Ekattor in Bangladesh has deployed one of the region’s first Grass Valley AMPP, integrating systems and capabilities to help prepare for future production and distribution demands.
Ekattor TV, Bangladesh’s Bengali-language satellite and cable news television channel, started transmissions in 2012 and became the country's first news-oriented television channel to broadcast in full HD. Ekattor broadcasts from its headquarters in the capital, Dhaka.
Wanting to make editorial quality and technical progress its primary focus, the company has recently modernised its facility with one of the first deployments of Grass Valley AMPP in the region. The upgrade has made a practical step forward, giving the station the tools to manage modern production needs more effectively.
From Image Capture to Playout
The project is currently in the rollout phase and is scheduled for completion later this year. Local systems integrator Bangladesh Broadcast Systems built up a Grass Valley workflow that optimises resources for efficiency, from image capture to playout, and gives Ekattor greater flexibility through more options and integration capabilities.
The deployment includes six LDX 100 Series cameras which the team can use for image capture for both their news and regular programming studios. The image sensors are capable of the detail, colour accuracy and low-light performance the channel needs for an upgrade, and have a constant global shutter.
The cameras support multiple formats simultaneously, including HDR, 4K and have integrated LUT-based HDR-to-SDR conversion, allowing direct transitions between production standards. The connectivity options make it simple to integrate LDX 100 models into existing workflows, but also add flexibility by supporting new workflow possibilities and easing cross-team collaboration.
Combined with the integrated lens zoom control in the handgrip, the controls and customisable settings allow operators to adapt the cameras’ functionality to specific needs during production. Their adaptable architecture also means their functions can be expanded through software options, either permanently or daily, preparing Ekattor for future production demands.
Switching and Master Control
K-Frame VXP and Korona V Series Production Switchers are dedicated respectively to news and program studio production. The VXP is a full raster 4K UHD 2160p video production centre with enough power for processing 12G 4K UHD and 3G HD 1080p video, either uncompressed or using JPEG-XS compression. HDR capabilities are available through a software license. The switcher maintains original video quality across an I/O footprint of up to 48 inputs and 24 outputs, configurable as all SDI, all IP or a combination, with four full M/Es. Its IP connectivity supports 25GbE SFPs or 100GbE QSFPs.
Compatible with Grass Valley’s Karrera and Korona control surfaces, the VXP works well for Technical Directors. Each M/E features four keyers that support multiple keying modes, including chromakey and 2D Digital Picture Manipulators.
Also supporting HD, 4K UHD, WCG and numerous other formats to manage a wide range of signal sources, Grass Valley Masterpiece Master Control Switchers are used for channel branding and master control, with precise audio capabilities that assure the quality of content delivery. Ekattor’s operators can create dynamic visual presentations and brand identity with a simplified, adaptable interface that helps them build up viewer engagement and control the viewing experience.
The Sirius 830 Hybrid Router handles reliable instant routing. As well as the diverse format support like the other equipment, Sirius routers add hybrid processing features such as audio embedding, frame sync and delay directly into the router, reducing the need for extra equipment. In particular, audio routing includes support for embedded audio, MADI and AES3, allowing Ekattor to take audio from any input type, such as AES3 to 12G, and route it to any output. Intelligent embedding detects input formats and synchronizes audio from unsynchronized sources without loss. For asynchronous audio routing, discrete sample rates can be maintained from input to output to preserve quality.
Linear and Live Media Distribution
But the elements of the workflow that will help Ekattor modernise its operations the most may be those running directly on Grass Valley’s AMPP OS, Playout X and Framelight X. These cloud-native applications control linear and live media distribution, as well as media asset management to support flexible content workflows.
Playout X keeps media assets organised and accessible for playout through a content registration workflow that allows direct drag-and-drop functionality into the Playout X channel – operators can prepare and schedule content without leaving the platform. Its HTML5-based user interface is modern and customizable, integrating custom content preparation and playback tools and applications and allowing operators to configure control layouts that suit specific workflows.
With the integration of Framelight X asset management, media is federated into a unified, searchable system with browser-based access. Teams work from a unified asset pool, saving time, bandwidth and storage while allowing media to flow across production stages and from collaboration and editing to management, from any location. Rough cut editing and sequencing are included with a timeline approach, with GV EDIUS and Adobe Premiere integration.
Songram Abdur Rouf, Head of Broadcast Operations & Engineering of Ekattor, directed the project behind the scenes, lending the technical acumen and vision needed to bring it to completion.
“This upgrade was not just about new equipment, it was about setting up Ekattor TV for the future,” he said. “With Grass Valley’s AMPP and integrated solutions, we are now able to manage content more flexibly, adapt faster to changing production demands, and improve overall operational efficiency. It’s a strategic step that aligns with our long-term goals.” www.grassvalley.com
