Broadcast Centre
The Nerve Centre
The All Asia Broadcast Centre (ABC) is the nerve
centre of Astro's operations for Malaysia and other
markets within its satellite footprint. The all-digital
facility accommodates the latest in broadcasting
equipment and systems, providing Astro with a technological
edge in its commitment to offer broadcasting services
of the highest quality.
The
RM800 million complex is strategically located in
the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), on a 29-acre
site at Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, Kuala
Lumpur.
With a total floor area of 350,000 square feet, the ABC is reputedly one of the world's largest and most advanced all-digital broadcast and production complexes.
Uplink And Downlink
Facilities
12 C-band Television Receive Only (TVRO) satellite
dishes will receive signals from various commercial
broadcasters. After undergoing processing, the signals
are then uplinked to the MEASAT satellites using
the ABC's four high-powered Ku-band uplink dishes.
The signals are subsequently downlinked directly
to subscribers.
Central Apparatus
Room (CAR)
Signals from the commercial satellite feeds are
demodulated, decoded, digitised and combined with
tape playouts, promotional inserts and commercials.
The video signals may also be multiplexed with the
digital audio signals for Astro's radio services.
Digital compression is carried out to provide optimum
channel capacity without compromising quality. The
signals are encrypted to allow only controlled access
by authorised subscribers.
Content Control
Downlinked signals can be time-delayed to allow
preview, editing and replacement of content using
digital video server technology.
Playout And Recording
Systems (PARS)
The system comprises a fully automated playout facility
for video tapes using video cart machines and a
large disc-based server system. Programme schedules
are developed specially for Astro's needs, allowing
for programming, promotional clips and commercials
to be broadcast in the proper sequence.
Broadcast Control
Centre (BCC)
Working closely with the MEASAT Satellite Control
Centre (MSCC) in Pulau Langkawi, the ABC's broadcast
systems are monitored to ensure that Astro's broadcasting
services maintain excellent quality. Programming
transmitted by each of the MEASAT satellite is monitored
in a dedicated Broadcast Control Centre at the ABC.
Television Production
Studios
A variety of programmes originate from these studios
as Astro's very own programme offerings. Each studio
is fully equipped with cameras, lights and audio
equipment and dedicated control rooms.
Television Post-Production
Rooms
Material is edited to provide programmes of the
required length and to create promotional clips
for each channel. In addition, programmes are able
to be subtitled into the four main languages of
the region, namely Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese
and Indian languages.
Television Broadcast
Audio-Dubbing Suites
Multilingual audio tracks are available for selected
programmes to augment the subtitling feature. Dubbing
can be done in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Cantonese,
Mandarin and Tamil.
Subscriber Management
System
The system will provide direct interaction with
all subscribers throughout the Malaysian footprint,
from enquiries to billing, payment to activation
of accounts and service selection.
Radio Facilities
The self-contained radio facilities employ advanced
all-digital scheduling systems, enabling minimal
operator handling and smooth presentation. Its studio
capacity allows for live broadcasts, the pre-recording
of programmes, information updates and current affairs.
State-of-the-Art
Broadcast And Production System
The ABC is a complete, 24-hour broadcast and production
centre which supports all aspects of the company's
operations including broadcasting and transmission,
production and an on-line Subscriber Management
call centre.
The facilities include uplink and downlink systems, programme production studios, multiple audio and video edit suites and electronic graphics facilities.
At the ABC, there are seven production studios with dedicated control rooms, the largest being a 6,000 square feet studio with the capacity to accommodate an audience of 200. In addition, there are eight video post-production rooms and four audio dubbing suites with integrated voice-over facilities.
The radio operations are located in a self-contained, fully digital integrated facility at the ABC which is equipped with a total of 20 studios. There are nine live broadcasting studios, four news reading booths and seven audio production, editing and transfer suites.
Among some of the ABC's key support functions are a 200,000 tape library, electronic graphics services and a Technical Training Centre. These play a vital role in the smooth and efficient operation of the ABC. Set and lighting design, make-up and wardrobe facilities are also incorporated
In order to facilitate the ABC's extensive operations, the centre is wired with over 16,000 km of cabling for data, voice and signal transmission. There are comprehensive back-up power systems including a 2.7 MW uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for all critical transmission equipment and an eight MW generator system which assures long-term protection against power outages. In addition, air-conditioning systems serving all vital equipment are duplicated to safeguard against heat damage should the main systems fail.
