China’s Zhejiang TV Satellite Channel Migrates to HD With Grass Valley

By Adam Goldberg

Zhejiang TV
Satellite Channel, one of the most high-profile news and entertainment channels
operated by the Zhejiang Broadcast & TV Group in mainland China, has
committed to completely improving its video production facilities — from
acquisition to distribution — with new high-definition (HD) technology and
systems from Grass Valley.

A significant purchase of Grass Valley HD
equipment, worth approximately $1 million USD, was recently made to upgrade the
network’s two digital studios from standard-definition (SD) operation to HD
capability. The new studios will be fully operational and on air in the fall of
2009.
Among the new Grass Valley products to be
installed beginning in June are: eight LDK 8000 Elite HD cameras, two Kalypso
HD 2 M/E video production switchers, one Kayak HD 2 M/E switcher, a Trinix NXT
128×128 video router, and two K2 HD media servers. The equipment will all be
used extensively to produce a variety of news, live sports, and entertainment
programs.
“China continues to be a strong growth market
for Grass Valley and this new order from Zhejiang TV Satellite Channel
validates the commitment broadcasters in the region have to building the best
facilities possible with Gras Valley HD technology,” says Jeff Rosica, senior vice
president of Grass Valley. “When completed, this new facility will be
world-class in every way and help Zhejiang TV Satellite Channel develop new
programs and grow into the future.”
The Grass
Valley LDK 8000 Elite camera, capable of acquiring images in the 720p, 1080i,
and 1080p formats, provides value for production companies and studios working
with a variety of clients that have different HD needs. A newly designed
chipset contains a variety of useful features, such as digital cosmetics with
an independent, Emmy award-winning dual skin tone selection.