ATG Broadcast Chosen as Studios and Postproduction Systems Integrator for Sky's Harlequin 1

The contract is grouped into three main technical elements and ATG has commenced work on two of these: a five-studio production centre plus a large post-production resource comprising 23 general purpose video edit suites, 11 fast turnaround edit suites, five playout edit suites, six Sky Sports News edit suites and six desktop post-production craft stations.

Also part of the post bundle is an eight-position Content Handling area, two Graphics Preparation areas, a New Media Production area and an International Commentary area. Auxiliary premises adjacent to ATG’s Letchworth headquarters have been acquired to accommodate equipment arriving for pre-installation testing. The ATG team supervising the installation at Harlequin 1 includes Deputy Project Manager Scott Adams, plus engineers John Brewer, Erik Olafsen and Kelvin Neath.

When completed, the building will provide office space and accommodate more than 400 data servers. Energy-conservation is a central feature of the structure, including a combined cooling, heating and power plant. The studios are designed to permit natural ventilation. Post-production and technical areas are centrally located with a high degree of access to natural daylight and fresh air, as well as views outdoors and across floors.

Graham Day, ATG Broadcast Managing Director, comments: "The systems being installed meet the highest standards of 1080i studio operation and file-based post-production. This facility is an impressive addition to the London skyline and proof of BSkyB's commitment to efficiency."

About ATG Broadcast

ATG Broadcast is a world-class supplier of broadcast systems planning, design, installation, commissioning and post-installation support services. ATG has the full resources needed to pre-build and test complete large-scale installations before delivery. The company is part of the Dan Technologies Group operating from offices in Britain, Denmark, Germany and Vietnam. The ATG Broadcast client list includes some of the world's largest broadcast networks and embraces the latest file-based high-definition digital networking technology. ATG systems are designed to allow easy upgrade and expansion, including migration to new transmission standards and delivery platforms.