Orlando’s leading PBS station had decided to upgrade for digital operations in an expanded broadcast facility. The plan called for maintaining analog and cable feeds, along with four SD channels in daytime, and, at night, one HD and one SD.
A significant factor in this large and complex project was PCS’ capability to envision upgrade challenges from the perspectives of both the station operator and the systems integrator. As a division of Media General, PCS is the only integrator with a direct involvement in the day-to-day operations of dozens of TV stations.
PCS first prepared a Scope of Work plan, which — because public funds were involved — was used to solicit bids from competing integrators. Unlike other bidders, some of which WMFE says took a cookie-cutter approach, PCS professionals listened to what their client wanted, and brought them what they needed.
In the often perplexing move to digital operations, it’s not unusual for daunting challenges to occur in an ambitious construction-and-installation project. In fact, construction delays led to PCS’ storing the NVision components and other equipment for its client until the time came to move it.
The planning, and in-process application of new and emerging technology — bolstered by a cooperative client/integrator relationship — overcame adversity. One result is the relatively rare bonus of an additional nighttime SD channel for the important Orlando market.
PCS also automated the analog station by augmenting the legacy equipment and systems. WMFE now operates six independent channels, and can broadcast a great deal of programming automatically, when necessary.