SUMMARY
LOCATION: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
VERTICAL: Mixed-Use Development (Luxury Apartments, Office Premises, Hotel, and Conference Facilities)
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Since its establishment in the late 2002, Kingdom Centre has stood as an iconic architectural marvel in the Saudi capital, encompassing luxury residential apartments, office premises, the Four Seasons Hotel, and state-of-the-art conference and exhibition facilities. Despite its grandeur, the IPTV system at Kingdom Centre had not been updated since its installation by a Turkish company over 20 years ago, leading to operational inefficiencies.
The management team faced several challenges, including outdated technology, missing data, undocumented cable routes, and a lack of technical expertise for maintenance. Recognizing the need for modernization, Kingdom Centre’s technical procurement team reached out to Jadwa for a solution.
OBJECTIVES:
- Modernize the outdated IPTV system at Kingdom Centre to align with current technological standards.
- Repair and reconfigure the central television system to optimize performance.
- Enhance the user experience for residents, office tenants, and hotel guests.
- Document and standardize the system for future maintenance.
JADWA SOLUTION:
Jadwa conducted an extensive evaluation of the existing IPTV system, which was over two decades old, to provide a tailored solution. The project involved:
- System Discovery and Documentation: Comprehensive identification and labeling of all IPTV components, including cables, servers, switches, and set-top boxes.
- Repairs and Upgrades: Replacement of damaged components such as LNBs, cables, and converters.
- Reconfiguration: Addition of 115 new channels and optimization of system settings for seamless performance.
- Modernization: Upgrading the system with state-of-the-art technology to enhance efficiency and reliability.
CHALLENGES:
- Outdated IPTV system with no documentation.
- Lack of Security Policies and other critical system information.
- Unidentified cable routes and components, making troubleshooting difficult.
- Integration complexities due to multiple satellite feeds (18 LNBs) serving different purposes (hotel, offices, etc.).
- Limited technical resources for IPTV-related issues.
OUTCOMES:
- Enhanced IPTV system performance, delivering high-quality service to all users at Kingdom Centre.
- Comprehensive system documentation, including as-built diagrams and operational manuals, to facilitate future maintenance.
- Improved user experience with more channels and better system reliability.
- Minimized downtime during the upgrade process due to Jadwa’s efficient execution.
EQUIPMENT & SOFTWARE USED:
- IPTV Components: LNBs, fiber cables, converters, multi-switches, amplifiers, and servers.
- Middleware & Set-Top Boxes: Configured to integrate seamlessly with the updated system.
- Documentation Tools: Used for creating detailed as-built diagrams.
WHY JADWA?:
- Rapid Response: Quick turnaround for technical diagnosis and solution implementation.
- Expertise: Proven ability to handle legacy systems and upgrade them with modern technology.
- Quality Assurance: High standards in execution and post-installation support.
- Flexibility: Tailored solutions to meet unique project requirements.
CONCLUSION
Jadwa’s expertise in system integration and technology modernization enabled Kingdom Centre to upgrade its IPTV system effectively. The project not only resolved existing challenges but also improved the overall user experience for residents, tenants, and hotel guests. Kingdom Centre now benefits from a reliable and scalable IPTV system that aligns with its status as a premier destination in Riyadh.