Press release from Quinto Communications
OmniBus Systems, the award-winning provider of comprehensive broadcast automation, content management and workflow solutions, today announced that MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems, a subsidiary of the ASTRO ALL ASIA NETWORKS plc has chosen the iTX broadcast automation and playout platform from OmniBus Systems to power the launch of the new Astro B.yond HD service. Astro, Malaysia's largest pay-TV operator, went live with Astro B.yond HD at the end of 2009, and is now scaling up its iTX infrastructure to include ten dedicated channels for the best-ever live coverage of all 64 matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Astro B.yond, a multi-phased innovative service that is launching the first-ever high-definition (HD) broadcast from Astro to direct-to-home (DTH) satellite operators in Southeast Asia, will broadcast primarily in 1080i. Astro's innovative program of development includes the planned introduction of PVR and VOD services, together with IP connectivity.
"The iTX automation and playout platform from OmniBus Systems provides a highly flexible and scalable architecture, to which we can easily add cost-effective new HD channels," said David Thomas, vice president of content delivery technology at Astro. "This ability to make changes means we can quickly meet business needs by repurposing channels for signature events such as the World Cup, and new channels can be brought to air with very short lead times."
OmniBus Systems iTX is the next-generation solution that makes the conventional broadcast automation, master control and playout chain obsolete. Combining and exceeding all the functions of a conventional chain in a single, integrated suite of software applications, iTX is flexible, open and feature-rich, and offers a significantly more configurable and responsive end-to-end solution for a wide range of operating environments. With market-beating support for SD and HD formats, and exceptional ability to integrate with third-party systems, iTX delivers the most powerful solution available while significantly reducing the investment required to launch and operate high-quality channels in broadcast, IPTV, mobile TV, disaster recovery and business continuity applications.
"Astro is the regional leader in the satellite broadcast industry and an official pay-TV broadcaster for the 2010 FIFA World Cup," said Fintan Mc Kiernan, APAC regional manager, OmniBus Systems. "Its history of innovation and success has been built on the highest levels of robustness and quality in its broadcast systems. For its flagship B.yond HD service, iTX was the most compelling solution, bringing together all the functionality required for mission-critical broadcasting, and in the technically advanced and agile form today's leading broadcasters seek. We are very pleased to be offering this world-leading platform to the APAC market from our offices in Kuala Lumpur."