Under the ambitious framework of Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Broadcasting Authority is spearheading a transformative journey to revolutionise its broadcasting infrastructure. From the groundbreaking metamorphosis of Studio A to the seamless integration of cutting-edge IP and virtual technologies, Hatem Mohammad Abu Nasif, SBA’s VP of Engineering Affairs, talks to Vijaya Cherian about the broadcaster’s bold initiatives to redefine excellence in the Kingdom’s media landscape.
State broadcaster Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA) has initiated an ambitious and long-term project to modernise its broadcasting facilities across the Kingdom in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 mandate. The first phase of this project includes the complete overhaul of Studio A, transitioning it to a full-fledged HD broadcasting facility.
This initiative will help enhance the quality and versatility of the studio to accommodate a wide range of programming, from news and sports to talk shows, harnessing both conventional and state-of-the-art virtual technologies. This includes comprehensive upgrades to the master control room (MCR), shifting it to an IP-based broadcast infrastructure and seamlessly integrating the new MCR IP router with SBA’s existing systems.
“Our strategic plan is to be the first in the region in terms of development and digital transformation as well as production and distribution. For that, we have a plan, and we started to execute this plan with some projects related to IP and AI, and the distribution of radio in all of the cities in Saudi Arabia,” explains Hatem Mohammad Abu Nasif, Vice President of Engineering Affairs at SBA. “With these projects, we are fully aligned with SBA’s strategy, which, in turn, is aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 from our Crown Prince HRH Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.”
Abu Nasif, who has been with SBA for more than 20 years and in his current role for the last four, dons multiple hats at the broadcast entity as he also serves as Director General and Advisor to SBA’s strategic development unit. As chief of Engineering Affairs, the projects department, SBA’s technical affairs, its studios and signal distribution as well as the broadcaster’s maintenance and operations and spectrum management come under Abu Nasif’s remit.
“The engineering department is a centralised department here in Riyadh but we have departments in all the cities, including Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and other areas around the Kingdom. The engineering department alone has around 850 employees. We are not just responsible for the production of content but also its distribution. We have a lot of DVB-T stations. Operating each of those stations and maintaining them is also part of our remit.”
Abu Nasif’s team worked closely with Saudi Arabian systems integrator First Gulf Company, which oversaw all aspects of the project from design, engineering, procurement and integration to commissioning, training and after-sales support.
“We spent more than 500 hours in crafting something extraordinary with top designers, including a world-famous studio architect,” says Maya Shokor, FGC’s Key Account Manager on the project. “This journey included more than 2,000 hours of hands-on work at the site by over 150 dedicated team members, who helped bring SBA’s vision to life. The result is a breathtaking 6,500 sqft studio with more than seven dynamic set designs and vast LED walls covering more than 3,400 sqft with ultra-sharp visuals. The studio is equipped with top-line Grass Valley cameras, five on pedestals for ground coverage and one on a crane for sweeping shots. At the core of this project is SBA’s cutting-edge control gallery, which boasts the latest 4ME Kayenne vision mixer. This project isn’t just about building a studio, it is about setting a new benchmark for broadcasting excellence, highlighted by 90 beams of advanced lighting and sound systems that elevate every production.”
Besides the studio, a series of enhancements were undertaken to improve the productions even further. First on the docket was the overhaul of the Studio Lighting Power System. “Keeping in mind the latest broadcasting standards, we reconfigured the power distribution to ensure our studio lighting meets enhanced requirements for efficient and reliable illumination,” adds Shokor.
Next, the team turned its attention to fortifying system interconnectivity. Seamlessly integrating its MCR, playout systems and graphics on the backend became paramount. This seamless connection serves as the backbone of streamlined operations and the key to delivering high-quality broadcasts. Simultaneously, the installation of advanced visual displays began to take shape. State-of-the-art screens were deployed to transform the studio’s visual dynamics, boosting the viewing experience and setting the stage for engaging productions.
Yet, perhaps the most formidable challenge lay in refining Studio A’s design. Here, the team blended the latest in virtual and augmented reality technologies with traditional set designs. The goal was to create adaptable sets for various presentation styles and the integration of LED displays and lighting within a 588 sqm space. FGC approached this with a detailed project scope that included designing, engineering, procuring and integrating advanced broadcasting equipment. This ensured a systematic upgrade to HD, meeting both technical and operational requirements.
To address the design requirements, the project included the development of multipurpose shooting areas and incorporated advanced production technologies. This included a soundproof voiceover booth, the integration of a K Frame Grass Valley HD mixer, a 48 Faders Lawo audio mixer and the addition of six HD cameras.
The renovation also focused on the control room, equipping it with state-of-the-art technology to support HD broadcasting. This upgrade was critical to transforming Studio A into a multifunctional space capable of producing high-quality content for a variety of shows.
The second part of the project was an IP-based MCR. “We have begun our IP journey with the MCR. We plan to gradually transition all our other studios to IP. This integration particularly was vital to ensure smooth broadcasts and compatibility between our new and old technologies,” explains Abu Nasif.
Orlando Castro, Chief Technical Officer at FGC, says: “For over a decade, we have worked with SBA, helping them to innovate with new technologies. This IP MCR project underscores our commitment to seamless integration and reliability. Our expertise ensures not just a transition, but a transformation that sets new broadcasting standards.”
Transitioning to IP-based broadcast infrastructure raised some critical concerns, especially where integrating the MCR IP router with the broadcaster’s existing systems was concerned. “Through detailed planning, we ensured the MCR IP router integrated smoothly with our legacy systems,” explains Abu Nasif. “This careful approach supports both our current broadcasts and paves the way for fully adopting IP workflows.”
Castro adds: “A fully redundant ST-2110 IP routing system has been implemented to uphold SBA’s broadcast integrity. This is especially critical during live events where there’s no room for error.”
The transition to ST2110 IP-based infrastructure has brought some key advantages to the team. For one, there is greater flexibility within the MCR, enabling swift adjustments to signal paths without the constraints of traditional cabling. Moreover, the ST2110 standard inherently offers scalability, allowing for the strategic expansion of studio operations and preparing for the integration of UHD production and other emerging technologies. Efficiency has also seen a boost as workflows have been optimised. Separating video, audio and metadata into individual streams have helped simplify processing and enhanced operational efficiency.
“Embracing the ST2110 standard positions Saudi TV at the forefront of the industry’s transition towards an IP-centric landscape, ensuring relevance and competitiveness in the future,” explains Abu Nasif.
One other important project that SBA completed recently is within the radio sector. With plans to revolutionise digital radio broadcasting as well as improve the quality and accessibility of radio broadcasting throughout the Kingdom, SBA installed new DAB+ transmitters in key cities and along critical highways. This initiative will improve the clarity and reach of both governmental and private radio channels, ensuring a superior listening experience nationwide.
Adam Moustafa Hamza, Director of Project Delivery at FGC, remarks: “Deploying the DAB radio system in major Saudi cities marks a significant advancement in our digital broadcast capabilities. Through collaborations with GatesAir, ST Engineering and others, we’re not just expanding coverage, we’re enhancing the quality and reach of radio services. This initiative redefines radio broadcasting, ensuring superior digital sound for all, from city centres to the Riyadh-Abha highway.”
DAB+ transmitters have been deployed in Makkah, Taif, Abha, Albaha, Tabouk, Arar, Skaka, Najran and Jizan. DAB+ coverage has been extended along the Riyadh-Abha highway to provide continuous digital broadcast service. Presently, the infrastructure is primed to facilitate the transmission of 24 radio services, including private stations. This includes the dissemination of content from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah sites via satellite.
Abu Nasif says the project owes its success to the collaborative efforts from global vendors. GatesAir, for instance, provided advanced DAB+ transmitters, renowned for their reliability and efficiency in over-the-air broadcasting solutions. ST Engineering offered critical infrastructure support, leveraging its experience in technology and engineering services. ITEL DAB+ supplied the necessary headend system for managing and distributing digital audio content effectively. Lastly, Mayano contributed additional technical expertise and support in digital broadcasting.
“By leveraging the latest in digital broadcasting technology, the project promises to deliver uninterrupted, high-fidelity audio to listeners, irrespective of their location within the covered areas. Moreover, it exemplifies the nation’s commitment to adopting forward-thinking solutions in its media infrastructure, ensuring the sustainability and growth of radio as a key medium of communication and entertainment,” says Abu Nasif.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg. SBA’s new Archive Centre, an online platform that will give the world online access to its historical footages, is in the final stages of completion as we go to press.
“This is the next thing on our agenda. The Archive Centre provides a beautiful opportunity for us to monetise all our content. Our focus is on leveraging this digital archive to its fullest extent, capitalising on the capabilities it offers for users while also ensuring revenue generation. Furthermore, as we continue to prioritise cyber security, we’re exploring exciting opportunities for collaboration with telecom companies. Recognising the synergies between our respective technologies and connectivity, these partnerships hold immense promise for enhancing our services and safeguarding our operations. Through proactive collaboration and innovation, we aim to usher in a new era of accessibility, security and excellence in broadcasting and archival preservation,” concludes Abu Nasif.
