Kordia™ picks Advent Flyaways for first HD uplink for Sky Sports in New Zealand
Kordia™ has recently purchased two 1.9m Mantis Antenna Systems and an electronics package, including the new state of the art DVE5000 HD & SD L Band Digital Video Exciter from The Bridge Networks.
Kordia™ purchased the two 1.9m Mantis’ in the first instance to support a significant contract it has recently won to provide coverage of Sky Sports in High Definition. Kordia™ is the first company in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands to utilise satellite uplinks in High Definition and marks a major step forward for the industry.
The equipment was used for the first time on 21st June in Christchurch for a test transmission at the 2008 IVECO Series rugby match, All Blacks vs England. On 5th July the equipment broadcasted live from the New Zealand vs South Africa, Phillips Tri Nations Rugby Test Match in Wellington.
“We looked at several options and selected Advent’s Mantis Flyaways because it is the only system with all cases weighing in under 32kgs. This allows us to carry the equipment with us as checked-in luggage which is a real advantage as it arrives on the ground at the same time as the crew,” says Merv Brooks, Field Services and Operations Business Development Manager at Kordia™.
“No other satellite manufacturers could meet the configuration and flexibility of the Advent equipment. We will also be offering the new HD uplinks to other broadcasters around the Asia Pacific region,” he said.
Phil Cooke, Managing Director of The Bridge Networks, says “Sport is driving the take-up of High Definition everywhere; . the HD sports coverage carried by the Mantis Flyaways will be seen by millions of viewers and will be a milestone in New Zealand’s broadcast history. The configuration The Bridge Networks is providing from Advent is the perfect solution for Kordia™’s requirement.”
“We are very pleased that Kordia™ has purchased Advent’s equipment to use with Sky Sports. It is a great endorsement of Advent Communications and our new generation of High Definition uplinks electronics,” says George Koumblis, Sales Director for Advent.