Channel 4 Selects Pro-Bel For Launch Of C4 HD
Reading, UK – 24th January 2008: The UK’s Channel 4, based in London, has successfully launched its first HD service – C4 HD – with core technology supplied by Pro-Bel. Channel 4 is a long-term customer of the company and this is the extension of an ongoing business relationship.
C4 HD, which launched in December, is carried on BSkyB’s digital DTH service. The channel, which runs in parallel with the SD variant, uses a mixture of native HD content – the amount of which is quickly increasing, according to C4’s Technology Projects Manager Robert Luggar – and SD content that is upconverted to HD.
As part of this service the broadcaster has purchased and installed additional Morpheus automation as well as Masterpiece master control technology and a 32 x 32 SD/HD Sirius router.
“We felt that the time was right to extend the channel’s presence into the developing HD market. With the amount of content available in HD increasing it made sense to do it now. The biggest technical challenge was not actually the video, it was devising the systems to handle the multitrack audio content. We were also working to very tight timescales and this HD solution had to integrate seamlessly with existing Pro-Bel technology. The installation was very smooth with the Pro-Bel technology working pretty much first time,” says Luggar.
“We have worked with Channel 4 closely over the years to provide it with systems as it grows and its business evolves. It is always particularly satisfying to extend relationships like this and it shows a clear confidence in our abilities,” says Adrian Scott, Chief Marketing Officer, Pro-Bel.
About Pro-Bel:
The Pro-Bel name is synonymous with innovative automation, media management and master control solutions as well as outstanding routing, control and signal distribution systems - all designed to be flexible and scalable, protecting the investment of the customer. With three decades of service to the international broadcast, post-production, cable & satellite communities, Pro-Bel has a unique understanding of broadcast workflow, and is an established leader in the provision of cost-effective solutions that compromise neither performance nor quality.
Contact Information:
Company contact:
Katharine Guy
Pro-Bel Ltd
Tel: +44 1189 214 294
katharine.guy@pro-bel.com
Press contact:
Jennie Evans
Manor Marketing
Tel: +44 1635 44991
jennie@manormarketing.tv
Images available at:
www.pro-bel.com/news_and_events/c/Press Information/