Article Overview

ATG Broadcast Completes 13-Channel TV4 Sweden Expansion in Just Eight Weeks

The new four-position playout control desk at TV4 Sweden

ATG Broadcast announces the completion of a major expansion for TV4, one of Scandinavia's largest independent broadcasters. Completed in just eight weeks from order placement, the project equips TV4's transmission partner, Ericsson, to playout 13 Canal Plus sports channels: Sport 1 (Sweden), Sport 1 (Denmark), Sport 2, Sport 3, Sport Extra, Sport Fotboll (Sweden), Sport Fotball (Norway), Sport Hockey, Sport Extra 1, Sport Extra 2, Sport Extra 3, Sport Extra 4 and Sport HD. All channels are equipped to allow live recording for instant re-run on any channel.

"ATG Broadcast were the logical choice for this assignment as they have worked with us on many successful projects as the network has expanded in recent years," comments Pontus Wahlstedt, System Engineer & Chief Designer at TV4 Sweden's parent company, Ericsson Broadcast Services. "A key objective was to achieve the highest possible operational efficiency while maintaining flexibility for future expansion. This latest project included four additional positions in the master control room. Everything is configured in a similar operational style to existing MCR desks so that operators can move easily from one control position to another without having to learn a lot of new ergonomic procedures."

"We received the order mid July with an extremely tight deadline that meant commencing work almost immediately," adds ATG Broadcast Managing Director Graham Day. "System design was carried out by Projects Manager Dave Whitaker and submitted to Ericsson's engineering management team. With the plans approved and the equipment delivered, Senior Projects Engineer Scott Adams and Installation Engineer Kelvin Neath then commenced installation at TV4's Stockholm headquarters. The entire system was fully completed and ready to go live by August 27."

"The new installation follows the file-based playout structure of TV4's existing infrastructure operated under Harris automation," Dave Whitaker details. "Key elements of the new installation include Axon glue, a 64 x 64 Harris router expansion, Crystal Vision 3G-HD-capable 8 x 3 crosspoint switcher, vsmStudio control panels, an Evertz 88 input multiviewer, Genelec active audio monitors and Custom Consoles desk pods."

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About TV4 Sweden

TV4 Sweden commenced transmission via satellite in September 1990. Terrestrial broadcasts began on March 1992. Thirteen existing TV4 channels are transmitted from the network's Stockholm headquarters: TV4, TV4 HD, TV4 Plus, TV400, TV4 Film, TV4Guld, TV4 Komedi, TV4 Sport, TV4 Fakta, TV4 Science Fiction, TV4 Fakta Norway, Kanal 7, Canal 9 Denmark. In addition to its main channels, TV4 Group transmits 25 local television stations. A host of other activities and services are offered online, in mobile and on demand. See

TV4 Sweden

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About Ericsson

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. It is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, provides support for networks with over 1 billion subscribers and has a leading position in managed services. The company's portfolio consists of mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices. See

Ericsson

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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. See

ATG Broadcast

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