MDR Germany selects Aveco for master-control support

Germany’s MDR has selected Aveco to supply a suite of automation tools for their new master-control room. The ASTRA MCR system will be used to control Omneon videoservers, Miranda ImageStore mixers, and Chyron graphics. Aveco’s German dealer, Logic Media Solutions, sold two complete ASTRA MCR systems to MDR’s prime contractor BFE as a part of the building of MDR’s new master-control room. MDR selected Aveco’s ASTRA system because it easily fulfilled all of the tender requirements and was within their budget.

MDR was also impressed by Aveco’s reputation in Germany for quality and reliability as well as Aveco’s market share of 75 percent with public-service broadcasters in Germany. Another key selling point was ASTRA’s new multi-platform user interface with its new look and feel as well as operator-friendly features.

MDR will have two independently mirrored ASTRA systems to control two complete broadcast chains (mixer, graphics, videoserver, etc.). One mirrored ASTRA system will be the primary system and will be used to broadcast their main channel. The second mirrored ASTRA system will be used as an emergency/test system.

“Aveco designed this unique configuration for MDR to provide maximum flexibility and reliability,” says Roger Crooks, Aveco VP of Sales and Marketing. “If any piece of equipment in the main broadcast chain fails, MDR can immediately switch over to the backup chain and continue to stay on-air.”

For preventive maintenance, upgrades, or operator training, the two chains can be used simultaneously without impact on MDR’s main playout channel.

“We work closely with our customers to make sure we meet all their special needs,” adds Crooks.

After lengthy discussions between MDR and Aveco’s system engineers, a number of special features were added, including variable-speed playout, simultaneous playout while transfer, automatic import of scheduling data, and predictive failover.