HD Upgrade of SWR Playout Center in Baden-Baden

The system integrator will upgrade three of the four SD-based broadcast transmission chains to ensure consistent HD-based broadcasting. This includes the upgrade of the ingest and playout technology for the umbrella program and the regional windows for Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate as well as the HD upgrade of the transmission chain for emergency broadcasting. Wellen+Nöthen is also already preparing the system for the subsequent conversion to HD of the broadcaster Saarländischer Rundfunk.

Since the integration is taking place during ongoing broadcasting, the changeover will occur in several stages. Initially, all of the ingest functions will be upgraded to HD-enabled processes and operations, e.g. live ingest, file ingest, media-based ingest and quality control. This will be followed by the upgrade and conversion of the broadcast transmission chains, the inbound distribution and routers, the program distribution and the emergency broadcasting capacity for a multi-channel HD/SD playout. Wellen+Nöthen will also convert the automation system and technical installation for measuring and monitoring to a multi-format-enabled technology. In addition to the HD upgrade, the facilities will also be upgraded for double line subtitling.

Following completion of the integration phase and implementation of the new HD components, the company has also been commissioned with the downstream technical service and ongoing software maintenance during the operating phase.

About Wellen+Nöthen GmbH
As a specialist in innovative IT and AV solutions, Wellen+Nöthen GmbH is one of the leading German dealers in the broadcasting and media industry. With the strategic business divisions of Sales, Rental, System Integration and Service, the company offers a complete portfolio for the supply, integration and commissioning of conventional as well as complex standard and customized solutions. The range of products on offer embraces hardware and software from the world's leading branded manufacturers of media technologies, including Apple, Avid, Grass Valley, Isilon, Quantel, Sony and Vizrt. Wellen+Nöthen has also established a name for itself as Germany’s leading rental company, offering its customers a comprehensive equipment park. The company also sets new standards in the high definition sector: as a partner to its subsidiary HDinside, the company offers a broad and innovative HD rental portfolio. The spectrum of products and services is rounded off with professional services such as training courses, after-sales support and hotlines. With around 100 staff at its sites in Cologne and Berlin, the company looks after more than 2,400 German and international customers.