National Geographic Channel Expands HD Resources With ATG Broadcast

January 12, 2007

National Geographic Channel has selected ATG Broadcast to provide expanded HD resources at the network's European postproduction centre in London. The project extends the capabilities of the HD postproduction and playout system installed by ATG Broadcast prior to the channel's commencement of 1080i transmissions last summer. It includes additional Sony HDCAM-SR multi-format recording and playback facilities in the audio postproduction suite. These are used in conjunction with an existing Avid Adrenalin video editing system. The Adrenaline itself has been enhanced with Dolby Audio Tools, Avid ProTools LE audio editing software, additional Dolby E multichannel sound encoding, decoding and monitoring and Rosendahl MIDI timecode interfaces. Tektronix HD signal analysers have been installed in the central apparatus room and master control room together with additional HD-interfaced Sony CRT picture monitors and a Trilogy Mentor reference generator with tri-state HD outputs. "The transition from SD to HD broadcasting has proceeded very smoothly and audience reaction to what is now practically a home-cinema experience have been extremely positive," commented Simon Brett, Facilities Manager at National Geographic Channel. "The Phase 1 video, audio and engineering system designed and installed by ATG Broadcast in early 2006 has worked very well. This latest contract provides supplementary equipment which will allow us to expand our HD output while still meeting the needs of SD audiences." "National Geographic Channel's progression into HD has proved very impressive," adds ATG Broadcast Sales Director Alan Pimm. "The channel's excellent audience ratings in the UK and worldwide confirm the value of combining high-quality factual content with high definition delivery. 1080i broadcasting has taken off faster than anyone in the broadcast industry could have predicted and is likely to become even more appealing as 1080-native screens begin to replace 720-line displays in the consumer market."

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