Complete modernization of technology for broadcasting all channels.
Sazka needs no introduction. For more than 60 years, it has been among the leaders of the Czech gaming market, and its iconic Sportka attracts hundreds of thousands of players every week with winnings in the millions. The draw runs during prime time on ČT1 and is watched by millions of viewers – therefore, the production must be extremely fast and 100% reliable. The finished recording is sent to Czech Television within 30 minutes of the start of the draw.
Sazka decided to switch from a standard SD workflow to modern HD production. Although the original system was only in SD format and without further development, it had been brought to almost perfect automation over the years. It was therefore necessary to replace the original linear system in such a way that the existing production speed and operating efficiency were at least maintained.
Originally, it was a linear production chain based on a tape workflow (replaced by SONY MAV disk storage), controlled by a SONY BVE-2000 unit according to the edit list. The video direction, subtitles and audio devices were controlled via GPIO – because the picture and sound were created simultaneously during an extremely short production window.
The key technological choice was a non-linear disk recording system with edit-in-place support – i.e. the ability to edit directly on the storage without copying. The only server that met all requirements, including GPIO control, was the EVS XS-3.
The video direction is based on compact Kula (SAM) technology with a wide range of tools used to the full:
- multi-channel DVE
- frame synchronization
- multiview outputs
- combination of SD and HD sources on one ME
- extensive GPIO for automation
The heart of every TV studio is certainly a switcher, which of course also had to be replaced. A completely new decentralized MediorNet MicroN (Riedel) switching system was also created, which connects the entire studio and distribution points within the complex. It transmits 3G/HD-SDI and MADI signals and, together with the Soundcraft Vi-2000 mixing console, enables embedding and de-embedding of audio tracks.
After initial testing, we chose Panasonic AK-HC5000 studio cameras. The main reason was the minimal moiré effect on the camera chip in conjunction with the studio LED background used. The movement of the cameras is automated by Panasonic AW-UE70 PTZ cameras controlled via the AW-RP50 controller.
Because the drawing studio is used several times a day, a backup control room was first created to keep the production running during the installation. After the implementation, operator training and test operation were completed, Sazka switched to the new HD platform for all lottery games – quickly, without failures and with perfect results.
