Ross Video Powers beIN Sports Network in the Middle East

posted:

14/02/2014

In 2003 Al Jazeera, the Middle East-based media group, set up a dedicated sports network to televise international sporting events to viewers throughout the Arabian Peninsula. In January 2014, the network was rebranded as beIN Sports and its reach was extended so that it now broadcasts to viewers in France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the USA and all across the Middle East in Arabic, English, French, Indonesian, Spanish and Cantonese.

With its headquarters in Doha, Qatar, the beIN Sports complex is made up of nine separate studios that feature the very latest products from Ross Video, most notably Ross Robotics solutions. Studio 9, the largest studio on the site, features a full Ross Furio robotic camera system with 13 cameras that was supplied and installed by regional systems integration specialist Tek Signals.

According to Mr. Muhammad Saeed, Head of the Engineering Section at beIN Sports, the products are in almost constant use: “We have never been busier! There has always been a huge appetite for sport in the Middle East and we are now broadcasting everything from English Premier League football to World Superbikes, international Rugby, European Handball and all the major global sporting tournaments. As a result, our studios have virtually no down time and we have carefully chosen to partner with manufacturers who we know offer a great blend of performance and reliability."

One of the most popular programmes broadcast from Studio 9 is beIN’s coverage of English Premier League football on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Running throughout the day, the live shows feature multiple anchors and guests situated on various sets around the studio, making for a complex rundown. However, Ross’ Furio robotics system delivers impressive versatility and has allowed directors and operators to create a variety of dynamic panning shots that help keep the show engaging and vibrant. “Working with Ross Video has been an extremely positive experience and we are very pleased with the results," notes Muhammad Saeed. “The Carbonite switchers have proven incredibly robust, feature-rich and very easy to use and the Furio robotics systems have opened up many new creative possibilities for our team of directors."

One of the nine studios at the beIN Sports complex in Doha, Qatar

Commenting on the relationship David Dowling, Ross Director of Sales for EMEA, is quick to recognise the investment made by the Al Jazeera group. “The Middle East is a very dynamic market and the growth of beIN Sports over the last couple of years has mirrored the energy and ambition of the region. We’re very proud to be working with such a prominent network in the Middle East and this relationship should send a clear message to other broadcasters in the surrounding area that Ross is now a first-choice brand for the world’s leading media groups. We have the right products, the right people and the right support in place to create valuable partnerships with our customers.”

About Ross Video
Ross Video designs, manufactures and supports a wide range of innovative products for use in video production applications. Ross’ award winning product line includes Vision, Vision Octane, Vision Tritium, CrossOver and Carbonite Video Production Switchers; openGear, RossGear and GearLite Terminal Equipment; BlackStorm Video Servers; OverDrive Automated Production Control Systems; DashBoard Facility Control and Monitoring; Inception Media Management Systems; XPression Real-Time Motion Graphic Systems; NK Series Routing Systems and Ross Robotics. Ross MCP is a premium full service mobile sports production company, aligned to meet the needs to produce economical Internet and Broadcast content. Ross products are installed in over 100 countries around the world, and are used daily by top broadcasters, production companies, sports stadiums, government agencies and houses of worship.