CCTV utilizes Orad to Enhance Olympics Viewing Experience

Olympic viewers in China are watching the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing on five CCTV stations which rely on an array of HD broadcast graphics systems from Orad Hi-Tec Systems.

CCTV1 and CCTV2, are relying on an Orad ProSet HD virtual studio system tasked with integrating multiple live and file-based video feeds. Based on Orad's signature high-definition video graphics platform, ProSet affords unmatched power and robustness to ensure that even the most complex sets run reliably. CCTV has also deployed Orad's 3DPlay, interfaced to the official Beijing Olympic Broadcast database, in conjunction with the company's 3-D controller and integrated with CCTV's Sobey news system. 

CCTV5, has taken full advantage of 3DPlay's easily customizable controller to suit its specific production needs, which include translation of the operator interface into Chinese. Because 3DPlay also enables operators to create graphic pages on the fly, fewer pages have had to be created in advance, and relevant information has been broadcast more quickly. In addition, the CCTV 7 and CCTV HD channels have also been dedicated for Olympics coverage and are relying on Orad broadcast graphics. 

Orad's unique outdoor branding system is being deployed by CCTV to place 3-D virtual graphics on top of the station's own headquarters building. To accomplish this, the OBS uses a robotic remote-control camera situated on Beijing's World Trade Center Tower 2 and linked via fiber to CCTV's control room. 

Finally, for live studio productions, CCTV is deploying Orad's Maestro video wall system, projecting on a 60-square foot Barco screen. The system is based on two Orad HDVG rendering platforms feeding a combination of live and file-based graphics and HD video directly to the screen. 

"This is one of the most challenging and ambitious projects we've ever undertaken," said Avi Sharir, Orad president and CEO. "We take pride in this high profile accomplishment that positions Orad at the forefront of the real-time graphics market."