The challenge

In early 2008, e.tv, the first free-to-air television station in South Africa, unveiled its plans to launch a 24-hour news channel.  These plans necessitated the construction of two news studios supported by a server-based infrastructure – the first system of its kind in South Africa.  Furthermore, the project included two DSNG vehicles for news and current affairs coverage.  As part of its plan e.tv wanted to minimize its engineering crews in the field in order to capitalize on these skills at its production headquarters.  

Time was scarce, as the news channel was scheduled to go on air in June 2008.  e.tv needed to partner with a system integrator that could complete the work correctly – on time and within budget.

The solution

To facilitate this considerable expansion and to drive the work forward to meet the planned launch date, e.tv appointed MHz, a trusted SI to complete the work.

Based around an Omneon Spectrum server and a Dalet News Suite system, the file-based newsroom includes networked Apple® Final Cut Pro systems for editing and post-production.  MHz supplied around two-thirds of the broadcast equipment at this facility and completed the turnkey offering with it design and build of the custom control room furniture and equipment racks. 

To address e.tv’s need to minimize its crews in the field, MHz developed an innovative satellite remote-control system — M²RC (Megahertz Monitoring Remote Control) to allow e.tv to remotely control vehicles via a satellite link, using affordable off-the-shelf IP networking and switching technology.  

Why MHz?

Having built e.tv’s original studios and file-based newsroom in Cape Town in the late 1990s, MHz was already considered to be a trusted SI partner.  Consequently MHz was the natural choice to undertake the design and build of e.tv’s 24-hour file-based newsroom which together with its M²RC DSNG remote-control technology broke new ground.  This technology offered real operational and business benefits as it enabled e.tv to reduce crew sizes and engineering skills in the field — and offer an immediate return on investment (ROI).

With its broad range of in-house skills, MHz provided e.tv with a “one stop shop” to deliver a complete turnkey solution.  Furthermore everything was completed on time and within budget to the highest possible standard — and e.tv is already reaping the benefits today.

Business Benefits

• Value-driven technological solutions: MHz’s expert designers can create bespoke, hi-tech cost-efficient technologies such as M²RC.  This cost-effective DSNG remote-control solution fulfills customers’ technical requirements whilst remaining within budget.
   
• Fast turnaround: MHz has a reputation for turning draft designs into completed projects swiftly and reliably, saving client’s time and money. e.tv’s new file-based studios and remote-controlled DSNG vehicles were operational within five months of the order being placed.
   
• A trustworthy track record: With over 25 years of broadcast design and engineering experience, MHz can oversee the design and installation of a wide variety of broadcast systems, from news and production vehicles to the latest in tapeless high-definition production workflows.

        NEWSROOM / STUDIOS

• Omneon Spectrum server
• Dalet News Suite system — DaletPlus media asset management & workflow engine
• Apple Final Cut Pro editing and post production systems
• Ikegami cameras with Canon lenses
• Ross vision mixer
• Soundcraft B800 audio mixer

        DSNG VEHICLES

• Megahertz (MHz) M²RC remote-control system
• Advent NewSwift 1.5-metre antennae
• Harris video and audio routers
• Fischer Panda diesel generators