Utah Scientific Router Packs Punch for NRK Sports-Related Flypack

NRK, the Norwegian national television broadcaster, has selected a UTAH-400 HD routing switcher and four associated control panels to serve as the core of a standalone fly-away pack that is mainly used for broadcasting remote sporting events.

The kit was first deployed for NRK’s widely watched coverage of the IBU World Championships Biathlon in Peongchang, Korea, which took place in February. During the event, 30 NRK reporters, producers, editors, and technicians were on the ground for two and a half weeks to broadcast the 10-day event. Future plans call for the 64×64 frame HD router, which is loaded 32×32, to journey to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia.

“The router performed perfectly for us in Korea, doing just what it was supposed to do,” said Magne Sivertsen, NRK technical supervisor. “While we don’t need the capability now, the fact that the UTAH-400 comes capable of 3-Gbps HD was important to us for future development. The UTAH-400 comes with a 10-year warranty, and we anticipate using it for many years to come.”

Based on advanced matrix architecture that simplifies the overall system, the UTAH-400 is deceptively powerful for its size and the amount of power it uses. The Utah control panels are ideal for a fast-paced remote operation because they make configuring the routing switcher intuitive, fast, and easy. The router’s crosspoint redundancy, as well as redundant power supplies and controller cards, are particularly valuable for a remote application when reliability is critical.

Government-owned NRK is Norway’s largest media provider, with three main television channels, three main radio channels supplemented by niche offerings, and a significant programming presence on the Web and mobile phone platforms. It’s estimated that every day, 80 percent of Norwegians watch or listen to NRK programming.

NRK is also a longtime customer of Sandar, a Norwegian provider of routing switchers that was acquired by Utah Scientific in 2008.

“Because of its size, power, and toughness, the UTAH-400 is an outstanding choice for a fly-away pack that may be pressed into service at any time and anywhere,” said Tom Harmon, president and CEO of Utah Scientific. “In addition, NRK’s selection of our UTAH-400 marks the successful kickoff of our alliance with Sandar.”