Prime Television selects BCL to upgrade broadcast links
Prime Television has signed a new distribution linking contract with BCL to connect Prime Television's New Zealand
studio in Albany to BCL's television transmission sites throughout New Zealand.
Under the new agreement, Prime Television is moving to a digital terrestrial linking system using BCL's nationwide
digital microwave radio (DMR) network. Previously, Prime Television relied on satellite links to distribute its
programme stream from its Albany studio to transmission sites.
BCL's General Manager of Network Services, Derek Nielsen, says the new terrestrial linking system provides Prime
Television with increased flexibility.
He says Prime Television's new terrestrial linking system has been developed with built-in protection to ensure high
reliability. It is based on Fujitsu radio equipment in the industry-standard 'N+1' configuration.
Prime Television's Group General Manager - Engineering, Gerry Smith, says the continued growth in the channel's audience
has been an important factor in the decision to move to a terrestrial linking system.
"A terrestrial linking system gives us more options for managing regional programme streams to better meet the needs of
our viewers and advertisers as our audience share grows," he says.
Prime Television's Manager - Engineering and IT, Phil Skaggs, says the broadcaster has completed a major refit of its
Albany studio to coincide with the move to a terrestrial linking system.
The studio upgrade has seen the latest digital production and presentation systems installed at the network's Albany
headquarters.
About BCL
BCL is a member of the THL Group, a communications network services group that also includes THL Australia and AAP
Communications Services.
The companies of the THL Group provide innovative communications technology solutions to customers in the television,
radio, telecommunications, desktop, utility and enterprise IT industries across Australia, New Zealand, the Asia Pacific
region and beyond.
ENDS