It was no co-incidence that a team from Egyptian Radio and TV Union (ERTU) was at Soundcraft Studer’s UK HQ at the time of my recently visit, as the broadcaster has placed a sequence of orders for Studer digital consoles that add 39 OnAir 3000 desks and a Vista 8 into its estate. All will be located at ERTU headquarters in the Maspero TV building.

The sales represent a total of six separate orders. First, the organisation equipped three TV studios with three OnAir 3000 digital audio consoles and peripheral equipment such as active audio monitors, headphones, telephone hybrids and distribution amplifiers, as well as full engineering services, commissioning and training. ERTU then equipped a music recording studio (Studio 45) with a Vista 8 alongside a Pro Tools set-up, active audio monitors, headphones and other recording accessories.

ERTU has also upgraded 11 on-air and 19 production studios with peripheral equipment such as headphones, active audio monitors, microphones and recording equipment. According to Studer’s business consultant for the Middle East and Africa, Mohamed Ali (of ICT), the enhancement of existing facilities is in line with the Union’s policy of continually reviewing and renewing their equipment as part of studio development throughout the country. ‘ERTU has added many recent radio and TV channels, especially in connection with Nilesat (the Egyptian Satellite Company) – such as Nile Drama, Nile Comedy, Nile Sport, Nile News and Nile Live.’

In addition, ERTU recently ordered eight OB Vans, which will be equipped with Studer OnAir 2500s. ‘These orders further cement the strong business and personal relationship that Studer continues to enjoy with ERTU, and which now stretches back over a number of years,’ says Mohamed Ali. ‘Besides the confidence they have in the brand’s reputation and reliability they are familiar with the operating system, and know they can depend on first class technical support.’

A spokesman for ERTU adds:, ‘The management and staff have become accustomed to using Studer systems over a number of years and continue to be more than satisfied with the products. This has given us confidence in everything bearing the Studer name. We also appreciate the close relationship and trust we have developed with Mohamed at ICT, who is always sensitive to our needs.’