Latest News
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May 2013
dB Broadcast Reveals Latest Major Projects at BroadcastAsia2013
dB Broadcast will be at BroadcastAsia2013 in Singapore highlighting some of the major projects they have recently completed.
The company has been responsible for delivering three of the most significant broadcast projects to take place in Britain over the past few years, for clients including the BBC, Sky Studios and Arqiva.
The BBC’s Broadcasting House development involved re-locating much of the Corporation’s news facilities. This highly complex and mission critical contract covered the design, procurement, installation and commissioning of all equipment for video production located within the studios, galleries, edit suites, graphic areas, newsroom and local apparatus rooms.
In another flagship project with Sky Studios, dB Broadcast was appointed to install, test and commission the core technical facilities covering the central technical areas and master control room within the new Sky Studio building at Osterley in the UK.
dB Broadcast has also completed a four year contract from Arqiva to supply and install Programme Input Equipment (PIE) as well as installing all cross-site cabling at 90 UK transmitter sites as part of digital switchover (DSO). The company was also selected to help with the Channel Clearance project to use the spectrum freed up by analogue switch-off by moving channels out of the 800MHz spectrum allocated for 4G services.
The dB Broadcast management team will be on hand at Stand 5E1-01 throughout BroadcastAsia2013 to demonstrate dB products and discuss any system or product requirements.
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May 2013
dB Introduces New High Performance Hawkeye Modules
Leading UK-based systems integrator, dB Broadcast will use BroadcastAsia2013 to introduce several new products to the Asia Pacific market, including an ASI monitoring and switching module, and the new DVB-T2 monitoring receiver module.
The new IQASI82 module is an ASI TS Monitor with a 2x2 near-seamless switch that provides independent TS monitoring of two input streams and automatic switch operation that is configurable by the user. The module is used to ensure broadcast continuity in the event of input stream errors.
The IQASI82 retains all the features of the well-established Hawkeye B082S module, with the added advantage of integration with Snell IQ Modular frames and the RollCall Monitoring and Control system. The module can also be remotely monitored and controlled via the Snell SNMP interface. First customer shipments of the IQASI82 module have already commenced.
The new DVB-T2 monitoring receiver module is called the IQDBT04 and is based on the successful MERlin DVB-T2 monitoring receiver. The IQDBT04 module receives an RF input signal and monitors key RF signal performance parameters such as MER and LDPC. Transport Stream integrity tests are also performed and the demodulated stream is available as an ASI output. The IQDBT04 module is expected to be available for delivery in Q3 2013.
The modules can be seen in demonstration at BroadcastAsia2013 at the dB Broadcast stand 5E1-01 and at the Snell stand 5D3-01.
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Apr 2013
dB Broadcast and Snell introduced new ASI module at NAB 2013
At NAB2013 dB Broadcast Ltd and Snell introduced a new ASI monitoring and switching module for the Snell IQ Modular frames, called the IQASI82 module.
The new module retains all of the features of the well-established Hawkeye B082S module from dB Broadcast, with the added advantage of integration with the Snell IQ Modular frames and RollCall Monitoring and Control system. The module can also be remotely monitored and controlled via the Snell SNMP interface.
The IQASI82 module is an ASI TS Monitor with 2x2 near seamless switch that provides independent TS monitoring of two input streams and automatic switch operation that is configurable by the user. The module is used to ensure broadcast continuity in the event of input stream errors. Any combination and mix of Snell IQ modules can be housed in the frame - saving space and money. The IQ frame, PSUs and any appropriate Snell modules can either be purchased from Snell or from dB Broadcast.
The product is available for immediate delivery.
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Mar 2013
Monitoring RF Signals with dB Broadcast Receivers
dB Broadcast Ltd have a range of solutions for receiving and monitoring RF broadcast signals. With solutions for both analogue and digital, DVB-T and DVB-T2, dB Broadcast have an industry leading range of products for transmitter site monitoring and off-air monitoring.
Monitoring of RF broadcast signals is a critical aspect of a broadcast network operator’s ability to ensures their customers do not experience signal reception issues. Effective monitoring equipment gives visibility across the network of both transmitter performance and configuration.
The industry leading Hawkeye modular range of solutions now includes a DVB-T2 monitoring receiver module. The Hawkeye B105 is based on the successful MERlin DVB-T2 monitoring receiver and provides equivalent functionality to MERlin, but in a modular form factor. The Hawkeye B105 solution is ideal when multiple DVB-T2 RF broadcast signals are monitored at a single location. Up to 14 modules can be installed in a single 3RU frame.
MERlin is a self-contained receiver for continuous off-air demodulation and monitoring of DVB-T2 and DVB-T signals. MERlin monitors input RF modulation parameters and signal performance metrics including MER and Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) status. The product is optimised for use at relay/repeater/gapfiller sites as it provides only the critical information required for remote monitoring.
The Showman 1000 Off-Air Receiver from dB Broadcast is a multi-standard analogue TV demodulator for professional broadcast applications and is capable of receiving RF signals from all terrestrial and cable analogue broadcast TV standards.
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Feb 2013
dB Broadcast welcomes Graham Pearl as Engineering Director
dB Broadcast, the Cambridge based systems integrator, has moved to further strengthen its management structure with the appointment of Graham Pearl as Engineering Director.
Graham, who spent a previous period with dB over a decade ago, returns with a brief to ensure the effective and efficient running of the engineering department.
In the short term, he will be applying his broadcast industry experience to the task of developing staff, including dB’s in-house wiring team. In the longer term, Graham will be helping to formulate and initiate a business strategy plan to allow dB to develop upon recent successes.
Graham will be supported in his role by a restructuring of senior positions within the engineering department. Mike Bryan will become the Head of Solutions with Gareth Evans taking the role of Head of Broadcast.
Since starting as an apprentice at Pye TVT in Cambridge, Graham has worked throughout the broadcast industry in a number of different engineering positions.
He holds an Electronic and Electrical degree from the University of Central Lancashire and has worked for companies such as Pro-Bel and IPE.
David Bird, MD of dB Broadcast says, “I am delighted to be able to welcome Graham Pearl to the board of dB Broadcast. I have known Graham since we were apprentices at Pye TVT and he will bring extensive experience and knowledge to our operations.
“I am confident that he will help the company to continue meeting the challenges of a demanding industry”
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Feb 2013
ASI Monitoring and Switching in Broadcast Networks with dB Broadcast Hawkeye IQ Series
The first Hawkeye module to be available for the IQ frame is IQASI80 series ASI transport stream monitor/switch module. The IQASI82 module has identical features to the well-established Hawkeye B082S module, with the added advantage of integration with the Snell RollCall system. The module can also be remotely monitored and controlled via the Snell SNMP interface.
IQASI82 is a dual ASI TS Monitor with 2x2 near-seamless switch. Two input Transport Streams are routed to the main outputs under the control of the integrated 2x2 TS switch. Near-seamless switching is a technique developed by dB Broadcast that minimises disruption to the output stream by maintaining TS synchronisation when switching between sources.
IQASI82 also provides independent TS monitoring of two input streams. Critical checks are performed on both Transport Stream inputs and the user can define which of these trigger alarms or switching. The implemented measurements are fully compliant with the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) measurement guidelines ETSI TR 101 290, (this standard is also commonly used when monitoring ATSC signals). The IQASI80 series supports 188 byte, 204 byte, packet, byte and burst mode ASI.
In conclusion, dB Broadcast have solutions for monitoring and switching in ASI networks that enable operators to ensure continuity of their broadcast signals. These solutions are now available for the Snell IQ modular and RollCall control and monitoring system, extending the range of applications supported by the Snell IQ modular system.
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Feb 2013
dB at Broadcast Video Expo 2013
dB Broadcast, will be using their presence at Broadcast Video Expo 2013, stand B8 to highlight some of the major projects they have undertaken over the past 12 months.
Over the last couple of years, dB have been involved with flagship projects such as Sky Studios in Osterley, the BBC’s Broadcasting House development in London W1 and Arqiva’s UK DSO (digital switchover) programme, three of the most significant broadcast projects to take place in Britain over the past two years.
With the Sky Studios project, dB Broadcast was appointed to install, test and commission the core technical facilities covering the central technical areas and master control room within the new Sky Studio building. These facilities, that included 400 bays and 35 desks, have enabled them to distribute their programmes to many platforms, including the traditional satellite feeds, new media streaming, mobile phone services and many more.
The BBC’s Broadcasting House development involved re-homing much of corporation’s news facilities. The contract with the BBC covered the design, procurement, installation and commissioning of all equipment for video production located within the studios, galleries, edit suites, graphic areas, newsroom and local apparatus rooms.
In 2009 dB won a 4 year contract from Arqiva to supply and install Programme Input Equipment (PIE) and install all cross site cabling at 90 UK transmitter sites as part of digital switchover (DSO). This project was completed at the end of last year
Representatives from dB Broadcast will be on hand throughout the exhibition to demonstrate dB products and discuss any system or product requirements.
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Jan 2013
dB Broadcast showing new Hawkeye modules at BVE 2013
dB Broadcast, the Cambridge-based independent systems integrator and manufacturer will be introducing a new Hawkeye module at BVE 2013.
In collaboration with Snell, leading innovators in the digital media market, dB have developed a new ASI monitoring and switching module for the Snell IQ Modular frames, model IQASI82.
The new module retains all of the features of the well-established Hawkeye B082S module from dB Broadcast, with the added advantage of integration with the Snell IQ Modular frames and RollCall Monitoring and Control system.
The module can also be remotely monitored and controlled via the Snell SNMP interface. The IQASI82 module is an ASI TS Monitor with 2x2 near seamless switch that provides independent TS monitoring of two input streams and automatic switch operation that is configurable by the user.
The module is used to ensure broadcast continuity in the event of input stream errors. Any combination and mix of Snell IQ modules can be housed in the frame, saving space and money.
The IQ frame, PSUs and any appropriate Snell modules can either be purchased from Snell or from dB Broadcast.
The module will be on show at dB Broadcast stand B8, BVE2013, which is being held at the Excel Centre in London from 26th-28th February. Representatives from dB will be on hand throughout the exhibition to demonstrate the products and discuss any system or product requirements.
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Nov 2012
dB Broadcast Smash Monitoring Receiver Units Sales Record
dB Broadcast, the Cambridge-based systems integrator and manufacturer, has enjoyed a record breaking year for sales of its professional broadcast receiver products.
Over 1000 of the MERlin DVB-T2 monitoring receiver unit, Hawkeye B104 DVB-T2 modular receiver and Showman 1000 multi-standard analogue television receiver/demodulators have been shipped.
Sales of the units have been strong in Europe and North America, as well as countries such as South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Brazil.
MERlin was launched in late 2011 and has been designed for continuous off air terrestrial reception and monitoring of DVB-T and DVB-T2 RF signals, or for direct monitoring of a transmitter.
The Hawkeye B104 module provides terrestrial reception of DVB-T and DVB-T2 RF signals and is typically used as part of Re-Broadcast Link (RBL) transmitter systems.
The Showman 1000 series can be used with PAL, SECAM and NTSC analogue television standards, allowing for operation across the world.
dB Broadcast continues to enhance its receiver product lines and recently introduced the Hawkeye B105 DVB-T2 modular monitoring receiver that combines measurement capability, technical performance and versatility with unrivalled packing density of up to 14 modules in a 3RU frame.
Tom Swan, Sales and Marketing Director at dB says, “Sales figures for both the MERlin and Showman in 2012 products and Hawkeye modules reflect dB’s status as a major supplier of professional broadcast receivers.
As a company we’re equally committed to providing cutting-edge solutions for the digital age, while supporting existing analogue systems which remain popular in many countries”.
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Aug 2012
dB Broadcast introduces Hawkeye to Snell IQ at IBC2012
Cambridge-based system integrator and product manufacturer dB Broadcast has announced that its range of Hawkeye ASI modules will be available for the Snell IQ Modular frame.
dB will continue to supply Hawkeye systems with the standard V1606 frame but the company’s partnership with Snell and the IQ Modular range will provide greater world wide appeal for its Hawkeye products.
The ASI transport stream monitor/switch module is the first to be available for the IQ frame. The IQASI82 module will be on show at IBC and has identical features to the well established B082S with the added advantage of integration with the Snell RollCall system. The module can also be remotely monitored and controlled via the Snell SNMP interface.
dB's Hawkeye range provides accurate monitoring and switching of many types of broadcast signals. This gives local indications to maintenance personnel, as well as remote status signals that provide information to a control centre or system controller. Hawkeye also provides main/redundant switching to avoid single points of failure through the signal path.
Any combination and mix of Hawkeye and Snell IQ modules can be housed in the frame - saving space and money. The IQ frame, PSUs and any appropriate Snell modules can also be purchased directly from dB Broadcast.
Tom Swan, dB's Director of Sales and Marketing, says: "The introduction at IBC2012 of Hawkeye for the IQ Modular frame will give users a wider choice of frames and control systems opening up many more areas of the world to dB’s products.
During 2011 dB shipped its 10,000th Hawkeye module. The two most popular modules are the B082S ASI monitoring and switch module, and the B104 DVB-T2 receiver module."
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Jul 2012
Hawkeye B105 DVB-T2 monitoring receiver launched at IBC2012
Leading UK independent system integrator and product manufacturer dB Broadcast is introducing a DVB-T2 monitoring receiver module for its Hawkeye range. Designed at dB’s Cambridge development facility, it is based upon the hugely successful Hawkeye B104 receiver module, which is operational within the UK DVB-T2 network.
The Hawkeye B105 monitoring receiver provides additional RF and ASI monitoring facilities compared to the B104. The B105 has a built in Web interface allowing simple remote control and monitoring. A SNMP interface is provided for integration with Network Management Systems making it an ideal product for use at un-manned transmitter sites.
The structure of a DVB-T2 signal is complex and requires detailed monitoring to ensure that the correct format is transmitted. The module monitors key RF signal performance parameters such as Modulation Error Ratio (MER) calibrated to 35dB, which give early indication of signal degradation. Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) to determine the status of error correction is used in conjunction with MER.
The B105 module monitors RF modulation parameters against programmable user templates. Transport Stream ASI parameters are monitored including PAT conformance and PID presence against a user defined list of expected PIDs.
Tom Swan, Sales and Marketing Director at dB Broadcast says: “This new module combines measurement capability, technical performance, versatility and reliability at a price which will enable its wide scale deployment in a transmission network.
This modular approach to monitoring provides an unrivalled packing density with up to 14 receivers in a 3RU frame.”
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Jun 2012
dB Broadcast showcase MERlin at Broadcast Asia 2012
dB Broadcast, the leading UK independent systems integrator and manufacturer will be showcasing the MERlin DVB-T2 receiver at Broadcast Asia 2012.
MERlin, which was launched in late 2011, has been designed for continuous off air terrestrial reception of DVB-T and DVB-T2 RF signals.
Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, have ordered 800 MERlin units, which are being deployed at television relay sites throughout the United Kingdom as part of the digital switchover.
Other selected dB products will be also on show at the exhibition including the Hawkeye range of ASI switching and monitoring modules and the market leading Showman 1000 series of multi-standard analogue television receiver/demodulators.
Representatives from dB Broadcast will be on hand throughout the exhibition to demonstrate dB’s products and discuss any specific requirements.
Tom Swan, Sales and Marketing Director at dB Broadcast says: "The MERlin DVB-T2 receiver combines measurement capability, technical performance, versatility and reliability at a price which will enable its wide scale deployment at DVB-T or DVB-T2 Relay sites in a transmission network.
“With so much interest in digital television, it’s easy to forget that the majority of people around the world still watch television using traditional analogue reception therefore we continue to show the Showman analogue receiver.”
Broadcast Asia 2012 will be held from 19-22 June 2012 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
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May 2012
dB Broadcast sponsors The Outward Bound Trust 2012 Diamond Cup Regatta
Leading broadcast systems integrator dB Broadcast is pleased to be the main sponsor of The Outward Bound Trust 2012 Diamond Cup Regatta.
The three-day regatta starts from Portsmouth Harbour on Sunday 17th June, and includes a black tie fundraising dinner at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes. A total of 15 identical 40’ yachts are scheduled to take part, including a team from dB.
The Outward Bound Trust is an educational charity which raises money to help young people improve their social and emotional well-being through access to adventure experiences. The Trust helps young people to realise their true potential by building aspirations, self-esteem and resilience.
dB Broadcast took victory in last year’s regatta and will be hoping to defend their title in 2012. As well as sponsoring the event and competing, dB will also be providing a yacht for young members of The Outward Bound Trust.
David Bird, Managing Director of dB, says: “It is well known that my company is enthusiastic in training young wireman and graduate engineers and this is partly because of the excellent training I received when starting out in the industry. I also like outdoor sports and activities including climbing and this started as a teenager when I joined an Outward Bound Trust activity week. I am therefore pleased to be able to support The Outward Bound Trust in their fundraising activities by sponsoring this sailing event as well as taking part”.
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Apr 2012
Arqiva deploying 800 of dB’s new MERlin DVB-T2 monitoring receiver
Leading UK independent system integrator and manufacturer dB Broadcast has received the largest single order so far for the MERlin DVB-T2 monitoring receiver.
Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, have ordered 800 MERlin units, which are being deployed at television relay sites throughout the country as part of the digital switchover.
The MERlin DVB-T2 monitoring receiver was designed at dB’s Cambridge development facility and is based upon the hugely successful Hawkeye B104 receiver module, which has already been deployed by Arqiva throughout the UK DVB-T2 network.
The new DVB-T2 standard allows much higher bitrates using the same bandwidth occupied by the original DVB-T system. This is achieved using higher order modulation and the advanced error detection and correction from DVB-S2, all of which can be monitored by the MERlin unit.
MERlin is a self-contained 1RU unit that monitors key signal performance parameters such as Modulation Error Ratio (MER), allowing for the early indication of signal degradation and Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) to determine the status of error correction. The unit can also monitor RF modulation parameters against programmable templates.
Arqiva continues to use the Hawkeye B104 modular version of the DVB-T2 receiver for re-broadcast at main transmitter sites.
Tom Swan, Sales and Marketing Director at dB Broadcast says: “This order confirms dB Broadcast as a leading product supplier within the broadcast market as well as one of the leading system integrators. The UK DVB-T2 roll out is one of the first major DVB-T2 deployments in the world and dB Broadcast is proud to be supporting Arqiva in this significant achievement."
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Mar 2012
dB Broadcast appoint Dave Allister - Engineering team
dB Broadcast, the Cambridge based systems integrator, has added further expertise to its in-house engineering team with the arrival of Dave Allister.
With over 50 full-time staff, dB Broadcast is one of the largest systems integration companies in the UK.
Dave joined dB early in 2012 and has been working on a London based project, where he is responsible for migrating a number of playout channels.
A former student of the University of Salford, Dave graduated in 2006 with a first class honours degree in Media Technology before taking a job as a proposals engineer.
During this time he gained specialised knowledge in all aspects of systems integration from large OBs, SNGs and studios, working with various customers such as the BBC, SIS Live and ITN.
In 2010, he transferred to project engineering and took on a series of projects including the design and build of the first HD satellite uplink for the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation.
Sales and Marketing Director Tom Swan says, "dB Broadcast has seen steady growth over the last few years and it is dB's policy to grow the business by employing in-house staff rather than relying on large teams of contract engineers.
“By using our dedicated in-house engineering team which is now 18, we ensure an excellent standard of design combined with consistent quality.
“With the support of our in-house wiring technicians, the engineering team are able to commit to completing large projects on time.”
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Jan 2012
dB Broadcast awarded major studio project at BSkyB
dB Broadcast, the Cambridge-based independent system integrator, has recently received a major studio order as part of BSkyB’s continuing development of their state-of-the-art production and broadcasting facility in Osterley, West London.
The Sky Studios building, initially comprising 5 studios, opened on the 30th June 2011 after dB Broadcast installed and commissioned the Broadcast Centre comprising MCR, Playout and its core shared technical facilities - 400 bays and 37 operational desks. For the remainder of 2011 dB continued to work closely with Sky personnel to migrate all the existing services to this new facility.
BSkyB continues to expand and dB Broadcast has recently been awarded a further contract to fit out two additional studio floors and one gallery brining the total to 7 studios. The final studio floor is being made ready for use with an OB van on an adhoc basis. This includes extending the studio infrastructure to the OB wallbox designed for this purpose.
In addition to the Studio installation, dB Broadcast is also delivering the expanded Master Control and core infrastructure systems to enable the integration of these studios into the wider campus.
dB's design team will work with the customer to develop and produce the design requirements and build information, including the purchase of critical-path equipment. dB will also be responsible for the desks and other operational furniture and at its peak, the team will comprise of four engineers and 11 wiremen.
Mike Bryan dB Project Manager says, "This is another fantastic opportunity for dB to work with Sky to deliver these next studios. We are really pleased to be more involved in the complete delivery from the design all the way through to commissioning."
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Jan 2012
dB at Broadcast Video Expo 2012 stand i53
dB Broadcast, the leading UK independent systems integrator and manufacturer will be showcasing the MERlin DVB-T2 receiver module at Broadcast Video Expo 2012. MERlin, which was launched in late-2011, has been designed for continuous off air terrestrial reception of DVB-T and DVB-T2 RF signals and 300 units have already been delivered.
Other selected dB products will be also on show at the exhibition stand.
Aside from product displays, dB Broadcast will be using their presence at Broadcast Video Expo 2012 to highlight some of the major projects they have undertaken over the past 12 months.
BSkyB continues to expand and dB Broadcast has recently been awarded a further contract to fit out two additional studio floors and one gallery brining the total to 7 studios. The final studio floor is being made ready for use with an OB van on an adhoc basis. This includes extending the studio infrastructure to the OB wallbox designed for this purpose.
Work is underway on the installation of the video production areas within the BBC’s Broadcasting House redevelopment in central London, W1. The contract covers the design, procurement, installation and commissioning of all equipment for video production located within the studios, galleries, edit suites, graphic areas, newsroom and local apparatus rooms.
In 2009 dB won a 4 year contract from Arqiva to supply and install Programme Input Equipment (PIE) at 90 UK transmitter sites as part of digital switchover (DSO). With DSO having already taken place in many regions this project will be completed later this year.
Representatives from dB Broadcast will be on hand throughout the exhibition on stand i53 to demonstrate dB’s products and discuss any system or product requirements.
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Dec 2011
dB close to completion of Digital Switch Over PIE contract
dB Broadcast, the Cambridgeshire based system integrator and manufacturer, is close to completing a major contract awarded by Arqiva to supply and install Programme Input Equipment (PIE) at 90 television transmitter sites across the UK as part of digital switchover (DSO). The contract is due for completion in mid 2012.
dB is the UK’s leading supplier of PIE systems and products for monitoring and switching signals at transmitter sites for which dB can customise the PIE configuration to meet the customer’s exact requirements.
They have also been responsible for the installation of PIE equipment where fibre and copper structured cabling and data network hardware was provided between the sites’ incoming Points of Presence and the transmitter terminal equipment. These integration solutions have been for the physical layer RF, ASI and Ethernet.
Tom Swan, Sales and Marketing Director at dB Broadcast says, “dB Broadcast is pleased to be part of such a large and prestigious project which is testimony to dB's expertise in providing PIE systems and the quality of the Hawkeye products.”
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Nov 2011
dB Broadcast adds transport stream monitoring to MERlin
Leading UK independent system integrator and product manufacturer dB Broadcast has further refined the recently launched MERlin DVB-T2 monitoring receiver unit.
Having already shipped over 250 MERlin units, dB Broadcast have now added a payload checking option to confirm that a valid and correct transport stream is being transmitted.
A typical payload failure is caused by a modulator fault, which results in a constellation but no payload content. MERlin can now monitor PAT conformance and PID presence against a user defined list of expected PIDs. This option will begin shipping in November 2011.
MERlin is a self-contained terrestrial receiver for continuous off-air reception and monitoring of DVB-T and DVB-T2.
The unit measures Modulation Error Ratio (MER) to indicate RF signal performance and LDPC to determine how hard the error corrector is working to reconstruct the input signal.
Programmable templates are used to check that input RF modulation parameters match the expected configuration and ensure that the correct signal structure and format is transmitted.
Tom Swan, Sales and Marketing Director at dB says, “As the first DVB-T2 monitoring device optimised for use at relay sites, MERlin already provided a valuable tool to ensure trouble free operation of RF rebroadcast networks. Payload checking has been added in response to requests from our customers to provide confidence that their content is delivered as intended.”
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Sep 2011
dB Broadcast announces further expansion to its full time workforce
dB Broadcast, one of the UK's largest independent systems integrators, has announced further expansion to both its engineering and wiring teams. Mitch Honey arrives as a trainee wireman, Jack Marshall will be assisting in the design and implementation of embedded software, while Edward Waife joins as a systems design engineer.
Mitch Honey has been handed a place on dB’s highly successful apprentice training programme. Mitch joins dB after gaining an NVQ Level 1 in Performing Engineer Operations and City and Guilds in Electrical Installations Level 2.
Jack Mitchell recently graduated from the University of Leicester in Embedded Systems Engineering. As well as working on the design and implementation of embedded software, he will be investigating new technologies and platforms to incorporate into the dB Broadcast products line.
With dB’s workload having continued to increase in recent months, Edward Waife will add additional expertise to the systems design team. After graduating from the University of Fairfax in Computer Science, Edward completed an MSc in Electronics and Computer engineering at Brunel University, and then spent several years at Harris as a product support and test engineer. At dB he will undertake system design, but specialise in configuring complex IT based broadcast systems.
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Aug 2011
dB Broadcast Commences Migration at Sky studios
Leading UK independent system integrator dB Broadcast won a prestigious contract from BSkyB to build the Broadcast Centre technical facilities within their new production and broadcasting facility and this new building, called Sky Studios was opened on the 30th June 2011.
dB Broadcast was appointed to install, test and commission the core technical facilities within the Broadcast Centre, comprising 400 bays, 37 operational desks and 1,000,000 metres of cable. This is now more than 90% complete. This includes the playout system and the first channels were recently successfully migrated from the existing installation to the Sky Studios building, including Sky Atlantic and Sky Arts.
dB Broadcast was also responsible for building the new MCR system and this went live in a stages, with operators moving into the building in April, making them the first operational staff to use the building. The full MCR is now live and equipment migrations are being completed to support broadcast operations.
All the Coding and Compression systems within Sky Studios have been completed by dB Broadcast, the first migration occurred in mid June and will continue through to the end of September 2011. dB Broadcast have been utilising their in-house Ericsson specialists to support Sky with the testing, configuration and migration of these systems.
Another major milestone was achieved at the beginning of July 2011 with Sky Sports News going live from the new building, this relies on a large proportion of infrastructure and facilities (Quantel Ingest and MCR) built by dB Broadcast.
dB Broadcast continue to work closely with Sky personnel to migrate all the existing services and this will be completed over the next few months.
Tom Swan, dB’s director of sales and marketing, said: “This is a prestigious project that included many challenges including its size, 3G HD capability and the migration of existing equipment while keeping services operational.”
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Aug 2011
dB Broadcast wins Outward Bound Trust 2011 Diamond Cup Regatta
Leading broadcast systems integrator dB Broadcast led the way back to port at the 2011 Diamond Cup Regatta having secured overall victory.
The two day regatta was in aid of The Outward Bound Trust. It started out from Portsmouth Harbour and featured 12 high-profile teams from the broadcast and technology industries match racing in identical 40’ yachts in the Solent. The event also included a black tie fundraising dinner at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes.
The Outward Bound Trust is an educational charity which raises money to help young people access safe, adventure experiences through which they can raise their self-esteem, realise their full potential and achieve more than they ever thought possible.
David Bird, Managing Director of dB, paid tribute to the work of the charity and revealed that as a teenager he attended an Outward Bound adventure in the Lake District and this was the inspiration for his interest in climbing and outdoor pursuits, as well as his passionate belief in providing opportunities for young people in industry through the apprenticeship and training schemes which he runs at dB Broadcast.
Dave Bird says “Sailing is a team event and the ten crew members from dB, including five novice sailors showed excellent team work to narrowly beat more experienced crews from Elemental Technologies and Lloyds Development Capital. Congratulations to all the crews who took part, a total of about £25,000 was raised for a very good cause”.
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Jul 2011
dB Broadcast continues to expand taking on 3 new staff
Leading UK systems integrator dB Broadcast has further expanded its operation with three new appointments. Ross Amory has joined dB’s management team as Financial Controller, Mark Barnes joins the sales team as Pre-Sales Technical Specialist, and Paulina Franks takes on the role of Materials Manager.
Ross Amory will be responsible for overseeing the company’s finances and arrives with a number of years experience with businesses such as Anson Packaging, CLS Diagnostics and Spicers, Europe’s largest wholesaler of office products.
Ross is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and has experience in investment projects, internal audit, process design and financial forecasting and planning.
Mark Barnes joins the sales team undertaking systems proposals and working closely with the company’s products development team to provide technical sales and marketing support.
Mark brings 15 years of broadcast industry experience to his new role and has gained extensive technical and commercial experience during his time at Radamec Broadcast Systems, Adherent Systems and Tektronix.
Paulina Franks will be overseeing dB Broadcast’s range of in-house products such as Hawkeye and Showman in her role as Materials Manager. Paulina will be responsible for the purchasing activities and logistic processes around the manufacturing of the company’s products and managing stores for the component parts and finished products.
David Bird, founder and Managing Director of dB Broadcast, says: "It gives me great pleasure to welcome Ross, Mark and Paulina and announce the expansion of the company to 55 full time staff. Their breadth of experience and expertise will be of significant value at a time when the company is seeing sustained and rapid growth.
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Jul 2011
dB Broadcast launch MERlin at IBC2011
Leading UK independent system integrator and product manufacturer dB Broadcast is introducing at IBC2011 a DVB-T2 monitoring receiver unit, called MERlin. MERlin can also monitor DVB-T, providing a future proof solution for those considering the possibility of DVB-T2 at a a later date.
MERlin has been designed at dB’s Cambridge development facility and is based upon the hugely successful Hawkeye B104 receiver module which is operational within the UK DVB-T2 network.
MERlin is a self contained 1RU unit that monitors key signal performance parameters such as Modulation Error Ratio (MER) which give early indication of signal degradation and Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) to determine the status of error correction. The unit can also monitor RF modulation parameters against programmable templates.
MERlin has been designed for reliability and boots up in seconds (which is near instantaneous when compared to a PC based product). All measurements, tests and logs are performed and maintained in the MERlin unit so it will continue to function in the event of control network problems. A built in Web interface allows for simple remote control and monitoring and an SNMP interface is provided for integration with Network Management Systems. These make it an ideal product for use at un-manned transmitter sites.
Tom Swan, Sales and Marketing Director at dB says “MERlin combines measurement capability, technical performance, versatility and reliability at a price which will enable its wide scale deployment at Relay sites in a transmission network. The product has been developed in direct response to our customers requests for a scaleable solution to help them meet their Service Level Agreement’s and ensure their viewers do not experience signal reception issues”.
The first units began to be shipped in July 2011.
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May 2011
dB Broadcast completes refurbishment work for broadcaster’s TV operation in Newcastle
dB Broadcast, the Cambridge-based systems integrator, recently completed a contract to refurbish the sound facilities at BBC Newcastle, as part of the corporation’s regional television upgrade programme.
BBC Newcastle’s Barrack Road facility is home to Look North, the broadcaster’s regional television news service for the North East and Cumbria region.
dB Broadcast replaced the existing life-expired Calrec analogue audio console with a fully-assignable Calrec Zeta digital system. The mainframe and associated PSU’s were installed in the Central Technical Area (CTA) to minimize noise and heat in the Sound Control Room (SCR).
dB replaced the ageing infrastructure between the SCR and CTA. Some existing outboard equipment such as spot effects and a digital audio playout system were retained, but dB supplied other equipment, including a new custom-designed technical furniture, new jackfields and new distribution equipment, together with integration into existing talkback and router systems.
The television facility goes live to air seven days a week so dB provided a temporary sound control room whilst the refurbishment took place and the company worked closely with BBC Newcastle’s engineering department to ensure a smooth transmission to the temporary facility.
The onsite installation took three weeks from start to finish and was handed over on time for the corporation’s operators to undertake their training. The final changeover occurred during a weekend period with completion and full operation ready for the following Monday lunchtime.
Sales and Marketing Director Tom Swan says, “dB Broadcast achieved an onsite time of three weeks with careful planning and by prefabricating the system at the company’s premises near Cambridge”.
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Feb 2011
Snell Kahuna Switchers to Drive Live News Operations for World’s Largest Broadcasting Organisation
dB Broadcast, one of the UK’s largest systems integrators, has chosen Snell Kahuna HD/SD multi-format production switchers as central components in the BBC’s Broadcasting House redevelopment in central London, W1. Installed in each of the four largest studios in the W1 centre, the Kahunas will drive live news programs and support a seamless migration to HD operations for the world’s largest broadcasting organisation.
“Within the W1 development, the BBC is creating a centralised focus for its national and international news operations that will bring the World Service and the domestic news service together on one site,” said Tom Swan, sales and marketing director for dB Broadcast.
The newly developed Broadcasting House will host one of the world’s largest newsrooms. The Kahunas will see heavy service in three fixed-rig studios and one flexible-rig studio, switching all incoming content and clips for the 24-hour World Service and News Channel broadcasts. but will still draw from many sources that exist in SD and other formats – thus making the Kahuna’s multi-format capabilities crucial.
As part of the project, dB is also installing approximately 30 edit suites and Sales and Marketing Director Tom Swan says, "dB Broadcast is delighted to have won this large and prestigious project.
“By using our dedicated team, this will ensure a high quality design combined with consistent quality. The engineering team are also supported by our in-house wiring technicians, and this combination of staff enables us to take on large projects and confidently commit to completion dates.”
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Jan 2011
dB at Broadcast Video Expo 2011 (stand i53)
dB Broadcast, the leading UK independent systems integrator and manufacturer will be showcasing the Hawkeye B104 DVB-T2 receiver module at Broadcast Video Expo 2011.
The B104 module, which was launched in late-2010, has been designed for continuous off air terrestrial reception of DVB-T and DVB-T2 RF signals and deliveries of the product are now under way.
Other selected dB products will be also on show at the exhibition stand.
Aside from product displays, dB Broadcast will be using their presence at Broadcast Video Expo 2011 to highlight some of the major projects they have undertaken over the past 12 months.
Work has now started on the installation of the video production areas within the BBC’s Broadcasting House redevelopment in central London, W1. The contract to design, procure, install and commission all of the video production equipment within the new development is one of the largest and most prestigious undertaken by dB to date.
In 2009 dB won a 4 year contract from Arqiva to supply and install Programme Input Equipment (PIE) at 90 UK transmitter sites as part of digital switchover (DSO). With DSO having already taken place in many regions this project is now over half-way to completion.
Elsewhere, dB Broadcast is currently working on a contract from BSkyB to build the Broadcast Centre technical facilities within Sky’s new production and broadcasting facility on its Osterley Campus in West London, whilst work has been completed on a contract with Siemens IT Solutions and Services to supply the BBC with HD coding and multiplexing services.
Representatives from dB Broadcast will be on hand throughout the exhibition to demonstrate dB products and discuss any system or product requirements.
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Dec 2010
dB Broadcast increases engineering department to meet new contracts
Leading UK independent system integrator dB Broadcast has moved to expand its in-house engineering team with two new arrivals.
Engineering Director Gareth Evans now heads a team of 17 full time project managers and engineers.
Justin Jelleyman joins as a CAD draughtsman, while Dan Brennan has taken the position of project support engineer.
Justin is a CAD draughtsman with over a decade of experience in various drawing offices. He started in communications in 1995 and has worked for Vodafone and Orange. More recently, he has moved to broadcast engineering where he has undertaken projects for BT, the BBC and various systems integrators.
Dan Brennan provides support to the division in his role as project support engineer. He works on the design, testing and after sales support of systems such as vehicles and studios. He also provides support to the product division by testing and configuring dB’s range of Hawkeye, Showman and other products.
Sales and Marketing Director Tom Swan says,
“It is dB's policy to grow the company and employ in-house staff rather than rely on large teams of contract engineers.
“By using our dedicated in-house team, we ensure an excellent standard of design combined with consistent quality.
“With the support of our in-house wiring technicians, the engineering team are able to commit to completing large projects on time.”
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Oct 2010
dB Broadcast completes DF trailers for OFCOM
Cambridge (UK) based systems integrator dB Broadcast has recently completed a fleet of 9 road trailers for Rohde & Schwarz, which will be used by the communications regulator OFCOM to check and monitor RF transmissions throughout the UK. Ofcom is responsible for the protection of the radio spectrum from abuse, both intentional and unintentional.
Each trailer features a large composite UHF/VHF Direction Finding (DF) antenna mounted on a 10M telescopic mast which pivots to the horizontal position for travelling in the manner of a yacht-mast. The contract included the design, manufacture and test of all the associated power supply systems in custom-built weatherproof enclosures. The trailer and mast design allows for use in wind speeds of up to 100kph despite carrying a mast head load in excess of 50kg. Many components including the batteries are of military-grade specifications to enable the systems to function reliably whatever the British weather throws at them.
Work on the project started late in 2009 and once the technical solution was agreed, the manufacture, test & delivery happened within six weeks, with the second batch of six trailers going through dB’s factory in just three weeks.
Tom Swan, dB Broadcast's director of sales and marketing, commented: "We are always pleased to demonstrate our ability to provide innovative and high-quality engineering solutions involving disciplines not always familiar to systems integrators. For this project, we provided a bespoke, weatherproof solution drawing on expertise from the mast manufacturer and trailer builder, and using our own in-house expertise in vehicle electrics and custom mechanics.”
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Sep 2010
dB Broadcast wins BBC W1 contract
Cambridge-based independent system integrator dB Broadcast has won a major contract for the installation of the video production areas within the BBC’s Broadcasting House redevelopment in central London, W1. When completed, most of the BBC’s news output will have been moved from Television Centre at W12, along with the entire World Service production operation from Bush House.
The contract covers the design, procurement, installation and commissioning of all equipment for video production located within the studios, galleries, edit suites, graphic areas, newsroom and local apparatus rooms.
There are a number of television studios of different types. The largest studio is 334m2 – double height – and fitted with eight cameras. It is intended to be a flexible studio for a varied range of programmes, and will be equipped with motorised hoists for changing of sets.
The World Service studios will be used for recording inserts into World Service video outlets. The clip studios are designed to be primarily self-operated but will also form a vital part of the daily news output.
As part of the project, dB is installing approximately 30 edit suites and Sales and Marketing Director Tom Swan says, "dB Broadcast is delighted to have won this large and prestigious project.
“dB's large full-time engineering team of 13 system engineers and project managers will undertake the design, build and test of the studios, edit suites and technical areas.
“By using our dedicated team, this will ensure a high quality design combined with consistent quality. The engineering team are also supported by our in-house wiring technicians, and this combination of staff enables us to take on large projects and confidently commit to completion dates.”
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Sep 2010
dB Broadcast increase engineering department
dB Broadcast, the Cambridge based leading UK independent system integrator, has made two further appointments in the engineering department.
Adam Hewes has joined as a Project Engineer, while James Grajcarek has moved from the company's proposals department.
Adam graduated from Ravensbourne College in 2003 with a Higher National Diploma in Professional Broadcasting: Digital Technology and joined Channel Five as Engineering Co-ordinator.
In 2005, he joined The Mill facility as an engineer in 2005, providing support for post production systems and managing installation projects.
He moved on to Digital Vision two years later where he took up the role of Field Applications Engineer.
At dB Broadcast he is currently working on a major contract with the BBC.
James joined dB in 2008 with a BSc degree in Media Technology from Salford University and provided quotation support for the company’s own range of products and broadcast system proposals.
His excellent progress has led to a position in engineering as part of the team undertaking projects in London.
Adam and James take the number of new additions in the engineering department to four in the past two months
Iain Betson and Mike Bryan both joined the company in June, while Steve Carlson was promoted to Project Manager.
dB Broadcast is currently dealing with a number of multi-million pound projects and have moved to increase their engineering team in order to ensure successful delivery.
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Aug 2010
dB Broadcast is selected as one of the strategic SIs for Sky’s new Broadcasting Facility
Leading UK independent system integrator dB Broadcast has won a prestigious contract from BSkyB to build the Broadcast Centre technical facilities within Sky’s new production and broadcasting facility on its Osterley Campus in West London.
This facility is a sustainable landmark broadcast facility which will provide studios, technical, and operational space for people in Broadcast Operations, Sky Sports, and Broadcast Technology.
dB Broadcast has been appointed to install, test and commission the core technical facilities within the Broadcast Centre component. This includes the playout, compression and lines processing systems, enabling Sky to distribute their programmes to many platforms - including the traditional satellite feeds, new media streaming, mobile phone services and many more. dB Broadcast is also responsible for the installation of the Broadcast control system, IPTV system and the talkback facilities.
The Central Technical Area consists of a number of apparatus rooms with a capacity to hold 400 bays of technical equipment. At the outset approximately 80% of these will be populated allowing space for further expansion and future technology to be easily accommodated. The Playout area will boast over 35 operational desks, controlling and monitoring BSkyB’s output over the multiple platforms. As part of this complex installation dB Broadcast will work closely with Sky personnel to migrate all the existing services to this new facility.
Tom Swan, dB’s director of sales and marketing, said: “We won this major contract because of our experience in providing similar large systems and because we are one of the few companies with significant experience in encoding and compression as well as playout.
dB Broadcast is one of the UK’s largest independent system integrators with a full time staff of more than 50 and this enables the company to take on multiple projects of this size.”
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Aug 2010
dB Broadcast launches Hawkeye DVB-T2 receiver at IBC2010
Leading UK independent system integrator and product manufacturer dB Broadcast will introduce a DVB-T2 receiver module at IBC2010.
The Hawkeye B104 series module has been designed for continuous off air terrestrial reception of DVB-T and DVB-T2 RF signals. The receiver can be used as part of Re-Broadcast transmitter system or for direct monitoring of a transmitter.
The structure of a DVB-T2 signal is complex and requires detailed monitoring to ensure that the correct format is transmitted. The B104 allows a template to be generated, which is used to compare the received DVB-T2 signal against expected parameters and if they are different an alarm can be generated. Eight fixed templates and eight programmable templates are provided and these are configured using a Graphical User Interface (GUI) or by SNMP.
The template parameters include Modulation Error Ration (MER), Low Density Parity Check codes (LDPC), maximum and minimum Transport Stream bit rates, frequency errors and many others. Frequency error is useful at transposer sites to ensure that the transmitter is outputting the correct frequency.
dB Broadcast have already taken significant orders for the DVB-T2 receiver.
Tom Swan, Sales and Marketing Director at dB Broadcast says: “The DVB-T2 standard was ratified a couple of years ago and is being adopted in many countries because of its higher bandwidth compared to DVB-T. This allows multiple high definition services to be provided on a single multiplex.
“The Hawkeye modular system provides a simple upgrade path from DVB-T to DVB-T2. The B102 DVB-T receiver is replaced by the B104 DVB-T2 receiver, leaving the system wiring unchanged.”