Alghad TV recently migrated its operations to a brand-new facility, an opportunity to implement a tech overhaul that has transformed it from a conventional news channel into a cutting-edge broadcasting entity. In an exclusive feature, Vijaya Cherian provides an in-depth tour and insight into this project.
Alghad TV, a major news and variety entertainment channel headquartered in Egypt, recently shifted its operations to a cutting-edge facility in the heart of Egyptian Media Production City. Besides the physical relocation, this move was also a strategic attempt to completely overhaul the channel’s technological infrastructure and keep up with international standards in news broadcasting and media production. Ideal Systems Middle East was contracted as the main systems integrator for this project and was responsible for the technical and studio fit-outs at the facility, including studio set design, broadcast and IT systems design, as well as the execution of the entire project.
With offices in Palestine and Beirut as well as a network of reporters across the globe, Alghad TV has positioned itself as a pan-Arab channel with a particular focus on people’s causes and human rights issues, says CEO Abbas Nasser.
“We are a comprehensive news channel that provides a mix of news and entertainment, but in light of the ongoing war on Gaza, we are currently prioritising comprehensive and in-depth news coverage. Our slogan, ‘Media without claims’, reflects our commitment to factual and objective reporting. We aim to provide high-quality news coverage that aligns with our values of social justice and human rights.”
He adds that the recent upgrade is an important step in realising the company’s vision of being a major broadcaster in the Arab world, from a content and tech perspective.
“We recently underwent a significant upgrade to our facilities, incorporating the latest technological advancements to enhance our newsgathering capabilities and expand our reach across the Arab world. The new facility is part of our efforts to deliver high-quality news and programming that respects our viewers and aligns with our vision as one of the leading news channels. We have embraced a new brand identity, introduced a compelling slogan, revamped our programming, and are poised to launch a comprehensive line-up of shows covering a diverse spectrum of topics including politics, culture, health and environment. And our team is fully equipped to execute this ambitious plan.”
The Technology
The channel’s migration involved a complete upgrade of its broadcast infrastructure and the deployment of a raft of new technologies. This was spearheaded by Ideal Systems Middle East, helmed by Managing Director Ayman Alkhatib. A core video router, Avid PAM system migration to Cloud UX and an upgrade of Vizrt graphics engines to version 5.0 were key components of this migration. In addition, Ideal Systems was responsible for the integration of Alghad TV’s corporate and broadcast networks, its virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) capabilities, and a fully IP-based lighting system.
Ayman Elhelw, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Alghad TV, speaks of the transformation of the channel’s broadcast IT infrastructure as “from bare metal servers to a completely virtualised environment … With it, we have ensured enhanced efficiency and flexibility in our operations.”
Alghad TV previously worked with an Avid Interplay PAM system. With the move, the channel now uses the Avid MediaCentral Production Management system with MediaCentral Cloud UX, enabling seamless access from anywhere via a web-based interface.
“The legacy Interplay PAM system was old and had reached the end of its lifecycle. The move to the new MediaCentral Cloud UX platform was essential for our continued evolution,” Elhelw explains.
The transition involved migrating media files from Avid ISIS storage to Avid Nexis, moving the Avid Interplay and iNews database to a new VM-based infrastructure, along with HSM flashnet migrating to Telestream DIVA and the LTO6 tape library moving to LTO 8 technology from Spectra, anchoring the channel’s current newsroom system.
The existing Vizrt graphics system was also upgraded to leverage the latest in AR/VR technology. Furthermore, the media house switched from a legacy DMX-based studio lighting system to a more modern IP-based solution using the ArtNet lighting control protocol.
The Studios
A major showcase at the new facility is the grand 400sqm studio on the ground floor, which is not just a hub for news production but also blends innovation with aesthetics. Nasser explains that everything at the new facility is a step closer to achieving the management’s larger vision to expand further in the MENA, as well as across the globe.
“Our new facility matches our expansion goals. Besides having a network of reporters across the world, we have now equipped ourselves with everything we need to ensure that our news can be delivered to our audiences in the highest possible standards. To that effect, we have our main 24/7 news studio, which is attached to the newsroom; our production studio; and our virtual studio, which is used extensively by our social media team.”
The main studio has the news platform at its centre, with curved features around it creating a globe-shaped visual impact when viewed from the outside. From the inside, the curves serve as multi-layer backdrops for all the sets and are intended to convey that Alghad TV’s news platform is connected from the centre to the whole world. Similar curved graphic patterns on the studio floor represent its global news network coverage.
The studio’s set functions are laid out along the outer ring of the elliptic studio, with seating planned for news reporting, multiple guest interviews, breaking news areas, large LED screen standing news reporting, and live streaming interviews. The rings on the top which form the centre of the studio are made of fibreglass and weigh a whopping 1,500kg.
The studio features five sets of LED screens in different sizes, with three on motorised tracks and one on a rotating frame. This design provides maximum flexibility for information and video display, catering to different types of programmes and scenarios. Presenters facing the screen can engage in single and multiple guest live streaming interviews, as well as live interaction with reporters on the news scene. The camera zone is in the centre of the studio, making it fast and easy to move in order to switch shots between sets. The directors can use multiple sets in a single programme, with each item presented on the best possible set.
One large and one small presenter desk with movable platforms provide the flexibility to use any part of the studio as a backdrop, while also enabling interaction with the nearby sets. Floor space has been reserved for immersive graphics, while the curved features add another dimension for news presentations. The studio floor, with its shifting video walls, is a dynamic space that can be effortlessly transformed into at least 12 unique set-ups for the channel’s diverse shows.
This is the biggest of three studios and includes five pedestal cameras and a crane with the ability to facilitate seamless transitions between shows. The channel has invested in 17 HD 1080i Sony cameras – ten for the main studio, four for the production studio and three for the VR studio – accompanied by the Sony 4 ME vision mixer. The other two studios are on the higher floors.
The studio layout has been meticulously planned to allow a variety of camera shots, from intimate medium close-ups to expansive wide shots, thereby contributing to the overall visual appeal of the channel’s news broadcasts. The ability to swiftly reposition cameras also helps minimise downtime and maximise on-screen action, creating a dynamic viewing experience for the audience.
A two-tier video wall screen design, which adds depth and style to the visual narrative, is intended to elevate Alghad TV’s broadcasts. Different design elements have been added to the studio space. Smooth transitions between camera positions help maintain a visual dialogue, linking presenters across diverse locations within a single frame. The result is a seamless and engaging viewing experience.
“The set isn’t just designed to be shot from inside – it’s a visual spectacle from the outside, especially when viewed from the second floor. Every angle has been aesthetically engineered,” explains Alkhatib. “The newsroom is also an extension of the set and exudes a professional allure onscreen while offering a comfortable ambience for journalists.”
The new facility also features two fully redundant control rooms, ensuring uninterrupted operations and broadcasting, as well as the transmission room (TXR), the master control room (MCR) and a SAT room that takes care of connectivity and broadcasting. The central apparatus room (CAR) is the central nerve centre, coordinating and managing the technical aspects. To support content creation and editing, there are seven edit suites and 130+ journalist positions, facilitating a dynamic and efficient news production environment. In addition, there are eight creative desks.
Ideal Systems Middle East also designed and installed the lighting system at the facility, and is very proud of what it achieved. The studio’s floor and ceiling feature sophisticated LED lighting, enabling mood transformations that align with the essence of each show and the time of day.
“This lighting design adds a layer of visual storytelling, enhancing the overall viewer experience. The main colours in use are white, silver and light grey, with RGBW LED lightboxes and LED strips to light onto the colour-finishing surface. This lighting has been thoughtfully put together to ensure the space is ready for any purpose, be it broadcasting or as a workspace,” explains Alkhatib.
The Challenges
One of the big challenges with this installation was migrating from legacy systems without any downtime, and Alghad TV’s commitment extends beyond traditional broadcasting.
“Decommissioning major legacy systems was no small feat, as the team had to ensure uninterrupted on-air operations during the transition. Our migration efforts extended to media files, databases and storage solutions, with meticulous planning and execution,” says Alkhatib.
Elhelw goes on: “We experienced several different challenges during this integration, which is to be expected when you are migrating from an old system to a more sophisticated and futuristic one. It gets more complicated when you have a complex design and are integrating high-end solutions like Avid and Imagine with the system. However, we worked very well with Ideal Systems, who emerged as the preferred partner, offering turnkey solutions encompassing broadcast integration, lighting and set design.”
Elhelw says four systems integrators were on the final list for the project, with Ideal Systems chosen for its ability to deliver a complete turnkey solution.
What’s Next?
With the infrastructure and workflow fully in place, Alghad intends to focus on boosting its social media efforts. Nasser notes that the channel has already experienced substantial growth in the social media space but hopes to boost its presence there further.
“Our vision is to become a leading media brand that seamlessly integrates social media engagement with traditional television broadcasting. In the years to come, we will prioritise social media as a primary platform for delivering news and engaging with our audience. Our growing social media following and fan engagement demonstrate our commitment to this strategy. We are already among the top media brands in the Arab world in terms of social media engagement. Our social media presence is expanding rapidly, and we are continuously investing in our social media teams. We have established creative studios and digital studios dedicated to producing innovative and engaging content specifically for our social media platforms. This expansion will further solidify our position as a leading social media brand.”
The channel has established a creative studio designed to producing programmes exclusively for social media. In addition, a dedicated podcast studio and a virtual studio for the digital team underscore its commitment to content creation for social media. The channel is also revamping its website with new apps to give viewers more 360-degree audio and visual offerings. Alghad TV’s relocation and technological upgrade mark a significant chapter in its evolving legacy. The meticulous attention to technological advancements, coupled with a strategic vision for the future, positions Alghad TV as a formidable player in the dynamic landscape of news.