Portugal’s first private television station moves to all-IP solution with RTS intercoms

posted:

09/10/2019

SIC chooses RTS intercoms in new production centre

The move to a new state-of-the-art home gave SIC, Portugal’s first private television station, the opportunity to review its operations and invest in a range of new technology. While the broadcaster made many changes to its workflow, it decided to remain with the market-leading intercom brand that it has been using since the station’s launch, RTS.

SIC began broadcasting from its historic studios in Carnaxide in October 1992. After nearly three decades at the same site, the decision was made to move SIC to a modern production centre located at the Impressa Group headquarters in Paco de Arcos on the outskirts of Lisbon. The move allowed the broadcaster to review its operations, modernise its technology and step up to IP.

OMNEO IP architecture key for the studio’s all IP-based production facility

The €10 million project has seen SIC make the move to high definition production as well as shifting to video-over-IP under the ST-2110 standard. Underpinning this technical shift and ensuring clear communication is a new RTS intercom system.

Pantalha and RTS work with SIC on fast-paced installation project

“The new studio is all IP-based, so the customer wanted to have an intercom system that was also IP-based,” explained Bonifácio Ribeiro, CEO of local RTS partner, Pantalha. “SIC is a long-time user of RTS, they have been a customer since they began broadcasting. With the OMNEO IP network architecture providing the IP backbone to the system, it was possible for them to stay with a brand they trust. RTS leads the industry when it comes to IP solutions. Every component is IP-based and 100% compatible with Dante and AES 67 control as well as all common standards and protocols.”

The solution installed by Pantalha and SIC, with support from RTS, is based on an ADAM full-frame matrix. KP-5032 and KP-3016 keypanels have been installed in various locations. Completing the IP signal chain is a DECT-based ROAMEO wireless intercom system including AP-1800 access points and TR-1800 beltpacks.

The timescale of the installation was the most challenging factor, as SIC needed to vacate its old building to meet an extremely tight deadline. However, the RTS solution again proved itself. “It was very easy and fast to deploy,” noted Ribeiro. “Everything worked first time.”

Following the project, Ribeiro is happy to report that his customer is very happy with its new intercom solution. “RTS is a very strong player in the intercom business and SIC will continue to use RTS for a long time into the future.”