Both NDR and Thum+Mahr Project Managers celebrated the successful completion of a new central control room for regional broadcast centre, Hanover.

Known under the project title KERN (Switcher replacement and regionalisation), NDR has received a new switching room. The operational concept was completely revised to place computer assisted, one-man operation as the overriding priority. Prime responsibility for the execution of this dynamic project was placed in the hands of T+M.

Although the contract was not let until August 2006, the complete reconstruction still needed to be complete by 1.2.2007. The reason: The installation had to be operational in time for media coverage for the upcoming CeBit, the world’s largest Computer show. The team from T+M, based on other large switching room projects such as Radio France in Paris, Deutschland Radio in Cologne, and also the ‘BAW’ project for NDR in Hamburg, had experience in 'heart operations' and faced this challenge with bravery. During the official house warming party, NDR project manager Stefan Wulff particularly praised the marvellous cooperation and partnership experienced with T+M.

The technology employed is based on Lawo Nova 73 components which, together with the DSA router control system form the backbone of the new technology. The switching room itself is fitted out with modern, height adjustable furniture. The ergonomic and visually open environment creates a welcoming working atmosphere. However, the greatest challenge was the transformation from the old to the new alongside ongoing daily operations. Thanks to painstaking pre-planning, the 500x500 reconnections were completed without a glitch, and within the minimal number of hours in a night shift!

Project acceptance was on time and defect free.