Abit Helps NRK Make the Transition to HD Broadcasting

“The Abit system which controls all three NRK channels from the organisation’s new digital presentation control rooms in Marienlyst, Oslo, will now be upgraded to interface with various devices needed to manage HD workflow including the Snell & Wilcox Quasar and Alchemist Converters and the Pro-Bel Masterpiece HD mixer,” confirms Rob Leishman marketing manager at Abit. “HD footage is now being transmitted on NRK1, and the other channels will be upgraded to HD using the multi-channel dual redundant Abit hardware over the coming months.

“For some time we have been working with NRK to help the organisation achieve its digital vision for Norway,” continues Leishman. “Providing NRK with the capability to transmit all its three channels in HD is a significant step towards that goal.

“Following the system upgrade, material in both HD and SD will be converted to the correct format for all three channels in the transmission paths,” explains Leishman. “This will enable last minute changes to the schedule while ensuring content is broadcast with the correct format and resolution on each channel. Each conversion takes a finite amount of time, and to achieve frame accurate playout, Abit’s automation system evaluates the effect of each delay and initiates each element in the transmission path to ensure the material and associated graphics are played out in accordance with the schedule.”

NRK has also recently purchased one of Abit’s new ‘compact’ automation system for testing during the initial phase of installation at the facility. It will subsequently be used as a real time back up system to allow testing of new equipment and services, transmission during planned system maintenance on the main dual redundant system and operational training.

Abit is a privately owned, leading provider of tailor-made automation hardware and software solutions for broadcasters of all sizes. Clients include major broadcasters such as: MTV, NRK, RTL and CBC.

About Abit Ltd

Abit Ltd has been successfully providing broadcast automation systems incorporating strong media management facilities since 1992. The company's purpose-built, high performance systems have been designed with extensive interaction with the broadcast industry for use by a prestigious range of broadcasters such as: NRK, RTL and CBC. Additional information can be found at