Sky New Zealand taps Grass Valley’s AMPP for major playout overhaul

Sky Network Television, one of New Zealand’s largest pay-TV providers, is modernising its broadcast infrastructure with a significant shift to Grass Valley’s Agile Media Processing Platform (AMPP) to power its playout operations. This move will see Sky upgrade from its current Grass Valley Morpheus ICE system to a cloud-ready environment designed for greater flexibility and efficiency. 

The new implementation, which includes the Playout X application, will be deployed across 10 of Sky’s HD channels. The platform provides full 4K/Ultra HD (UHD) support and will enable on-premises, hybrid, and cloud-burst operations, allowing Sky to scale resources based on viewer demand, especially during major events. The migration leverages the open APIs of AMPP OS to ensure smooth integration with Sky’s existing business and traffic management systems. 

Justin Loza, Platform Owner, Broadcast and Network, Sky Network Television, said, “AMPP delivers the agility and extensibility we need to meet today’s demanding broadcast requirements and to prepare for future growth.

“We particularly value the platform’s hybrid deployment options and the flexible commercial model, all of which align with our goal of rapid channel expansion and event-driven operations.” 

By adopting the AMPP platform, Sky aims to streamline its operations and accelerate the launch of new channels. The system’s ability to automatically scale resources is particularly valuable for handling live sporting events and other high-demand programming. The support for both HD and 4K/UHD workflows is expected to ensure high-quality, uninterrupted content delivery to subscribers, while uninterrupted ad insertion will help Sky maintain tight control over content monetisation. 

This strategic upgrade not only reinforces Sky’s commitment to operational efficiency but also strengthens Grass Valley’s footprint in Asia-Pacific. 

Evan Boyd, Senior Vice-President of Sales, Asia-Pacific, Grass Valley, said, “The successful transition of a tier-one broadcaster like Sky Network Television to AMPP OS highlights the strategic importance of agility of software defined infrastructure.

“We’re proud to deliver a solution that empowers Sky to scale confidently and maintain its leadership in a rapidly evolving media landscape.”