Martin LC Series backdrop for CNBC Arabia Studio

12 February 2009

UAE - Look behind one of the main broadcast desks at television studio CNBC Arabia and you will see a flexible, animated and visually professional backdrop courtesy of Martin LC Series LED panels. The semi-transparent, modular system of LED panels - praised for its brightness and set-up ease - is floor-mounted and creates a customizable graphics backdrop and one-of-a-kind set piece.

CNBC Arabia, which broadcasts live coverage across the Middle East and beyond from Dubai Media City in the United Arab Emirates, is the region's first 24-hour Arabic language business TV channel. The channel's Head of Operations, Nick Turner, was looking for an alternative display to augment a range of changeable and moveable 'light-boxes' that would display backlit graphics for a range of new shows.

"We needed something to simplify operations and replace one of the virtual sets we had been using for a couple of years," he stated. "We also wanted the flexibility to change backgrounds to different shows and already have a video wall that displays high resolution graphics or video. We thought that in this area we would take a different approach with a high tech look but not necessarily a full resolution look. In fact, as we already had the video wall, we wanted a look that was distinctly different.

The Martin LC LED curtain gave us exactly the look and feel we wanted and something that no other broadcaster was currently using."

Bureau operations manager, Suhail Ahmed, explains the decision to outfit the studio in LC Series panels. "We required a medium resolution animation stand-alone unit that was easy to install and maintain, one that would provide us with a variety of looks and ease of operation and we chose the LC Series. The unit is so portable and flexible - it is quite light and easy to handle, making it ideal for small installations."

According to Ahmed, the installation was "relatively simple" with four panels mounted vertically in the main studio. A variety of graphical content is run from a Martin Maxedia Compact media server located in the studio's control room. Maxedia, which includes a large library of media clips, still images and animations, allows for simple media composing and playback without the need for a complex lighting controller.

"So far the LED panels have been performing well without any issues," Ahmed says. "We do plan to do changes and add-ons to further complement what we have. I would like to thank the Martin Middle East team for meeting our deadlines and providing us with prompt support whenever it was needed."

(Lee Baldock)