When National Communications Network (NCN), the state television and radio company of Guyana, needed to modernise and digitalise its television production centre in Georgetown, it called on Miami-based integrator OM Solutions.

The scope of work consisted of rebuilding two studios: news and continuous production. Also required was the enabling of digital pathways to the transmitter site. IP to analogue conversion was also included, since due to the existing national signal distribution system the transmitter is still in analogue. The idea is that the transition will be quick and easy once the transmitter is substituted for a digital terrestrial system.

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Production and technical co-ordination is handled by the AEQ Crossnet intercom

To keep everything in the production network consistent, an OB van had to be refitted for IP technology. The ability to seamlessly connect and share audio with the NCN Radio Network was also a must.

The heart of the video production setup is an NK Series routing system from Ross Video. The infrastructure also counts on Ross openGear, AJA and Cobalt solutions.

The master control room was built around Ross and Hardata and includes Ikegami HDK-73 cameras for the sets. Signals are handled through NewTek TriCaster 2 Elite switchers using NDI interfaces from BirdDog; graphics rely on NewBlue.

Production and technical co-ordination is handled by the AEQ Crossnet intercom based on a 72-port matrix using Dante AoIP connectivity.

The TOC and OB are equipped with AEQ TP8116 user panels and for the news, production and master control, TP8416 desktop user panels were deployed. A simple BS3004 base station user panel is used for communications with the distant TX tower.

For the vision operators, TP8116 panels were installed for communications and Kroma by AEQ LM8018 serves as shading monitors. These monitors feature SFP modules for fibre link IP SMPTE-2022 video.

For the sets/studios, 4W interfaces were deployed, wired to QSC Attero Tech wall plates, making them part of the AoIP network and allowing for both communications and IFBs for floor managers and presenters. Closed captioning for the station is provided by Enco.