Sports broadcaster deploys Exterity system to stream TV round head-office
London, 27th March 2009: Exterity, the market leader in network IPTV, has installed their network-based IPTV system at the London headquarters of Setanta, a leading international sports broadcaster. The system enables Setanta to deliver live and recorded television to desktop and wall mounted TV’s within its new offices via the IP network. This results in a better service for Setanta customers as staff monitor Setanta and competitor channels to perfect scheduling; and content is recorded for use on the Setanta website so visitors can view previous events.
The IPTV system, which was installed by systems integrator Klicktv within just two days, was deployed as part of Setanta’s recent office move from London’s West End to brand new offices in Chiswick, due to the company’s rapid expansion. Setanta constantly strives to improve its service for customers, and Exterity’s system plays a vital role in this, for example:
• Content is recorded via the IPTV system and is posted onto the Setanta website so that viewers can watch replays
• Managers and directors monitor the output of the Setanta channels for quality control
• The scheduling department can monitor competitor channels and ensure they schedule Setanta programs in optimum slots
• Online journalists can keep abreast of all sports in real-time and file timely copy
Opting for an IPTV system which uses the existing IP network provides a cost effective and scalable means of delivering TV, representing a future-proof investment as the system can easily accommodate technological advancements such as HD. The IPTV network utilises the existing IP network so there was no need for an expensive cabling infrastructure just to support the TV system, significantly reducing building fit-out costs.
Chris Pearson, IT & Facilities Manager, Setanta, comments: “Having previously used an RF system, we were keen to move away from this format as it was not reliable and could not meet our requirements, given the size of the offices. The signal would ghost due to long runs across our 22,000 sq ft site, whereas IPTV does not suffer from this. It’s a more dependable picture at a higher quality.”
As a broadcast company, it is vital that Setanta is able to showcase its channels to on-site visitors in a practical yet effective way, and the quick to deploy system allows TV to be streamed to screens in communal areas within the building as well as to PCs and screens throughout the office.
Colin Farquhar, Exterity CEO says: “Moving offices is a very expensive process at the best of times, and when re-cabling is added to this, costs can mount up. Setanta made a wise choice with IPTV as it uses the existing IP network and so reduced the infrastructure costs for the new office. In addition, IPTV is easy to manage and infinitely scalable. Additional TVs or PCs can be to be added to the network without the need for further cabling, enabling Setanta’s IPTV solution to accommodate them as they grow.”
“The network IPTV system was deployed in a matter of days so there was very little disruption for staff, enabling them to get on with delivering the great service Setanta customers have come to expect,” observed Phillip Ridd, Klicktv Director.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
About Exterity
Exterity Limited was formed in 2001 to create products that deliver broadcast quality digital video over IP networks within buildings. Exterity’s products represent a significant advance over the co-axial cable systems in common use today and are viable for deployment in both small- and large-scale TV and video distribution systems.
Exterity is based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
About Setanta
Setanta Sports, the platform-neutral premium sports channel business, is a leading international pay-TV sports broadcaster operating channels in the UK, Ireland, North America and Australia. Founded in 1992, its premium sports content is available to tens of millions of digital homes worldwide.
Setanta operates more sports channels than any other broadcaster in the UK and Ireland.
Setanta Sports is the most widely-available premium sports broadcaster in the UK and is available to all digital homes: on satellite, via Freeview, Virgin Media, Tiscali, BT Vision and by Broadband, ensuring the widest possible distribution to all sports fans.
Setanta Sports is the only broadcaster of premium sports on digital terrestrial television (Freeview). The Setanta Sports 1 channel, featuring the best of Setanta’s premium live content, is available on Freeview boxes with viewing card slots and integrated TVs with a common interface (CI slot).
The Setanta Sports Pack is available to satellite and cable customers and is made up of the following channels:
Setanta Sports 1
Setanta Sports 2
Setanta Golf
Racing UK
NASN (North American Sports Network)*
Celtic TV
Rangers TV
LFC TV
Arsenal TV
Setanta Sports is also available online, live and on demand, via Setanta by Broadband, featuring all Setanta’s leading content offered on Setanta Sports 1, Setanta Sports 2 and Setanta Golf, allowing sports fans to access at home, work or elsewhere.
For a full list of Setanta Sports’ exclusively live sporting content and fixture details, please visit www.setanta.com
Content includes Barclays Premier League football, FA Cup, England international friendlies, 2010 World Cup qualifiers involving England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Clydesdale Bank Premier League, Blue Square Premier, US PGA Golf, Indian Premier League cricket, Asia Cup cricket, live Magners League rugby, top-flight boxing, Ultimate Fighting Championship and action from some of Europe’s best football leagues.
From the 2010/11 season, Setanta’s exclusively live content will also include 43 Guinness Premiership rugby matches.
Setanta Sports is available with no annual contract required. For the latest pricing offers on any platform, please visit www.setanta.com or call 08712 10 20 30.
Setanta Sports is also joint owner with Virgin Media of Setanta Sports News, the new 24-hour sports news channel, available free-to-air on the Virgin Media platform, and also on satellite, covering all the top sports news stories from the UK and abroad.
*not available to Virgin Media customers
Media contacts:
Sarah-Anne Bray / Laurie Glimmerveen
Wildfire PR
0208 339 4420
Exterity@wildfirepr.co.uk