FOR-A powers technology upgrade for Sharjah TV

Advanced production switcher technology supports Emirate broadcaster's expansion

Dubai, February 20, 2025 –FOR-A, a cutting-edge video broadcast technology company backed by more than 50 years'experience, has supplied production switchers and multi-channel signal processors to Sharjah Broadcasting Authority SBA the official television channel for the Emirates of Sharjah. The technology refresh encompasses both studio and outside broadcast facilities across the broadcaster's operations.

The project features the installation of the FOR-A HVS-2000 3ME production switcher with the HVS-3355OUA panel as the main switcher at the OB truck, complemented by the HVS-1200 12G video switcher as a backup switcher for OB and studios. The installation also includes several FA-505's multi-channel signal processors and two FA-1616HB-12G units with Dante audio capability, providing comprehensive signal processing and audio integration in the OB and studios.

"This technology upgrade represents a strategic investment in our broadcast infrastructure," said Aisha Alzareef, Engineering Technology Sector Manager at Sharjah Broadcasting Authority. "The FOR-A solutions provide us with a unified architecture across our studio and OB operations, enabling seamless integration of 12G-SDI workflows. The scalability of these systems, particularly the multi-channel signal processors, gives us the technical foundation to continue expanding our capabilities while maintaining the highest broadcast standards. Most importantly, the reliability of the FOR-A equipment ensures we can meet our critical mandate of delivering high-quality content to our audience."

Mounaf Hannouneh, Broadcast engineering manager, added: "The integration of FOR-A technology has transformed our production capabilities. In our studios, the multi-channel signal processors give us unprecedented routing flexibility and format conversion options. The ability to handle multiple audio formats with comprehensive processing and delay management has streamlined our workflows significantly. This versatility, combined with the reliability of our new switching infrastructure, ensures we can meet any production challenge."

"This latest installation represents a significant upgrade to our Outside Broadcast capabilities," said Moath Faisal, Senior OB engineer. "The new production switcher gives us exceptional flexibility for live productions, with powerful effects capabilities and an intuitive control panel that our operators immediately embraced. Having reliable backup switching means we can guarantee uninterrupted coverage of critical events."

The new OB installation features a robust architecture with main and backup switching capabilities, ensuring complete redundancy for mission-critical live coverage of government events and cultural activities. The signal-processing infrastructure enables seamless format conversion and ensures compatibility across all production scenarios.

"Sharjah TV, as the official broadcaster for the Emirate of Sharjah, requires technology that delivers absolute reliability for their government and cultural programming," said Mohammed Abu Ziyadeh, Regional Manager Middle East & Africa, FOR-A. "The comprehensive solution we've provided delivers powerful creative tools while ensuring bulletproof reliability. From multiple mix effects and sophisticated keying to advanced signal processing and format conversion, the system gives their production teams everything they need to create compelling content while maintaining operational simplicity."

Training and commissioning of the latest equipment was completed in early November 2024, and the facilities are now in daily use.