Newtec, TDA And ASBU Sign Multimillion Euro Contract
ASBU-MENOS terminals will be deployed over 48 regions in Algeria with two separate networks for radio and TV contribution and exchange as part of a major ASBU-MENOS virtual network deployment
IBC2013 – AMSTERDAM, NL, 16 September 2013. Satellite communications specialist, Newtec and Télédiffusion d’Algérie (TDA) has signed a multimillion Euro contract to deploy several of Newtec’s interactive satellite terminals running on the ASBU Multimedia Exchange Network over Satellite (MENOS).
The award-winning ASBU-MENOS network is operated by the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) on the satellite Arabsat 5A (30.5° East). By deploying the Newtec technology, hosted on the ASBU platform, TDA will now have access to their own IP-based and fully automated secure Virtual Network (VN) for contribution and exchange of radio and TV content at low and high bit rates. Using a VN provides the same services and benefits as owning a dedicated physical network, but is provided as “hosted services” by ASBU without TDA having to operate the complete system.
TDA will integrate Newtec’s Ku-band Radio Satellite Interactive Terminals (SIT), TV Satellite Interactive Terminals, fixed and portable Fast News Gathering (FNG) SITs and IP data SITs. Those SITs will be deployed over 48 regions across Algeria with two separate networks for radio and TV contribution, connecting five major cities and villages. This allows users to collect and access content at each site.
“The beauty of MENOS is the real time transmission it provides to access content quickly and efficiently for transmission of feeds from anywhere in Algeria to the radio and TV stations,” said Abdelmalek Houyou, general manager of TDA. “The ability to receive content at any time will greatly improve our workflow and is fully compliant with current TDA requirements.”
The MENOS terminals will be deployed nationally over the next twelve months and will use the ASBU-MENOS hub, located and operated in Algiers. Newtec will provide on-site planning and installation service as well as training, both in Algiers and Newtec’s HQ in Belgium, to certify TDA’s engineers as part of the handover phase.
Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec, added: “This multiservice broadcast network combines innovative technologies into one powerful, unique system for exchanging media content which can also easily allow more terminals to be added. Companies like TDA can provide better connectivity for broadcasters in Africa.”
Newtec installed the first MENOS network at ASBU’s facility in Algiers in 2008. The platform supports multiple simultaneous managed exchange services for use by broadcasting organizations throughout the Middle East and African countries.
Slaheddine Maaoui, ASBU Director General, said: “We are always keen to help improve broadcasting services and enable access to numerous services to contribute content from anywhere across Arab countries in Africa and the Middle East. We know this project is very important and the MENOS capability will continue to encourage a robust media industry to thrive through the new connectivity it will enable.”
About Newtec
Newtec (www.newtec.eu) is specialized in designing, developing and manufacturing equipment and technologies for satellite communications. As a pioneer in the industry, Newtec is dedicated to creating new possibilities for the broadcast, IP trunking and backhauling, consumer and enterprise VSAT and government and defense markets. Our products and technologies can be applied in a wide range of applications from DTH broadcasting, video contribution and distribution and disaster recovery and backbones for backhauling, to small and medium enterprises, SCADA networks, manned and unmanned aircrafts, border control and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR).
For over 28 years, our dedicated team of specialists has set industry standards with the most efficient, scalable and economical technology solutions. New challenges and customer needs offer opportunities to explore new boundaries. This empowers us to work even harder, helping customers to perform their best so that, together, we can make the world a safer, more informed and connected place. As a result, more than 3 billion people watch TV every day thanks to Newtec technology.
Newtec is a European company founded in 1985. Through commercial offices in Sint-Niklaas (Belgium), Dubai (UAE), Singapore, Beijing (China), Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Stamford, CT (USA) as well as an extensive network of over 80 certified partners, Newtec can meet customer’s needs worldwide.
About TDA
Télédiffusion d’Algérie (TDA) (www.tda.dz) is public broadcaster operating and transmitting, nationally and abroad, public TV and radio services. In addition, TDA represents the Algerian state in the international radio communication regulation bodies and is responsible for bilateral coordination of TV and radio spectrum. TDA is member of ASBU, EBU and AUB.
TDA infrastructures includes analog TV and DTT networks, FM and AM networks, microwave radio networks and satellite capacities through more than 1000 broadcasting sites. TDA is also an Internet Service Provider (ISP) for government institutions and corporate customers.
TDA has a significant workload in the upcoming years : Deployment of a second DTT multiplex for SD and HD channels, analogue TV switch-off and deployment of digital terrestrial radio, deployment of a multiservice microwave radio network, realization of several medium power MW DRM stations, enhancement of DTH satellite capacities for SD and HD TV channels as well for radio channels, enhancement of satellite contribution capacities and deployment of a VN MENOS network, implementation of large-scale mobile capabilities for measuring and controlling the spectrum and mobile satellite contribution capabilities and setting up an internet streaming platform.
About ASBU
The Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU, www.asbu.net) is a professional, non-profit organization. It groups all the Arab governmental radio and television corporations. Since 1996, membership has been extended to Arab privately owned radio and television channels. ASBU has also been joined by non-Arab, foreign radio and television corporations as Affiliate Members. It holds an outstanding place among international and regional broadcasting unions with which it has strong professional relations.
ASBU always has accorded a major importance to developing and promoting news and programs exchange between its members and strived hard to implement technical frames of leading-edge technologies to support its exchange activities. ASBU has always been very active in negotiating and acquiring TV rights for major sport events on behalf of its members. It also offers a wide range of professional services. ASBU offers its services to a large number of other Arab and international broadcasters.
