Oman TV completed a project converting its central theatre into a hybrid facility combining live event with broadcast functionality, incorporating Lawo’s AoIP networking and management.
Oman’s Ministry of Information, known as Oman TV, has recently completed a project converting its central theatre into a hybrid facility that combines live event capabilities with broadcast functionality. While addressing the demands of live performances, the theatre maintains direct integration with Oman TV’s 20 studios that support five national channels. This versatile facility is capable of linking with other studios as well for real-time signal sharing, meanwhile supporting live broadcasts and in-house events.
Before making this change, the central theatre posed various challenges for Oman TV because its traditional auditorium design lacked sufficient redundancy to keep up with modern broadcast operations. Oman TV envisioned a facility that would function as an additional broadcast studio, enabling transmission of signals directly in and out of the building. To meet these demands without compromising performance or reliability, the system required a robust IP networking infrastructure.
Pixel Solutions, their Muscat-based systems integrator, collaborated with Lawo to meet some of these challenges. "This was a remarkable project for us," said Anas Alkurdi, CEO of Pixel Solutions. "Lawo’s solutions and expertise helped us design a system that exceeds Oman TV’s exacting standards, while our team gained invaluable experience in broadcast audio systems."
Audio Infrastructure
The theatre's audio infrastructure centres on a Lawo mc²56 MkIII audio production console with 32 faders, running on an A__UHD Core audio engine. The combination supplies a high level of flexibility and processing power, enough to handle more than 1,000 DSP (digital signal processing) channels.
Through this setup, the engineering team can manage the in-house audio mix for live events while also controlling signals for broadcast distribution. The console handles over 100 audio inputs and outputs without interruption, routing signals smoothly and maintaining consistent performance for both of these applications. Complementing the system are two Lawo A__stage64 stageboxes for audio signal connectivity across the venue and externally, adhering to ST2110 standards for sound quality and resilience.
Centralised, Networked, IP-Based Management
Lawo's cloud-native HOME management platform for IP-based media infrastructures centralises the management of all connected devices, helping to keep the hybrid production environment as simple as possible. Designed to connect, manage and secure all features and instances within live production environments, HOME’s centralised services support fast interactivity between engineers and their tools.
HOME places a disparate group of devices, workflows, sites, hubs and data centres into a secure, agile network. Discovery of devices is automatic, and registering and admitting them to the network is a simple process handled in one central location, recording name, location, status and type. This kind of agile management, the key differeantiating factor of HOME, saves time and applies to Lawo, third-party and NMOS IS-04- and IS-05-compatible devices.
An IP-native device powered by A__UHD Core, the mc²56 is also HOME-native which, because the system automatically detects devices and makes them available to the console, makes configuring IP setups as simple as in an analogue environment..The console’s device management includes the expected security features such as access control and quarantine of unknown devices.
The A__UHD Core, the DSP audio engine for the mc² audio consoles, has a network-based design as well, with high processing density. It can support 1,024 mc²-grade DSP channels that may either be used by a single mc² console or be shared among multiple consoles for more space-efficient resource pooling. the A__UHD Core’s functionality is software-defined, making it a long-term investment with a set of features that is designed to expand.
In these ways, HOME suits fast-paced live broadcast environments, where operators need quick, unified configuration, especially for setting generic device parameters or configuring senders and receivers. HOME allows users to to save and recall configurations as well.
AVL Installation
Further to the broadcast audio system, the central theatre features an audio, video and lighting (AVL) installation designed to enhance the audience experience. A striking 11m x 5m LED video wall from LEDman dominates the stage backdrop, the largest of its kind in Oman. The lighting setup includes over 60 Prolights fixtures, installed in a challenging space with undulating ceilings, accessed via concealed catwalks.
Audio coverage is powered by Bose Professional ArenaMatch AM10 loudspeakers and ShowMatch SMS118 subwoofers. The venue also has commentary and translation booths equipped with Studio Technologies gear, such as the Model 214A announcer’s console and Model 348 intercom station. Due to the adaptability of the overall design, these systems have been integrated with the Lawo infrastructure using standard protocols.
Robust Redundancy and Direct Integrations
The adoption of an IP-based infrastructure has brought certain advantages to Oman TV. The system’s robust redundancy has avoided interruptions to operations, which is critical for live broadcasting, and its modular design lends scalability, which will be needed as Oman TV expands into the future. The straightforward interface of the HOME platform simplifies workflows, reducing setup time and the need for training. Also, direct integration of Lawo equipment with third-party systems, such as the Bose and Studio Technologies gear, reflects the flexibility and reliability of the system.
The success of the central theatre project has put Oman TV in a more competitive position in the region. Operators have responded enthusiastically to the system’s performance as well, and discussions are underway to extend Lawo's technology across Oman TV's broader infrastructure.
"This project has laid a solid foundation for future advancements in Oman’s broadcast industry," said Anas Alkurdi. "It is a testament to how local expertise and global technology can come together to achieve remarkable outcomes." www.lawo.com
