Japan’s key broadcast stations select Barco’s iSTUDIO solution for their new digital master control centers
Barco wins major 1st phase projects with Japan’s broadcasters in their transition to terrestrial digital broadcasting, amounting to a total of 3 million euro. iSTUDIO, Barco’S all-in-one high-density managed monitoring solution, is acknowledged as the most future-proof, flexible and reliable solution.
Kortrijk, Belgium – May 23, 2003 – In Japan, digitalization of TV broadcasting is a big national project. According to the government plan, terrestrial digital broadcasting is due to start in December 2003 in three major cities: Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. Every TV program in Japan will be digitalized by 2011. The transition generates and expands the demand of new digital equipment and Barco’s iSTUDIO has gained market acceptance as the most advanced concept solution for digital master monitoring applications. Barco’s iSTUDIO consists of a high-quality display with rear-screen projection, a graphic controller, and Web-based operating software. One projection module is capable of simultaneously displaying multiple analog and digital video, embedded audio and computer images (up to 60 channels). Two or more modules can be combined into a huge display wall to monitor hundreds of signals. iSTUDIO acts as a single point of control and includes advanced warning capabilities. With iSTUDIO, operators are no longer confined to a limited number of monitors. They can now size and move a virtual monitor anywhere on the screen for maximum viewing. This enables display of a higher number of video sources in the same amount of space and with the same number of operators.
The migration to fully digital in Japan will take place in three major phases of penetration. The first phase (2003 – 2004) has begun and nine key stations of the three largest cities, Tokyo (NTV, TBS), Osaka (MBS, KTV, TVO) and Nagoya (NBN, CTV, THK), have decided to adopt Barco’s rear-projection solution instead of CRT monitor solutions. Barco is confident that the success in the 1st phase will indeed set the standard for the digitalization projects and subsequent equipment needs of other key stations in large cities scheduled to start the project through the 2nd phase (2005 – 2006), followed by the remaining local stations through the 3rd phase (2007 – 2010).
Barco Control Rooms has successfully completed iSTUDIO projects for major players all over the world, e.g. for Telecinco, Kosmos TV, NTL, Optus TV, Orbit, Pan Am Sat, Prime Television, Time Warner, Turner, VRT, France 2, France 3, Euskaltel, Disney Channel, Echo Star, DirecTV, CNN
International, Canal Satéllite, Alfacam, ABC-KGO... The recent adoption of iSTUDIO by the major players in Japan is yet another confirmation that iSTUDIO is currently the most advanced solution for broadcast and distribution monitoring.
About Barco
Barco, an international company headquartered in Kortrijk, Belgium, is active in three key areas of imaging technology. Barco designs and develops solutions for large screen visualization, display solutions for life-critical applications, and systems for visual inspection. Barco has a network of subsidiaries, distributors and agents in almost 100 countries. Barco is quoted on Brussels/Euronext and is a
BEL 20 and a Next 150 company.
For more information, please refer to: www.barcocontrolrooms.com
