Article Overview

SABC shows clarity of vision with PIXEL POWER choice for FIFA WORLD CUP 2010

The Clarity V9 software is powering the graphics hardware.

Cambridge, UK – 28th June 2010 –– Pixel Power, the leading supplier of broadcast graphics systems, has today announced that it has secured a major graphics technology contract from SABC, for initial use on the broadcaster’s comprehensive Fifa World Cup 2010 coverage, then for deployment across its output. The deal has been overseen by Pixel Power’s South African partner Zimele Broadcasting.

SABC has ordered and installed four premium Clarity 5000 hardware units specified with audio, four-stream clip player and 3D graphics capabilities. Clarity 5000 units provide a dual-channel production solution for any SD/HD graphics requirement and are capable of all SD and HD standards. In addition SABC has purchased four Clarity 3000 units, again specified with audio, clips and 3D options.
The broadcaster has also specified Pixel Control Toolbox, a drag-and-drop development environment for creating custom data entry and control programs. This has placed the building of GUI controllers for the Clarity systems in the hands of SABC’s graphics department, a cost-effective and technologically elegant solution.
During the World Cup, SABC is broadcasting five programmes per day plus the matches themselves: Good Morning Mzansi, a soccer magazine programme and its evening equivalent Good Evening Mzansi; a mid-morning review show; Tjovitjo, a fan-fest programme and; 411, the match build-up slot.
Ivan Marks, Manager, Pre-Production and Graphic Resources in SABC’s Technology Division, says, “We are using an HD OB unit for our Fifa World Cup coverage on SABC 1 equipped with two Clarity 5000s. This facilitates the back-to-back production of more than 10 hours per day of live content. Two more Clarity 5000s are installed in a preparation area within a post production facility specifically built for the World Cup at the Sandton Convention Centre. Our graphics operators have been able to deliver brilliant content to air and the bar has been raised by SABC graphically. ”
James Gilbert, Joint MD, Pixel Power, says, “SABC’s Clarity users are a mixture of both designers and playout operators and they have found our new Version 9 software very easy to use. The simple control of sophisticated graphics, especially in a sports environment, is essential.”
Casper Klopper, CEO of Zimele Broadcasting, adds, “This was a highly competitive tender process over a significant period of time. To win the tender and get SABC on-air before the World Cup required tight focus and close liaison with the customer.”
James Gilbert concludes, “Not only is this an important further validation of our technological roadmap, but it highlights our ability to work to challenging timelines. Having a strong and established relationship with Zimele has proved invaluable in delivering the project on time.”

About Pixel Power

Pixel Power is a leader in the development and production of SD and HD broadcast graphics systems, news production workflow tools and live interactive content with more than 2,000 system installations worldwide. With a local presence around the world, the company’s award-winning solutions provide broadcasters, post-production houses and outside broadcast trucks of all sizes with distinctive, professional, reliable and cost-effective on-air graphics.

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