The Islam Channel has installed two Vectorbox 8000 HD systems and a Vector configured NAS system from Vector 3, a provider of graphics and playout solutions, to manage the automated, multichannel playout and production storage of three channels: Islam Channel, Islam Channel Urdu and Noor TV.
Islam Channel has two locations in London — a production center where all programming is created, and a broadcast center for continuity and live program playout and transmission. The broadcast center houses the two new Vectorbox 8000 HD automated playout systems and a custom Vector 3 NAS system to facilitate continuity playout of prerecorded programs and live playout of thematic magazine format shows with fully integrated production storage.
The Islam Channel’s broadcast facilities can support up to 20 channels, so Kiarash Bodouhi, head of IT, said that they needed an expandable system to support future growth. The Vector 3 technology fits this requirement and others perfectly.
With headquarters in central London, Islam Channel provides alternative news, current affairs and entertainment programming from an Islamic perspective. The Islam Channel has a global viewership with simultaneous transmission to studios in South, West and East Africa.
The Vectorbox 8000HD system provides HD playout and 24/7 reliability. Known as the all-in-one server, Vectorbox includes automation with a built-in video server and CG to offer broadcasters a robust solution that supports multichannel, multiformat playout. Features like automatic upscaling and downscaling enable engineers and operators to play out in either format from a mixed HD/SD playlist.
