Network Implements Second Sirius Router to Handle up to 256x256 Audio Signals.

READING, U.K. — Sept. 22, 2009 — Snell today announced that the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) has purchased a second Snell Sirius router to drive the network's digital broadcasting infrastructure. The new router, which handles up to 256x256 AES audio signals, joins a Sirius system for video routing which has anchored CBN operations since the network's transition to digital broadcasting in 2005. 

"When we purchased our first Sirius router, we chose carefully because we would be depending on it to form the core of our migration from analog to digital operations," said Kent Denton, director of engineering for CBN. "The router's superior price/performance and ability to interface with our previous audio router gave us a smooth transition to digital and HD broadcasting, and it has worked flawlessly over the past four years. Now that the time has come to upgrade our audio router, bringing in another Sirius was an easy decision."

The CBN's original Sirius router is currently switching 192x192 video inputs and outputs. The new system will switch 192x192 AES audio signals, as well as a 64x64 timecode matrix. A key component of the routing operation is Snell's MCM system, which provides control over both routers and the ability to automatically re-route signals to a redundant path in the event of a crosspoint failure. 

"CBN is exactly the type of operation for which the Sirius router was designed — a multichannel, global broadcasting entity that depends on 24/7 reliability from its core technology components," said Neil Maycock, chief marketing officer for Snell. "We're pleased that Sirius played such an important role in ushering CBN into the digital age, and will continue to keep the network at the forefront of spiritual programming for millions of viewers worldwide."

More information about the Sirius router and other Snell products is available at www.snellgroup.com.                 

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About CBN:
The Christian Broadcasting Network is a multifaceted non-profit organization that provides programming by cable, broadcast, and satellite to approximately 200 countries, with a 24-hour telephone prayer line. Chief among CBN's broadcasting components is The 700 Club, a daily television program featuring Pat Robertson, Terry Meeuswen, Gordon Robertson, Kristi Watts, and news anchor Lee Webb. On the air continuously since 1966, The 700 Club is one of the longest-running programs in broadcast history. Seen in 97 percent of the television markets across the United States, the show's news/magazine format presents a lively mix of information, interviews, and inspiration to an average daily audience of one million viewers. For more information, visit www.cbn.com.     

About Snell:
Established in 2009 through the merger of Pro-Bel and Snell & Wilcox, Snell is a market-leading player in the global film and broadcast market. The company provides customers with a comprehensive range of solutions for the creation, management, and distribution of content, as well as the tools necessary to transition seamlessly and cost-effectively to digital, HDTV, and beyond. Headquartered in the U.K., the company serves more than 2,000 active customers in more than 100 countries through a worldwide team of sales and support personnel. For more information, visit www.snellgroup.com.      

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