Kahuna Multi-Format Production Switcher Supports SIS LIVE Host Broadcast Services With Flexible, Fast, and Accurate Switching
READING, U.K. — Nov. 29, 2010 —Snell today announced that its Kahuna multi-format HD/SD production switcher supported SIS LIVE's provision of host broadcast television production and coverage facilities at the XIX Commonwealth Games, held Oct. 3-14 in Delhi, India. SIS LIVE's television coverage represented the first complete broadcast of the games in HD, and the company's live feeds were used by all networks covering the event. The five Kahuna systems gave operators the speed and functionality required for smooth, accurate switching in the fast-paced live sports production environment.
"The contributions and support of the Snell team, as well as the versatility of the company's products, were critical to the success of our HD broadcasts," said SIS LIVE's Jim Ramsey, coordinating producer, features, for the Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010. "The results of Snell's endeavours were clear in the faultless performance of the Kahuna systems throughout the games and in the high quality of the on-screen result."
Snell Sirius and Pyxis routers were installed for the 2010 games along with two Kahuna systems at the International Broadcast Centre (IBC). Another three Kahuna systems were installed in the wrestling, shooting, and lawn bowls venues, each of which featured two galleries. In these venues, each Kahuna system was equipped with an additional control panel so that it could effectively operate as two 2-ME units — with one 2-ME unit serving each gallery. Delivered by ZOOM Communications, Southeast Asia's largest broadcast services company, all five Kahuna systems were configured and supported by Snell engineers to give freelance operators all the moves and transitions they needed with simple single-button presses.
"Live sports production is challenging in itself, and it becomes even more difficult in the context of an event like the Commonwealth Games with live competition occurring in multiple locations," said John Carter, product manager, production switchers at Snell. "In this type of environment, the Kahuna provided SIS LIVE with flexibility, reliability, and switching performance that helped the company to deliver world-class television production and broadcast services."
