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NEP Acquires CBS Sports Contracts and HD12, HD1 Truck Units From NMT
Sep 5, 2008 - 10:34:37 AM

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National Mobile Television (NMT), in an effort to decrease its debt load and focus attention on servicing regional sports networks has sold its HD 12 and HD1 truck units and its CBS contracts and associated facilities to NEP Broadcasting. "While we greatly value and have enjoyed our relationship with CBS Sports over the last 10 years, this transaction is a critical piece of our planned restructuring and repositioning of NMT," says Frank Coll, NMT SVP, operations. "With a restructured balance sheet and a focused strategy, NMT is positioned to profitably serve its niche in this growing market."

The contracts with CBS Sports expands NEP's relationship with the network and includes PGA Tour Golf, Masters golf, NFL regular-season and post-season games, NCAA regular-season men's-basketball games, and the NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball Tournament.

Lou Borrelli, NEP Broadcasting CEO, says the deal is a good fit for NEP, which currently handles all other U.S.-based golf coverage.

"We were always interested in the HD12 and CBS golf relationship as it is the only TV golf we don't do," he says. "Strategically, we now have all schedule tour golf here in the U.S. and the majors, and we think that can result in better service for our clients as we approach it similarly to the way we handle NASCAR. We can manage it more efficiently and help develop better coverage."

HD12's three-truck design comprises a sideways-orientated production and graphics room in the A-unit, including an HD/SD LCD monitor-wall layout consisting of 135 monitors. The B-unit is dedicated to video, audio, and videotape/DDR replay, with the C-unit providing additional audio and graphics support and features a full-size rear lift and extra storage space for additional equipment. Components consist of a Sony MVS8000 HD production switcher with 80 inputs, a fully optioned Calrec Alpha 100 audio console with Blue Fin, RTS Adam Intercom System with fiber and coax buss expansion options, two Sony 1080i POV cameras, Sony 1500 HD cameras, Evertz Master Sync and Clock System with a GPS option, and a fully managed data network for maximum throughput.

Ken Aagaard, CBS Sports EVP, Operations, Engineering & Production Services, thanks NMT for its support of CBS during the past decade. "Having these assets and the terrific engineering staff that supports them in NEP's talented hands is a great outcome for them and for CBS Sports," he says. "I could not be happier."

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