Latest news with #ProductionCrew
Broadcast Pro
01-07-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Why MEA broadcasters are choosing evolution over revolution
The MEA broadcast landscape is evolving smartly, with broadcasters choosing technologies that meet current needs and prepare them for the future, building on proven foundations instead of starting anew. The broadcast industry loves to talk about revolution. IP workflows, cloud production, software-defined everything – the narrative often suggests that broadcasters need to tear down their existing infrastructure and start fresh. But here in the Middle East and Africa, I'm witnessing something far more pragmatic and, frankly, more intelligent: evolution over revolution. Working from our Dubai hub and supporting broadcasters across this vast, diverse region, I see firsthand how MEA operators are navigating technological change with a wisdom that comes from understanding their unique operational realities. They're not rushing to abandon proven technologies; instead, they're strategically adopting new capabilities whilst maintaining the rock-solid reliability that their audiences and stakeholders demand. The Reliability Imperative and Regional Diversity Consider the operational pressures facing broadcasters in our region. When Al Sharqiya covers breaking news across Iraq and the broader Middle East, or when Production Crew produces live sports coverage for Saudi Arabia's expanding entertainment sector, there's absolutely no margin for error. These aren't just business operations – they're critical communications infrastructure that audiences, governments, and sponsors depend upon. This reliability requirement shapes every technology decision. It's why Al Sharqiya chose our HVS-1200 switcher for their Dubai newsroom – not because it was the flashiest option, but because it delivers broadcast-grade reliability whilst future-proofing their investment with 12G-SDI capabilities ready for their planned Ultra HD transition. Similarly, Sharjah TV required absolute reliability for mission-critical government event coverage combined with creative flexibility for cultural programming, leading them to implement a sophisticated dual-switcher setup featuring the HVS-2000 as main and HVS-1200 as backup. These broadcasters needed technology that works flawlessly today but grows with them tomorrow. One aspect that outsiders often underestimate is the sheer diversity of our region. Technical standards, content requirements, infrastructure maturity, and production scales vary dramatically from country to country. A solution that works perfectly for a high-end sports production in Dubai might be completely inappropriate for a news operation in Lagos or a cultural programme in Cairo. This diversity actually drives innovation in interesting ways, pushing us to develop solutions that are genuinely flexible rather than one-size-fits-all. The Smart Hybrid Approach What I find particularly interesting is how MEA broadcasters are embracing hybrid workflows that blend traditional and next-generation technologies. Production Crew's new 12G-SDI outside broadcast unit exemplifies this approach perfectly. They wanted the creative flexibility of modern production tools, but they also needed the operational certainty that comes with native 12G-SDI infrastructure. This isn't about being conservative, it's about being smart. The 12G-SDI architecture provides immediate 4K capabilities with the simplicity and security that live production demands, whilst still offering pathways to IP integration when business cases and operational requirements align. The modular approach we see in products like our FA-1616HB-12G platform allows broadcasters to build exactly the functionality they need, whether they're focused on remote production with JPEG XS support, SMPTE ST 2110 implementation, or exploring new technologies like AI-assisted production. The most successful broadcasters I work with view technology as an enabler of content and business goals, not as an end in itself. This pragmatic approach is leading to some fascinating hybrid architectures: IP connectivity for remote collaboration combined with SDI infrastructure for mission-critical switching, software-defined capabilities for creative flexibility paired with hardware reliability for core operations, and AI tools for production efficiency integrated with proven broadcast-grade equipment for output quality. Building the Future Intelligently Perhaps most exciting is how this evolutionary approach is positioning MEA broadcasters for growth. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is driving massive investment in entertainment and sports production. The UAE continues to expand as a regional media hub. African markets are seeing unprecedented growth in local content production. Broadcasters who have built flexible, future-ready infrastructure, rather than cutting-edge systems that might be obsolete in two years, are best positioned to capture these opportunities. They can scale up for major events, adapt to new content requirements, and integrate new technologies as business cases develop. The MEA broadcast landscape is evolving rapidly, but it's evolving intelligently. Broadcasters are making technology choices that serve their current operational needs whilst preparing for future opportunities. They're building on proven foundations rather than starting from scratch. This evolution-over-revolution approach isn't just smart for individual broadcasters; it's creating a robust, adaptable industry infrastructure that can support the region's growing content ambitions. Whether it's covering major sporting events, producing cultural programming that reflects our diverse communities, or delivering the reliable news coverage that democracy depends upon, MEA broadcasters are proving that thoughtful evolution often beats dramatic revolution. The future of broadcasting in our region isn't just about having the latest technology – it's about having the right technology, implemented thoughtfully, supporting real operational needs and business goals. That's the kind of future I'm excited to help build.
Broadcast Pro
13-02-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Production Crew invests in Ikegami UHK-X700 cameras for new OB truck
UHK-X700 cameras are 3840 x 2160 RGB UHD-native and designed for use in pedestal or tripod mounted studio and OB applications as well as fully mobile electronic field production and newsgathering. Production Crew, a division of Riyadh-based AFLAM Productions, has upgraded its broadcast capabilities with the acquisition of 12 Ikegami UHK-X700 UNICAM-XE 4K-UHD camera systems. These cameras will be integrated into the company's newly designed 12G-SDI outside broadcast (OB) truck, ensuring high-quality 4K-UHD HDR production for live events. Each system includes the camera head, a 7-inch LCD viewfinder, BSX-100 base station, OCP-300 operation control panel and a T-430 tripod mounting plate. The OB truck, designed and built by Dubai-based El Baba Smart Technology, is fully equipped to handle large-scale outdoor events at full broadcast quality. Shady Mokdad, executive director of AFLAM Productions and managing director of Production Crew, said: 'We have been using HDK-73 cameras in our studios for many years and are very pleased with their performance and reliability as well as the technical support provided by Ikegami. Our aim in choosing UHK-X700 cameras is to bridge the quality gap between broadcast and digital film. 'Pre-purchase tests confirmed the excellence of the UHK-X700 cameras in terms of optical and electronic performance, thanks in good measure to their three 2/3-inch CMOS 4K sensors which incorporate a global shutter to provide freedom from rolling-shutter distortion and flash-banding artifacts. 'From an electronics perspective, each UHK-X700 supports a wide range of high-grade video processing functions, including high dynamic range and wide colour gamut as well as 16-axis colour correction, within a space-efficient and power-efficient ASIC. 'The cameras inherit the robust build quality that we associate with Ikegami products, allowing confident operation outdoors as well as in studio environments. The UHK-X700 also includes features necessary to sustain our reputation for creative excellence, such as optical vignetting correction, remote back focus adjustment, plus viewfinder-based focus-assist, safe-area markers and filter settings.' Mokdad added: 'Ease of operation is another major feature, especially important in today's world of multiple transmission formats and modes of delivery. The new vehicle is cabled to accommodate up to 16 camera systems if we need to expand our workflow.' Asim Saeed, Business Development Manager, Ikegami, commented: 'We are very pleased to be chosen as a technology partner in this high-profile project. 4K-UHD continues to increase in popularity as the logical mastering format for productions with a potentially long commercial lifetime. The UHK-X700/BSX-100 combination chosen by AFLAM's Production Crew team allows cameras to be securely linked up to 3 kilometres from their operating location, including the power to the camera head. Simultaneous output in HD SDR and UHD HDR video formats is supported, including mixed sources. 4K-UHD video is available as a 12G-SDI feed directly from the camera head, enabling the UHK-X700 to be integrated into a wireless system.' The UHK-X700 cameras, designed for studio, OB and electronic field production, feature a low centre of gravity for seamless operation on pedestals, tripods, or shoulder mounts. They also offer high frame-rate capture, supporting 2x speed in 4K and up to 8x speed in HD for slow-motion coverage of live events. The Ikegami OCP-300 controller enhances workflow efficiency, providing touchscreen LCD controls, rotary encoders, and PoE (Power over Ethernet) support. Its memory card slot enables quick and seamless camera setup, ensuring a streamlined production process.
