Mediacorp operates a number of television channels, radio stations, and digital platforms; it is also a significant content provider and part of Singapore’s national media network. The network is currently testing complete IP redundancy at its alternate Bukit Batok Transmission Centre (BBTC) as part of its transition to IP-based infrastructure. Its main campus in Singapore’s one-north R&D zone is undergoing a major makeover, which includes this project.
As a consultant and overseer of the new system’s installation and configuration, Mediacorp worked with local supplier/integrator BCI to select Lawo’s IP broadcast systems for the BBTC.
The master control room (MCR) is connected to four studios by Lawo’s equipment through a redundant IP-based media network design. This design stands out. Two backup Lawo Power Core units, which are utilised for digital signal processing and routing, provide the power to the MCR. For high-capacity audio I/O on a network, each Power Core engine is linked to AIOX (Audio I/O Extender) units by fibre.
Software defines the capabilities of the Power Core. Ten modular mic, line, AES3, GPIO, and DANTE interfaces are included for customisation, in addition to the several high-density RAVENNA/AES67 and MADI interfaces that are included. Its compatibility with SMPTE 2022-7, which allows for two independent transmission pathways to convey identical packet streams in order to avoid interruptions to the network connection, makes it an excellent option for broadcasters making the switch from baseband to IP. Additionally, the ST2110-30 standard is put into place to help with audio interchange in radio/TV facilities that are run together.
Mediacorp places a premium on this network’s redundancy since it allows for automatic failover protection, which guarantees ongoing operations and brings them one step closer to eliminating downtime.
As reported in digital media world, There are four separate studios in the setup, and each one has a broadcast console with twelve faders made of diamond. The diamond console can accommodate up to 60 physical faders and offers modular design that allows for bespoke fader panel configurations. In addition to being RAVENNA/AES67 and ST2110-30 compliant, it is IP native. To process and route audio, it makes advantage of the digital signal processing capabilities of the Power Core engine that is linked to it.
Operators at Mediacorp benefit from an easy, networked workflow, increased efficiency, and more flexibility thanks to the MCR’s all-IP interface and direct IP access to the studios. Installing and maintaining equipment becomes possible with diamond’s numerous options. You can put the Power Core in the studio and link it to the console directly, or you can move it to a data centre, rack room, or even another building. One Power Core can be shared by up to four separate studios that are connected via LAN or WAN.
The studios are linked to the MCR’s Power Cores through Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) for centralised control. In order to aid in load balancing, LACP merges many physical Ethernet connections into a single logical link. Lawo’s virtual radio studio control environment, VisTool, provides engineers with a centralised interface for monitoring and controlling the entire system. The broadcaster gains control over routing, digital signal processing (DSP), and other critical operations in complicated multi-studio systems using VisTool, which is designed for real-time monitoring and management of the Power Core units.
The installation’s footprint and power usage can be decreased with the help of the AIOX extenders. With 64 audio I/O channels supported by each 1RU AIOX unit, a high-density system is now possible, which can condense many I/O connections into a small space—and maybe even help with cost optimisation.
Mediacorp ensures operational reliability with the BBTC’s fully redundant media network, and future expansion is prepared for with the scalable, modular Lawo technology. Both the present and future operational needs of Mediacorp will be met by this facility, which will also facilitate future deployments at their main campus.
