TV Azteca gets World Cup kicks with Miranda
Story Highlights
TV Azteca, one of the largest producers of Spanish-language television programming in the world, has selected Miranda s HDV and HD-SDI interfacing for the 2006 FIFA World Cup soccer broadcasts in HD to its viewing audiences across Mexico.
The Miranda equipment includes 20 HD-Bridge Dec+ HDV to HD-SDI interfaces, XVP-811i up/down/cross converters, Densit Embedders, De-Embedders and Frame Synchronizers and picoLink miniature interfaces. This gear is installed in the network s production and distribution center within the International Broadcast Center (IBC) in Munich. After the event, it will be shipped back to the network s facilities in Mexico to support regular TV Azteca programming.
Miranda s interfacing, distribution, and processing solutions are built on exceptional technology, provide simplicity of operation, and deliver images of a very high quality, says Jorge Pickering, director of engineering of sports and special effects at TV Azteca. We were also attracted to Miranda systems because they are well priced and backed by excellent manufacturer support.
TV Azteca is using HDV cameras to capture World Cup play cost-effectively, and Miranda s HD-Bridge Dec+ provides high-quality conversion of HDV to HD-SDI to simplify recording, monitoring, and on-air playout. The interface features two HDV IEEE-1394 ports (iLink, FireWire) and multiple outputs, including composite and SD/HD component video, AES and analog audio, and LTC outputs. A RS-422 port is available for VTR control and a built-in cross converter allows 1080i/720p HD cross-conversion.
Miranda s XVP-811i up/down/cross converter accepts HD or SD at its input and provides continuous and simultaneous HD and SD outputs. The interface automatically detects the input format and performs the up, down, and cross conversion necessary to maintain a consistent format on the HD and SD outputs. By using AFD automatic aspect ratio control, the interface ensures optimal viewing in 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios without undesirable postage stamp ARC effects. The XVP-811i also offers 5.1-to-2.0 downmixing for easy audio monitoring of multichannel audio, and DolbyTM E Metadata insertion for efficient distribution of audio information across a plant.