LYNX Technik AG® yellobrik® SDI to HDMI Converters with Fiber I/O Chosen for Peel Media’s MediaCityUK

MediaCityUK, located just outside Manchester city centre, is in the process of being built and will become one of the most innovative broadcast and media production facilities worldwide. Owned and managed by Peel Media, it will offer not only space for studios and post production, apartments and entertainment facilities will also shape the complex into a creative living environment. From a technology point of view MediaCityUK is based on cutting-edge system design. More than 20 million metres of fibre will be laid at the facility, serving as the digital back-bone and providing the infrastructure for the whole complex.

The yellobrik CDH 1811 SDI to HDMI converters with fiber transceiver option will be used as studio monitoring solutions and convert SDI signals to HDMI to visually monitor incoming feeds on the studio floor. The converters will be fixed to the rear of the studio floor monitors (1920x1080) and the fiber optic I/O option ensures the fiber transmission of SDI signals up to 10Km (6.2 miles) away, which allows the studio to take fiber all the way to the monitor.

"During our technology planning, decision making and careful evaluation of all available solutions, we felt that LYNX Technik yellobrik SDI to HDMI converters offered a unique and high quality solution to meet MediaCity UK’s requirements, comments Julian Knight, CTO of TSL. “The ability to convert directly from the fibre optic infrastructure to HDMI on studio monitors using the LYNX Technik SDI to HDMI converters saves in up-stream conversion and distribution," continued Julian Knight, CTO at TSL.

MediaCityUK is employing a novel approach to studio monitoring, using passive fiber optic splitters, rather than traditional distribution amplifiers to supply monitoring feeds to the studio floors. The CDH 1811 SDI to HDMI converter provides the final conversion link in the fiber transmission chain.

Phase 1 of MediaCityUK is scheduled for completion in 2011. It is envisaged as a substantial creative centre outside London, and is attracting a multitude of media players including broadcasters such as BBC North, which will make MediaCityUK its new headquarters and Salford University, which will open their new higher education center.

About yellobrik

Yellobrik are a range of standalone modular "brick" style interface products for broadcast and professional use. They are compact, simple to understand, easy to use and, all information is printed on the module, and all controls and settings are always easily accessible (no manuals needed). Each yellobrik includes the power supply, mounting brackets and comes in a custom plastic case for transport and storage. A 1RU yellobrik rack frame accommodates up to 14 yellobriks and includes external 12VDC power inputs, primary and redundant power options, as well as power failure alarm GPO outputs.

The yellobrik line includes:
· SDI to HDMI Converter· HD / SD Sync Pulse Generator with Genlock
· 3G SDI Reclocking Distribution Amplifier
· 3G SDI to Fiber Optic Transmitters (10 Km, 40 Km)
· 3G Fiber to SDI Receiver· 3G Fiber Optic / SDI Transceivers (10 Km, 40 Km)
· 3G Bidirectional Fiber Optic / SDI Transceiver

All yellobriks and accessories have a 2 year warranty.

About LYNX Technik

LYNX Technik AG is an industry leader and technology provider of signal processing solutions for broadcast and professional use. LYNX Technik AG is an independent privately owned company with its headquarters, research and manufacturing facilities based in Weiterstadt, Germany. Sales and Support is covered through secondary distribution channels managed from its headquarters in Germany and the USA.

About TSL

TSL is the UK's leading creator of integrated Broadcast Systems and a leading international supplier of innovative, professional Broadcast Products.

About MediaCityUK

Developed and managed by Peel Media, MediaCityUK is a long-term development for the creative and digital industries situated on a huge waterfront site at Salford Quays, just a few minutes from central Manchester. The first phase is spread over 36 acres but there is the potential to utilise the entire site of 200 acres over the next decade, depending on demand. The BBC will move around 2,500 staff to MediaCityUK from 2011 onwards. This will involve relocating five London-based departments, along with all local and network broadcasting currently operating out of Manchester city centre. The University of Salford have committed to a new higher education centre at MediaCityUK, which will accommodate more than 700 students and staff.