Cabletime's MediaStar Pro and Compact video distribution solutions are delivering a huge number of real-time TV channels at Betfair, the world's leading online betting exchange, using the Cat-5e/6 cabling infrastructure at the company's two UK offices.

Successful installations

The installation at Betfair's Stevenage office follows on from two successful installations at the company''s London and Tasmanian offices, and was managed by systems integrator Decibel Managed Systems on behalf of Audio Visual Machines Ltd., (AVM Ltd). The original specification was for dual MediaStar Compact solutions, which were able to deliver 32 channels made up of 16 channels on one and 16 on the other. This has been expanded using MediaStar Pro, which can provide up to 180 channels of live TV across the Cat-5e/6 cabling.  Decibel has re-installed the Compact systems into the racks, so that Betfair can remotely control the satellite receivers, without the need to leave their desks and lose market management time.

About Betfair

Betfair is a registered bookmaker in the UK and operates a betting exchange. Through cutting-edge technology, the company matches bets between punters at prices punters set themselves. Betfair takes a small commission on net winnings. The company processes more than 300 bets per second during peak hours.

The success spreads

Cabletime's solutions were originally installed at Betfair's headquarters in Hammersmith, and it was the success of this installation that prompted IS Manager Tony Rigby to specify MediaStar for the Stevenage office. The installation was managed by Carole-Ann Naylor, Betfair AV/TV Project Engineer, who heads up all TV/AV and VC for Betfair UK. Of the Cabletime solution she has said: "We have been impressed by MediaStar since it was installed. Its ease of use and reliability are vital to us and we were keen to stick with the same system in our new office".

Graeme Mayhew at Decibel Managed Systems, said: "MediaStar provides a rock solid, stable solution for Betfair. It does exactly what it promises to do, and is straightforward to operate as well as being totally reliable. Because Betfair builds its service around providing up to the minute sporting results, it needs a solution that it can totally depend on. MediaStar Pro also offers additional management software, so it gives Betfair a great deal of flexibility in using the system"