Metafora Production chooses Ross Video for Syria TV channel in Istanbul

Metafora Production is a private Arabic media company based in Istanbul that produces television, films and documentaries on behalf of Syria TV.

With a broad reach across the Middle East, Metafora aims to build a new image of the Arabic world with distinctive and popular programmes such as Joe Show, a renowned and sometimes controversial Arabic talk show and political satire programme hosted by Egyptian comedian Youssef Hussien.

Following a decision in late 2017 to create a brand-new channel broadcasting from Turkey, and the subsequent tender process, Metafora chose Ross Video and local partners Aviteng to build and launch the new facility for Syria TV.

Syria’s well-publicised troubles may have prevented the new channel from being based inside the country itself, but the management team at Metafora hopes that Syria TV may one day relocate to its homeland.

For the meantime, however, the station is situated in Istanbul and broadcasts a variety of news, cultural and entertainment shows to Syrians across the region.

For local system integration specialists Aviteng, the lack of any mechanical, electrical or IT infrastructure meant that the Syria TV facility had to be a turnkey design, with the company handling the integration, installation, configuration and commissioning services for the new facility. The project also featured a tight timescale and complex project management; the plans included provision for a large green screen studio and a robotic camera system from Ross to support the virtual sets planned by the station – a first for the Turkish TV market!

Fortunately, however, AVITENG’s familiarity with the Ross portfolio of solutions and Ross Video’s technical support expertise came together to deliver the project on time and on budget.“I had previously worked with Ross products and had enjoyed positive experiences with the Furio robotic camera system and the Carbonite production switcher,” noted Syria TV CTO Mohamad Ibrahim.

“It, therefore, wasn’t hard for us to choose Ross as a technology partner and build our production workflows around Ross products like the Carbonite Black switcher, XPression graphics and both Furio robotics and the VR600 PT robotic heads. We are extremely satisfied with the result and the excellent support and training provided by both Ross and Aviteng.”Aviteng co-founder and managing partner, Burak Devecel, is proud of the Syria TV project.

“We are very pleased to have worked with Metafora Production as their systems integration partner, and to have built this sophisticated production and broadcasting center that stands out as one-of-a-kind in Turkey. The new facility is an outstanding example of what can be delivered when you mix a highly professional and motivated customer with the best production technologies and an expert SI.”