Oman TV (the Oman’s Ministry of Information) has transformed its central theatre into a hybrid space, merging live event capabilities with full broadcast functionality. Central to the completion of this groundbreaking project is an IP-based Lawo infrastructure.
The project reflects Oman TV’s commitment to innovation, addressing the dual demands of live performance and integration with 20 studios that support five national channels. This hybrid functionality means that the theatre is capable of linking with other studios for real-time signal sharing while supporting live broadcasts and in-house events.
The central theatre posed unique challenges to the project, as traditional auditorium designs rarely include broadcast-grade redundancy. Oman TV sought a facility to function as an additional broadcast studio, enabling transmission of signals in and out of the building. To meet these demands without compromising performance or reliability, the system required a robust IP networking infrastructure.
Pixel Solutions, the Muscat-based systems integrator, collaborated with Lawo to tackle these challenges: ‘This was a remarkable project for us,’ says Pixel Solutions CEO, Anas Alkurdi. ‘Lawo’s solutions and expertise helped us design a system that exceeds Oman TV’s exacting standards, while our team gained invaluable experience in broadcast audio systems.’
At the heart of the theatre’s audio infrastructure is a Lawo mc²56 MkIII audio production console with 32 faders, paired with an A__UHD Core audio engine. Together, they provide an unparalleled level of flexibility and processing power, with the ability to handle more than 1,000 DSP channels. This set-up enables engineers to manage the in-house audio mix for live events while also controlling signals for broadcast distribution. The console seamlessly handles over 100 audio inputs and outputs, ensuring smooth routing and reliable performance for both applications.
Complementing this setup are several additional Lawo solutions. Two A__stage64 stageboxes provide audio signal connectivity across the venue and beyond using ST2110 standards. Lawo’s Home management platform offers centralised management of all connected devices, streamlining operations in the hybrid production environment.
In addition to the broadcast audio system, the central theatre features a sophisticated AVL installation designed to enhance the audience experience. An 11m x 5m LED video wall from LEDman dominates the stage backdrop, the largest of its kind in Oman. The lighting set-up includes more than 60 Prolights fixtures, installed in a challenging space with undulating ceilings accessible only by hidden catwalks. Audio coverage is powered by Bose Professional ArenaMatch AM10 loudspeakers and ShowMatch SMS118 subwoofers, configured in collaboration with Bose’s design team.
The venue also features commentary and translation booths equipped with Studio Technologies solutions, such as the Model 214A announcer’s console and Model 348 intercom station. These systems’ integration with the Lawo infrastructure using standard protocols demonstrates the adaptability of the overall design.
The adoption of IP-based working delivers significant advantages to Oman TV. The system’s robust redundancy ensures uninterrupted operations, critical for live broadcasting, while its modular design offers scalability for future expansions. The Home platform simplifies workflows, reducing set-up time and operator training.
The success of the project positions Oman TV at the forefront of broadcast innovation in the region. Operators have expressed enthusiasm for the system’s performance, and discussions are already underway to extend Lawo’s technology across Oman TV’s broader infrastructure.
‘This project has laid a solid foundation for future advancements in Oman’s broadcast industry,’ Alkurdi says. ‘It is a testament to how local expertise and global technology can come together to achieve remarkable outcomes.’
More: www.lawo.com
