OTV gets ready for new channel launch with upgrade

Egyptian private satellite television channel OTV - the first to be launched by Middle East telecoms operator, Orascom - recently invested in a NEXIO 3600HDX server with 4.8 TB of storage and supplementary RTX HD systems.

These new systems will enable Orascom to increase the storage capacity of its broadcast servers and enable it to play out more channels. This specific upgrade will facilitate the broadcast of a second OTV channel scheduled to come out later this year.

"OTV has been continuously upgrading for the last year since its launch," commented Said Bacho, managing director, Harris Middle East. "This is because Orascom has been very cautious in its initial spending as it is new to the media business. OTV, therefore, started with the basics for broadcast and now, it is gradually introducing the add-ons."

OTV already uses a range of Harris HD/SD broadcast servers and graphics solutions. It uses the Harris system to handle live recording, production and transmission at the new OTV studio facility located at the Egyptian Media Production City in Cairo.

The initial phase of the installation included multiple Harris NEXIO NX4000TXS transmission server systems, Inscriber G3 HD/SD-selectable character generator (CG) systems and Inscriber RTX broadcast graphics systems.

"OTV is one of several private channels that are launching in Egypt now. This market is growing at a phenomenal rate and we expect to see more sales in this region in the coming months," added Bacho.