Amedia Launches Pay TV Channels in Russia with Harris Broadcast Technology

On May 31, Moscow-based Amedia, a leading Russian TV and Film production company, launched two channels in Russia: Amedia Premium and Amedia 1, both simulcasted in HD and SD.

The two new channels, along with the existing Amedia 2 channel, are distributed nationally through cable, satellite and IPTV operators.  To bring the new channels to air, Amedia is building a new broadcast production facility based on a bespoke Harris Broadcast file-based workflow solution.  On the project, Harris Broadcast is working closely with local systems integrator RTV RTC.

The first of its type in Russia, this project represents the largest single order worldwide for Harris Broadcast’s Versio integrated channel playout solution, which will enable Amedia to rapidly launch, sustain and protect their new channels and services.  The new facility incorporates nine Versio systems, providing full redundancy for the four channels plus one extra channel that supports preview functions throughout the broadcast production center.  With all branding, graphics and video server functions built into a cost-effective software-based 1RU platform, Versio provides everything that Amedia needs to get their new channels to air quickly, affordably and reliably.

Furthermore, Versio provides Amedia with market-leading video and audio quality, ease of use and system expansion capabilities.  On this demanding project, automation of the four channels plus the preview channel is achieved using Harris Broadcast’s ADC automated content management and distribution system running a list redundancy function to ensure complete on air reliability.

Additionally, a large Harris Broadcast Selenio media convergence platform installation will provide all encoding (MPEG-2/H.264), file transcoding and audio processing requirements throughout the facility.  Other Harris Broadcast components include a Platinum router, 6800+ distribution equipment and MSA-100 multi-source analyzers for monitoring H.264 transport streams.  Harris Broadcast QuiC Pro software handles file-based QC of content, while the company’s Invenio Motion media asset management system controls the movement of file-based content throughout the entire workflow.

Founded in 2002 by renowned Russian film and television producer Alexander Akopov, Amedia has built a reputation as a technology pioneer within Russia and this project further illustrates its willingness to adopt new ways of working.  To launch the new channels, Amedia signed multiyear agreements with HBO, Showtime Networks Inc., CBS Broadcasting Inc., Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox Film Corporation, Starz and other networks and studios.  The first season of new Amedia channels will includes 40 TV series premieres totaling 30 hours a week.

“The launch of Amedia’s pay TV channels, Amedia Premium and Amedia 1, is a key moment in development of a company as a leading broadcast service provider.  We searched for a technology company to achieve our goals and we have exceeded our expectations by working with Harris Broadcast and RTC RTV,” commented Igor Vernovsky, chief technology officer at Amedia.

“With products and systems such as Versio and Selenio, Harris Broadcast provides next generation broadcast capabilities at very affordable prices.  Its ability to supply a complete integrated workflow solution suite to our needs and resources also differentiates it from other technology providers.”

With a local sales and support office based in Moscow, Harris Broadcast has identified the potential for significant growth in the Russia/CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) region for a number of years.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Amedia and demonstrate the potential that Harris Broadcast offers broadcasters in this dynamic regional market,” stated Mathias Eckert, vice president sales and service, Europe and Africa at Harris Broadcast.  “Russian television viewers will enjoy watching premium TV series and films in their homes and Amedia will appreciate the quality, performance and reliability that our workflow solution provides.”