German Public Television Broadcaster ZDF Chooses Harris Corporation NEXIO AMP® Advanced Media Platform to Support HD Migration

The rollout started in October 2009 and will continue through 2011. The first phase of the project is now complete and included the installation of two NEXIO AMP server domains. The second phase is due for completion within the next few months and will increase the existing installation to five NEXIO AMP domains. This multi-phased project will provide Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen with an entirely tapeless workflow at its transmission center, which drives the broadcaster’s main channel, as well as the ZDF Info, ZDF Neo, ZDF Theatre and 3sat channels. The project was managed by ZDF, with integration services performed by German systems integrator Studio Hamburg MCI.

“The Harris NEXIO AMP server was selected for its flexibility in handling high volumes of live content and for its ability to support multiple codecs, including the Panasonic® AVC Intra™ compression format,” said Richard Scott, senior vice president, global sales and services, Harris Broadcast Communications. “Scalability and easy integration with third-party automation and asset management software and technology were also key selling points.”

Harris Broadcast Communications offers products, systems and services that provide interoperable workflow solutions for broadcast, cable, satellite and out-of-home networks. The Harris ONE™ solution brings together highly integrated and cost-effective products that enable advanced media workflows for emerging content delivery business models.

About ZDF

ZDF (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen) is Germany's national public television broadcaster. It is an independent non-profit corporation under the authority of the Länder, the 16 states making up the Federal Republic of Germany. Based in Mainz, ZDF is operating a unique network of bureaus in all of the Länder capitals, and has major editorial and production capacity in Berlin — the nation's capital since reunification of East and West Germany. The core operation of ZDF is its nationwide television channel, which went on air in 1963 and today reaches its viewers by cable, satellite or terrestrial antenna, both in analog and digital format.

About Harris Corporation

Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and more than 15,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services.