 300 channels of playout in Singapore and we are , very soon , going to deliver four outside broadcast ( OB ) trucks into Malaysia .
In addition to , and in support of , these projects , we have opened an office in Singapore and recruited a team of full-time support engineers . With these current successes , we are planning to open a further support office regionally .
I recently joined the company to grow the business and magnify its presence even further across the region .
With the resources we have available here , we are looking to further enhance our relationships with customers , strategic partners and vendors to ensure that we can continue to provide best-of-breed solutions . Successful business depends on having the right relationships and resources available to meet the needs of our clients .
What do you expect to be the key tech-
Sports broadcaster China Sports Media ( CSM ) has installed the TSL FlashBoard information and display system at its headquarters in Beijing , China .
Holding the rights to China ’ s football league , as well as many other Chinese and Asian events , CSM has a large amount of coverage to manage . This , said CSM , made keeping track of what was happening in each studio a challenge for staff and visitors alike as they moved around the production hub .
To overcome this , CSM chose FlashBoard , which allows the broadcaster to design tailored displays that are located outside each studio , in the control rooms and in other areas . Each display can include a free mix of live video and production information , including clocks and timers , workflow details and operator instructions , tallies and cue lights , as well as branding .
The displays are driven in real time from
With a new office opening in Singapore , systems integrator Megahertz is continuing to expand its presence across Asia-Pacific . Paul Jones , the company ’ s new VP sales , Asia-Pacific , shares more with APB .
nologies that will fundamentally impact the way Asia-Pacific broadcasters work ? Jones : There are many potential paths that a broadcaster may take but there is no single approach that would be right for all businesses .
Today , many broadcasters are considering whether 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) would bring value to their operations , or perhaps a move to cloud-based operations , or a hybrid approach where certain specific functions remain ‘ on-prem ’ and others leverage virtual technologies .
There is no doubt that IP technology plays a significant role and we are able to call on a wealth of international experience in this arena . The recent expansion of global over-the-top ( OTT )/ video-on-demand ( VoD ) operators has had an impact on subscription- and ad-based services , and it is essential to deploy the right technologies to compete . Frequently , the decisions that need
China Sports Media installs TSL FlashBoard
The TSL FlashBoard information and display system allows China Sports Media to design tailored displays that are located outside each studio , in the control rooms and in other areas . a central hub , while design of each display is via a simple drag-and-drop interface using TSL Products ’ virtual panel design software . The ease of design means that each location can have its own layout of relevant information , tailored to the size of the screen on which it will be seen .
Zhu Jianping , technical director at China Sports Media , said : “ We found that it was hard to keep track of what each studio was doing without referring to paper . We spoke to a lot of broadcasters who were very supportive of TSL Products and its control and display systems .
“ We were introduced to FlashBoard , which was exactly what we were looking for . As well as providing all the information we need to be more effective , it is also an opportunity for us to reinforce our brand identity .”
In the first phase of installation , which took place last month , CSM installed two control base stations to provide redundant control of 28 display systems , some of which are located outside the CSM facility .
Dan Bailey , broadcast control product manager , TSL Products , concluded : “ Because every single display can be tailored individually , FlashBoard allows the broadcast centre ’ s operators to get the right information to the right place .” to be made are not driven by technology alone , but also by commercial and corporate objectives that must be met . The agile , payfor-what-you-use nature of cloud services can look appealing , but network availability and cost can present challenges .
Careful selection of appropriate technologies can only proceed after a detailed analysis of many factors . Some broadcasters have the expertise in-house , others employ consultants , and some turn to us . We are very flexible in the way in which we work .
And how can Megahertz , as a key technology partner , help these broadcasters overcome the challenges and find the opportunities available in an increasingly evolving broadcast and media landscape ? Jones : It is about collaboration — being a true partner to the broadcasters who need to keep up with today ’ s consumers . Megahertz , as an independent systems integrator , is able
❝ It is about collaboration — being a true partner to the broadcasters who need to keep up with today ’ s consumers .❞
— Paul Jones , VP sales ,
Asia-Pacific , Megahertz
to offer unbiased advice to broadcasters on what technologies are available — plus , we have a breadth of experience in other markets .
We have worked extensively in Europe , the Middle East and Africa too . Experience and knowledge from those markets can certainly be put to good use helping customers in APAC . In business for more than 30 years , the combined knowledge of our engineering staff , across multiple disciplines , is astonishing .
We work together with our customers to enhance their workflow to stay ahead of the curve , by implementing imaginative design and integration that work to smarter business models .
Stronger together .
Benefit from the combined powerhouse of Masstech and SGL who manage billions of valuable media assets for content owners and broadcasters worldwide .
For what you value most .
Focus on what matters most knowing your assets are in the right place , at the right time and in the right format .
Worried about the future of Oracle DIVA ?
Discover the simplicity of switching to Masstech by importing your current DIVA database and using the assets already on tape . Attractive switching options available .
The home of FlashNet
Call : + 1 905 946 5700 | + 44 1489 889930 Email : info @ masstech . com | masstech . com
FN