Turner Entertainment Network Operations Enlists AFA for Expansion

Turner Entertainment Networks increased programming recently with the launch of additional networks from their Network Operations division located in Atlanta. Network Operations selected AF Associates, Inc. (AFA; Northvale, NJ), the nation's leading systems integrator, to expand their existing service to 13 channels and one over the air feed. AFA also designed and built an additional channel customized for testing and training functions.

"We partnered with A. F. Associates because of their proven ability and track record within the broadcast industry. Their assistance has enabled us to take advantage of the latest technology available, " said Suzanne Donino, Network Operations senior vice president.

"We are honored to be the first company ever selected by Turner Entertainment Network Operations to serve as their systems integrator," said Jack Dawson, AFA senior vice president. "This project allowed AFA to demonstrate the ingenuity that has formed the foundation of our business."

Steven Sabin, AFA senior project manager added, "Turner Entertainment Network Operations requirements surpassed the boundaries of traditional system's integration and we were able to design and customize equipment to accommodate their unique needs."

AFA designed a customized control room that serves as Network Operations' testing and training center. To accomplish comprehensive operator training, AFA designed the "Trouble Maker", a custom box that intentionally inserts faults in the system to test the trainee's proficiency in analyzing and addressing "problems".

"The Testing and Training Center not only provides an area for training new employees, it also helps acclimate current employees to new versions of software," said Clyde Smith, Network Operations, vice president of Broadcast Technology & Engineering.

AFA also designed and built a central equipment room and two control rooms around Pro-Bel automation to facilitate transmission of the four new channels. The two control rooms, designed to operate with minimal staffing, are 601 digital component systems with AES/EBU digital audio. One control room utilizes a Pro-Bel TX320 master control switcher, while in the other control room the routing switcher goes direct to-air.

TNT Latin America originates three channels from one control room while Turner South programming originates from the other. TNT Latin America went on-air from the new facility on August 3 with channels to Argentina and Mexico. On September 1 the remaining TNT Latin America went on-air with a feed to Brazil.

The fourth channel, Turner South, is a 24-hour regional entertainment network that features programming targeted to Southern viewers. It launched on October 1 with 1 million subscribers in six states.

The central equipment center supports all three rooms and consists of 34 racks of equipment including: 2 LMS systems, 2 flexicarts, 1 Odetics TCS 90 with DVCPRO, and 1 AFA DTMF Logger. Developed by AFA, the DTMF Logger is a unique device designed to address broadcasters' needs for a reliable method of logging DTMF tones on multiple channels. AFA also designed and installed remote GPI panels capable of remotely controlling up to eight pieces of equipment.

A. F. Associates, Inc. is a Video Services Corp. company. AFA is an industry leader in the design, engineering and fabrication of fixed and mobile television facilities. Services include design, engineering, consulting, detailed design, documentation, prewiring, installation, and commissioning for broadcast, cable, satellite, production/post production and corporate video markets.