The massive presentation control suite at Nilesat's Cairo headquarters.
The new system was provided by PlayBox Neo channel partner Modern Broadcast Center (MBC) which is based on the west bank of the Nile directly across from downtown Cairo.
Nilesat Broadcast Manager Mohamed Samir stated that they required a solution which would integrate easily with their existing infrastructure. The primary requirements were a robust operating platform, user-friendly control, easy expandability and good technical support. PlayBox Neo's Channel In a Box was the logical choice given its proven success at many leading broadcast networks and playout service-providers around the world.
MBC's CEO Sabri Arafa said that the system they have supplied includes 40 AirBox Neo Playout servers in one-plus-one configuration. A great strength of AirBox Neo is its modularity which allows them to specify the exact capabilities needed to accomplish each project. The elements selected for the Nilesat project comprise AirBox Neo playout, CaptureBox Neo ingest, Titlebox Neo graphics preparation and titling, SafeBox Neo content and playout transfer, Multi Playout Manager monitoring and control and Multi-Backup Manager.
Arafa continued that installed in the apparatus room, the servers are currently being used for HD and SD channel playout and can be operated in UHD if required in the future. Playout is supervised from the facility's presentation control suite which is among the largest of its kind in the Middle East.
PlayBox Neo CEO Pavlin Rahnev commented that they are very pleased to have been chosen as a technology partner for this high-profile project. Nilesat is one of the world's largest satellite service providers and a very welcome addition to the PlayBox Neo user base. My thanks to the Nilesat and Modern Broadcast Center teams who have worked closely with us at every stage from initial design right through to system commissioning and post-completion training.
Designed for 24/7 unattended operation, AirBox Neo can also be operated manually – including the ability to handle live-to-air throughput. It is supported by a wide range of optional modules. Neo Channel in a Box and its SaaS-based equivalent, Cloud2TV, can deliver output in baseband SD, HD or UHD SDI, in DVB/ATSC-compliant IP streams and in web-based formats such as RTMP. Simulcasting of SDI and single or multiple IP streams is also possible.
