NEP expanded its OB capabilities across the Middle East with IP-first workflows and software-defined production, deploying Grass Valley cameras, switchers and camera shading panels.
NEP's TFC orchestration
NEP Middle East & Asia, a division of NEP Group, has undertaken a major expansion of its IP-based outside broadcast capabilities across the Middle East. Designed from the ground up around native-IP workflows, NEP’s new OB units are expected to enhance their ability to deliver modern, competitive live productions across major events in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the broader region.
Two identical IP OB facilities will play a key role in NEP’s support of broadcasters, rightsholders, and content producers of high-profile sports, entertainment and cultural events. The scale of the deployment - and its alignment with IP-first, software-defined production models—positions NEP as a reliable reference for broadcasters and production companies throughout the region.
NEP chose Grass Valley as a core technology partner for the project in an agreement that includes deploying LDX 150 live cameras, Kayenne XP switchers, Creative Grading panels, CCS-One centralized camera control systems and SuperXpander large lens adaptors.
High-Performance Cameras, Native IP and HDR Support
The imaging sensors in the LDX 100 Series cameras are tuned for high detail, life-like colours and low-light performance. They have a continuous global shutter and support multiple formats simultaneously, including HDR, 4K and HD. LUT-based HDR-to-SDR conversion is integrated to simplify transitions between production standards, and their adaptable architecture means their functionality can be expanded through software options, either permanently or on a day-to-day basis.
Features specific to the LDX 150 are three 2/3” CMOS imagers with a prism beam splitter, and depth of field control. The camera natively supports all HDR standards, as well as UHD up to 3x speed and HD at up to 6x speed. It has native IP connectivity with an option for JPEG XS low-latency compression.
The Creative Grading panels are interesting because they largely overcome the usual approach to camera shading that has depended on lengthy menus and layers of settings. Instead, the panels group parameters into logical bundles. Engineers can adapt quickly to changing light or visual styles, preserving original image quality and the creative potential of individual shots. They work both in on-premises IP workflows, and in remote cloud operations via AMPP.
Kayenne XP switchers are highly modular with a huge number of options for customisation and expansion such as hot-swappable control panels and programmable button functionality. Supporting 1080p and 4K formats, they work well in dynamic production environments like OB production, and support up to 192 inputs, 96 outputs and 9 M/Es with six keyers each.
Creative Grading panel controls
NEP’s TFC Orchestration
“As well as great partnership, it was important for this investment to be compatible with our TFC (Total Facility Control) broadcast orchestration platform that eases the adoption of IP 2110 infrastructure in broadcast environments,” said Jean Claude Rahme, Chief Technology Officer for NEP Middle East & Asia. “Grass Valley has brought greater reliability and more opportunities for innovation to our OB infrastructure which, in turn, means we can ensure quality and flexibility in live productions for clients.”
NEP’s TFC orchestration is vendor agnostic and places hardware and software together into a single control platform, allowing users to automate complex tasks and standardize workflows for consistency and ease of use. Also allowing customisation, TFC’s software defined networking features and redundancy are included for the specific requirements of media networks. Users can access real-time monitoring and alarming of devices, visibility into networks, hardware availability, latency and other important metrics.
“NEP successfully pushes what’s possible in live production,” said Hany Bartella, Vice President of Sales, Middle East and Africa at Grass Valley. “Our partnership with them goes beyond technology – it’s about leading media evolution in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.”
This deployment is anticipated to accelerate broader adoption of IP production models across the Middle East. As NEP brings its new IP fleet of TFC-powered facilities and range of media services into key markets, it will be better equipped to facilitate agile, efficient live productions for clients. www.grassvalley.com
