ASIAN TELEVISION NETWORK LAUNCHES CANADA’S FIRST SONY BITSTREAM AND VIDEOSTORE SERVER SYSTEM.

Multichannel video file server system allows ATN to operate two stations out of a single broadcast facility.

The Broadcast and Professional Group of Sony Canada Ltd. has announced the first Canadian implementation of its BitStreamTM MPEG-2 Encoding Unit and Video StoreTM Multichannel Video File Server System at the Asian Televisi on Network Inc. (ATN) in Newmarket, Ontario.

ATN is Canada’s first licensed broadcaster to serve the South Asian community. Granted CRTC approval in 1996, Asian Television is a multilingual South Asian service providing prime-time programming seven days a week. ATN’s services are distributed by cable and direct-to-home satellite service on a pay-per-use basis. ATN also broadcasts 24 hours a day on the Alpha Star Digital Television Network, a direct-to-home satellite television serving the US market.

Sony’s BitStream and VideoStore equipment comprise a state-of-the-art digital multichannel video file server system, delivering high performance in the MPEG-2 video compression format. Providing superb picture quality, the system eliminates the need for variable compression, delivers costs savings and storage overhead.

"Sony was the only company able to provide us with the customized solution to deliver the functionality we require," said San Chandrasekar, president of ATN. "With Sony’s cutting- edge technology, ATN can provide advanced quality television programming to South Asian communities in North America at significantly lower costs. Sony’s VideoStore is the ideal solution for our broadcast needs and services, now and in the future."

At ATN, the BitStreamVideoStore multichannel video file server system essentially allows ATN to operate two independent television stations out of a single broadcast and production facility. At ATN, the VideoStore system with a hard disk storage array manges the broadcast of on-air commercial insertions, promos and programming from a single control site, dramatically reducing storage costs. The current system is implemented as one input and three channel outputs with a storage capacity of 2.5 hours. As ATN’s services grow, Sony technology provides the potential to operate up to six independent channel outputs and 30 hours of storage from a single facility.

"The VideoStore system offers the ideal solution for broadcast stations such as ATN," said Pat Whittingham, senior vice president, Broadcast and Professional Group for Sony of Canada. "VideoStore delivers the flexibility to react quickly to advertising and programming opportunities, significantly increases on-line storage capacity and lowers maintenance costs, all while providing a high quality, digital on-air look."

In addition to the processes of encoding/storing and playing out material, the AirTracTM automation software also controls program play out through a Flexicart Muli-Cassette System.