CCTV Chooses 5 Kahuna Multi-format Switchers to Power HD Production for Iconic Broadcast Facility

 

READING, U.K. — May 29, 2012 —Snell today announced that China Central Television (CCTV) has installed five Kahuna SD/HD multi-format switchers in core HD production studios within the network's landmark new headquarters building in Beijing. Snell regional partner CSS provided systems integration and installation for the project.

 

The distinctive new CCTV building has become one of the decade's most recognizable architectural projects, encompassing more than 197,000 square meters in eastern Beijing. The E01, E02, E04, E05, E11, E12, E13, E14, E15, and E17 studios are at the programming heart of the facility and are responsible for HD production of a variety of programs. When complete, the CCTV building will have a broadcasting capability of 200 program channels. 

 

For the largest studio, E01, CCTV has installed a 4-M/E Kahuna switcher with at least 48 input sources, four keyers per M/E, and 24 AUX bus outputs. An additional 1-M/E control panel provides secondary production capabilities for E01. Studio E02 has a similar configuration with a 3-M/E Kahuna switcher. Each of the E14, E15, and E17 studios, dedicated to live sports productions, features a 2-M/E Kahuna switcher with 3D DVE and color correction capabilities. 

 

"For the technology infrastructure to support the new CCTV studios, it was important that we selected international brands with a strong reputation in the industry for power, reliability, and performance," said Mr. Lun Han, general manager of system engineering for CSS. "The Kahuna met all of these requirements and performed well in our evaluations, and it was already well-known to CCTV for high reliability, innovative technology, and a friendly and intuitive user interface." 

 

"It is fitting that Snell Kahuna switchers have been chosen as essential live HD production components in one of the world's most high-profile and ambitious new broadcasting facilities," said David Tasker, senior vice president, technical services, Snell Asia. "When operational, the iconic new CCTV building will bring powerful and state-of-the-art new production capabilities to Chinese broadcasting — aided by the robust technology, massive power, and unmatched flexibility of Kahuna."