Diversified Selected as Integrator to Deliver Leading Edge 4K Production Facility for QVC Japan

This complete rebuild of QVC’s existing HD broadcast center transforms it into the first 24/7/365 live 4K (ultra-high definition – UHD) production facility built on the new SMPTE ST 2110 IP standards.

KENILWORTH, NJ– Diversified, an industry leading American technology solutions provider with experience in 4K and IP production systems, has served a global clientele delivering innovative media and entertainment technology solutions for decades. So, when QVC Japan committed to produce their broadcast in 4K, the company appointed Diversified as the exclusive system integrator.

Leveraging their diverse resources, Diversified was able to provide experienced systems consulting services and engineering resources from the Kenilworth, NJ HQ paired with local project management and integration support from their Seoul office. This strategic move not only taps Diversified’s best of breed resources throughout the entire design-build process but also optimizes the efficiency and client experience by providing a single contact for the complex endeavor.

“Japan will be the first QVC market to roll out full 4K HDR broadcast,” said Joseph Micucci, VP of Global Engineering at QVC. “As a leader of video and digital commerce, QVC is well positioned to drive the innovations in broadcast technology. We’ll continue to drive the best of retail through elevating our brand experiences through 4K.”

Worldwide, QVC engages shoppers over 14 broadcast networks reaching approximately 370 million homes in nine countries, six websites, and more than 220 social pages. QVC Japan is a joint venture between QVC (60%) and Mitsui & Co. (40%). Since the business launch in 2001, QVC Japan delivered 24 x 7 live programming to consumers via SkyPerfecTV along with major cable operators. It also simulcasts QVC programming on BS4, BS11 and BS 12 channels on a part time basis. QVC Satellite received Main & Fundamental Broadcasting License from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in January 2017 and is preparing to launch native 4K live programming from December 1, 2018.

The native 4K production target requires a complete transformation of their existing facility in the Mihama district of Chiba city, Chiba Prefecture—located just 25 miles east of Tokyo. With a unique engineering approach, the new facility will not only be the first of its kind providing viewers with superior resolution and image quality as they conveniently shop on the network, but also one of the—if not the very–first 24/7/365 live production 4K facility in Japan.

“We are very excited to work with the QVC team on this important project,” said Chris Mehos, SVP International Business Development, Diversified.  “An IP based 4K facility presents many challenges given the current state of product availability and the limited number of uncompressed 4K (UHD) facilities. You don’t want to set off into uncharted waters without a capable, experienced team and a strong technical plan. Our success to date has been achieved through a thorough requirements and technology vetting process and thoughtful collaboration with QVC’s US Global and Tokyo based engineering team. I expect that to continue through the completion.”

Some of the strategic manufacturer partners selected for this unique project include Imagine Communication’s real-time IP network management solution, Arista core IP routing, Grass Valley’s 4K video production switcher solution, Ikegami’s 4K camera, and Avid’s 4K post production technology. The project is well underway with a substantial completion date of July 2018 to meet the go live target December 2018.