Al Arabiya TV Studios

UAE, KSA

Sundrax DMX splitters were supplied for Al Arabiya, a leading Middle Eastern news channel and part of the MBC media group. Sundrax devices provide reliable control over the complex lighting system in the channel’s television studios, located in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. The equipment was supplied by Sundrax's distributor in Dubai, Oasis PPD, who is familiar with the features and modifications of Sundrax products.

The Al Arabiya broadcast center includes several active broadcasting zones, ranging from the main newsroom to informal discussion areas and a social media center. To manage the lighting in these numerous and diverse spaces, a reliable solution was required that could offload the main DMX line and create independent branches. Al Arabiya's lighting system also includes powerful LED Fresnel spotlights (400W and 100W), which provide bright and even light in key areas.

Equipment Used: Splitter Pro

Splitter Pro devices allow additional groups of lighting fixtures to be connected to different lines. Up to 10 independent branches receive a perfect copy of the original signal, ensuring signal stability and integrity in each of the Al Arabiya TV broadcast zones.

The Splitter Pro supports DMX512 and RDM (ANSI E1.20) protocols. This not only allows for signal distribution but also for remote diagnosis and configuration of fixtures. An intelligent indicator visualizes the presence of DMX data on the channel. Additionally, RDM can be filtered out by toggling a switch on the splitter's body, ensuring that devices that do not support RDM work correctly.

The two-zone splitter distributes the signal from one or three inputs to five, eight, or 10 outputs, using XLR (3 or 5 pin) or EtherCON connectors depending on the modification. The DMX Thru port allows for the serial connection of devices, simplifying scaling and minimizing the need for adapters during operation. The units are powered by a 110/220 V network.

The Splitter Pro is designed for 1U rack mounting in a 19-inch rack. Weighing 1.2 kilograms and with a depth of 11 centimeters, it is the lightest professional DMX512 splitter/amplifier on the market.

Achieved Advantages

  • Signal Loss Protection: The system provides 100% data redundancy and uninterrupted operation. The splitter automatically switches to a backup input in case of a main input failure.
  • Flexible Configurations: The modes for single or dual inputs and the DUO-zone splitter functionality offer great flexibility and convenience in building and expanding the DMX network. This is particularly important for large-scale systems like Al Arabiya in the Middle East.
  • Exceptional Device Performance: The splitters can withstand voltages up to 300 V. Their sealed enclosures, which have no ventilation holes, prevent the ingress of dust, dirt, and smoke.
  • Reliable Power: PowerCON connectors with secure locking mechanisms prevent accidental power disconnections.