Iraqi Media Network Modernises Infrastructure with Harris Corporation ONE Solution for Integrated Broadcasting

Interoperable Harris Solution Supports Broadcast Facility Upgrade Project in Iraq

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates.- (CABSAT 2009, Stand ZB-21) — Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has been awarded a contract to provide an integrated large-scale broadcast solution to the Iraqi Media Network (IMN) as part of a major facility upgrade. The Harris solution — including automation, servers, core processing, multiviewers, test and measurement, branding and routers — represents a cutting-edge broadcasting modernisation project in the country.

The Harris broadcast solution will include the ADC™ automation system featuring device control over six Harris® NEXIO® transmission servers and six NEXIO storage arrays providing a total of 720 hours of storage capacity in each system. In addition, IMN is using the Harris AutoSat™ automated satellite program acquisition system, which controls steerable satellite dishes, tunes receivers and enables recording right from the ADC automation system, providing control of six integrated receiver/decoders simultaneously.

Harris equipment also will be used to deploy three complete Master Control Rooms (MCRs) at IMN. Each MCR will control two studios simultaneously and include an IconMaster™ master control switcher, a Predator II™ HD32 multiviewer, a Panacea™ router, Videotek® test and measurement units, 6800+™ core processing products, channel branding equipment, the Inscriber® G-Store™ media management solution and 10 Harris X75™ SD converter/synchronisers. IMN also is building a master satellite feeding room, with the capacity to control 13 professional decoders. The room will include a 32x32 Panacea router, test and measurement equipment and 6800+ core processing products.

“We evaluated a number of systems on the market and decided on an integrated solution from Harris that included some of the best-in-class products available on the market today,” said Emad A. Azzez, assistant to the CEO of the engineering department, IMN. “We see the installation of a full solution from a single vendor as a great advantage. We look forward to reaping the benefits of the Harris ONE™ solution in our new facility, including greater flexibility and workflow efficiency across our master control operations, as well as the superior integration between the Harris automation products and servers.”

The installation will be handled by Kholoud Telecom & Broadcast System Solutions (KTBS), a local Harris dealer.

“As a Harris Authorised Dealer in Iraq, we are delighted to be providing not only a full Harris broadcast solution to the IMN, but also local training and on-site installation, and one year of on-site technical support assistance,” said Engineer Yasir T.Rashid, KTBS country manager. “Forty-nine engineers, technicians and operators from IMN will be fully trained by the Harris and KTBS teams to ensure they realise the full benefits of the new technology.”

“The broadcast market in Iraq is in full expansion, and Harris is pleased to have been chosen to support the modernisation of the broadcasting infrastructure at the IMN,” noted Said Bacho, managing director, Harris Broadcast Middle East. “As the IMN is building its broadcast infrastructure around the Harris ONE approach, they will be able to achieve operational efficiencies that provide real business benefits.”

Harris Broadcast Communications provides products, systems, and services that deliver interoperable workflow solutions that span the entire media delivery chain. The Harris ONE solution brings together highly integrated and cost-effective products that are ideal for emerging media business models and for customers upgrading media operations to digital and high-definition services.