Versio™ and Selenio™ provide foundations of new file-based broadcast workflow at Moscow production facility

On May 31, Moscow-based Amedia, a leading Russian TV and Film production company, launched two channels in Russia: Amedia Premium and Amedia 1, both simulcasted in HD and SD. The two new channels, along with the existing Amedia 2 channel, are distributed nationally through cable, satellite and IPTV operators. To bring the new channels to air, Amedia is building a new broadcast production facility based on a bespoke Imagine Communications file-based workflow solution. On the project, Imagine Communications is working closely with local systems integrator RTV RTC.

The first of its type in Russia, this project represents the largest single order worldwide for Imagine Communications’s Versio™ integrated channel playout solution, which will enable Amedia to rapidly launch, sustain and protect their new channels and services. The new facility incorporates nine Versio systems, providing full redundancy for the four channels plus one extra channel that supports preview functions throughout the broadcast production center. With all branding, graphics and video server functions built into a cost-effective software-based 1RU platform, Versio provides everything that Amedia needs to get their new channels to air quickly, affordably and reliably.

Furthermore, Versio provides Amedia with market-leading video and audio quality, ease of use and system expansion capabilities. On this demanding project, automation of the four channels plus the preview channel is achieved using Imagine Communications’s ADC™ automated content management and distribution system running a list redundancy function to ensure complete on air reliability.

Additionally, a large Imagine Communications Selenio™ media convergence platform installation will provide all encoding (MPEG-2/H.264), file transcoding and audio processing requirements throughout the facility. Other Imagine Communications components include a Platinum™ router, 6800+™ distribution equipment and MSA-100 multi-source analyzers for monitoring H.264 transport streams. Imagine Communications QuiC™ Pro software handles file-based QC of content, while the company’s Invenio Motion™ media asset management system controls the movement of file-based content throughout the entire workflow.

Founded in 2002 by renowned Russian film and television producer Alexander Akopov, Amedia has built a reputation as a technology pioneer within Russia and this project further illustrates its willingness to adopt new ways of working. To launch the new channels, Amedia signed multiyear agreements with HBO, Showtime Networks Inc., CBS Broadcasting Inc., Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox Film Corporation, Starz and other networks and studios. The first season of new Amedia channels will includes 40 TV series premieres totaling 30 hours a week.

“The launch of Amedia’s pay TV channels, Amedia Premium and Amedia 1, is a key moment in development of a company as a leading broadcast service provider. We searched for a technology company to achieve our goals and we have exceeded our expectations by working with Imagine Communications and RTC RTV,” commented Igor Vernovsky, chief technology officer at Amedia. “With products and systems such as Versio and Selenio, Imagine Communications provides next generation broadcast capabilities at very affordable prices. Its ability to supply a complete integrated workflow solution suite to our needs and resources also differentiates it from other technology providers.”

With a local sales and support office based in Moscow, Imagine Communications has identified the potential for significant growth in the Russia/CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) region for a number of years. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Amedia and demonstrate the potential that Imagine Communications offers broadcasters in this dynamic regional market,” stated Mathias Eckert, vice president sales and service, Europe and Africa at Imagine Communications. “Russian television viewers will enjoy watching premium TV series and films in their homes and Amedia will appreciate the quality, performance and reliability that our workflow solution provides.”

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About Imagine Communications

Imagine Communications empowers the media and entertainment industry through transformative innovation. Broadcasters, networks, video service providers and enterprises around the world rely on our optimized, futureproof, multiscreen video and revenue enablement solutions every day to support their mission-critical operations. Today, nearly half of the world’s video channels traverse our products, and our software solutions drive close to a third of global ad revenue. Through continuous innovation, we are delivering the most advanced IP, cloud-enabled, software-defined network and workflow solutions in the industry. Visit www.imaginecommunications.com for more information, and follow us on Twitter @imagine_comms.

About Amedia:
Amedia is one of the biggest Russian producers of television films, series and programs. Amedia was founded in 2002 by Russian producer Alexandеr Akopov, with Len Blavatnik, American industrialist and investor in a number of media and digital assets worldwide, joining as a senior partner in 2005. The company’s annual production volume is over 200 hours of content in various genres – dramas, mysteries, thrillers, romantic comedies and sitcoms. Amedia pioneered industrial methods of TV drama production in Russia and was the first to launch coproduction with major Hollywood studios. Romantic drama series “Poor Anastasia,” the first project produced by the company, had great success in Russia and was sold to 25 countries across the world. The company has built a 40,000 square meter, 16-stage full-cycle production facility by renovating a former factory in the center of Moscow.