The 236 meter high centre is a large mass media structure, projected to mount the skyline. It will quickly become a symbol of the city's rapid development, help boost the TV industry and also contribute to the hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Based in the modern media centre in Beijing Central Business District (CBD), Zenitel and Beijing Nera Stentofon Communication Equipment Co. Ltd (BNSC) have been chosen to supply and install this prestigious buildings' security and communication intercom system. Although the project is the first of its kind in China, the project is running to schedule: construction of the main building was completed in 2005, systems are now being installed, and operation trials will begin in 2007. BNSC was due to commence installation in June of this year.
The centre will ultimately comprise 183,000 sq m of floor space and Zenitel's STENTOFON AlphaCom E system, upon completion, will be housed in three areas: the integration building, the TV studios and the service building. Mr Li, director of the technical department described the criteria against which Zenitel's system was selected. "Beijing TV centre needed an intercom system for internal dispatching communication with fast response, connection with important offices and studios, integrated control with other systems and excellent voice quality. The STENTOFON AlphaCom E system stood out against the competition as a system that would easily meet our every requirement. Integration capabilities are key and the voice quality in particular is excellent - I believe it to be the best on the market." Indeed, STENTOFON audio quality is said to be close to hi-fi standard with a bandwidth three times higher than you would find in a conventional wired telephone.
The main purpose of the STENTOFON AlphaCom E communication system is to assist in protecting life and property and aid in facilitating safe and secure movement of staff and visitors, with simplified operation. As an integrated platform and forming Zenitel's next generation of IP intercom systems, it can interconnect with a company's data and telecommunications infrastructure and provide voice, image and data links and interfaces using standard Ethernet architecture to bring all streams into one cohesive, top quality solution.
AlphaCom E provides the complete set of existing services, quality, reliability and security characteristics for which AlphaCom has always been recognised. But not only are the reliability issues of IP solved, but something extra is created - it has open standards, interoperability between systems and the possibility of sharing resources. Beijing TV Centre requires four linked AlphaCom E exchanges for Phase 1 of the project to run its 44 storied building communication system at the centre, the new address for the Beijing TV station.
Beijing TV Centre also required a number of different stations, across its 400 subscriber requirement, but this proved no obstacle to Zenitel. By choosing a manufacturer with over 60 years experience in major security systems and stations specifically designed for building security, the centre was able to benefit from features already developed for the industry. STENTOFON stations are well designed and thoroughly tested for endurance and reliability. There are special purpose stations for almost every environment, no matter how critical. From the recording studio to the car park, all incorporate features demanded by the industry and are easy to use.
Further still, the centre specified a future requirement for IP 'phones, more desktop stations and a solution which not only meets their needs now, but in the future also. STENTOFON AlphaCom is well placed to meet this demand and already evolving into new technologies like IP networking, VoIP telephones and stations, and fibre optic transmission. And to safe guard customers existing investment? All new systems maintain backwards compatibility to existing equipment, so in the future, the centre can utilize and mix existing infrastructures and stations with new IP stations and services and reduce the cost for upgrading all systems.