A need for quick response
Exciting shows with evolving storylines are what fans expect when they tune in to televi-
sion shows like Monday Night RAW and WWE Smackdown! In the wrestling ring, super-
star performers like John Cena, Kane and Undertaker move their muscle through emotion-
al and physical dramas that culminate or change direction during monthly pay-per-view
specials.
Behind the scenes, editing of the non-stop video action happens at the World Wrestling
Entertainment’s (WWE) technologically advanced production facility in Stamford,
Connecticut. There, the WWE produces seven television shows, consisting of nine hours of
original programming, 52 weeks per year, delivering more than 14 million viewers each
week. WWE programming is syndicated in 45 of the top 50 U.S. markets and multiple ver-
sions of its U.S. programming are available in more than 100 countries in 17 languages
around the world.
Just like wrestlers in the ring, the production team needs to respond rapidly to change and
their small multi-port KVM switching system was pinning them down. The system had dis-
tance limitations and did not enable sharing so there were multiple computers and servers
that handled the same functions. This redundancy factor and the sheer amount of equip-
ment pointed to the need for a more state of the art approach.
In 2001, working with By Request Communications (BRC), a broadcast systems integrator,
and reseller Revco, Inc., the WWE commenced a digital upgrade project and started the
search for a more progressive KVM solution. Avocent quickly emerged as the leading con-
tender. Implementing an enterprise-wide AMX® KVM switching solution from Avocent,
the WWE gained the ability to share resources, eliminate duplicate hardware expenses and
improve overall IT support response time.
“The WWE is a fast-paced organization and like other broadcasters, the ability to change as
needed in response to production is imperative,” said BRC President David “Shack”
Haralambou. “When we purchased a new broadcast server, we quickly realized that putting
in a standard analog KVM solution would not adequately address our needs.”
Solution proves to be winner
The Avocent AMX KVM switching solution allows broadcasters to consolidate control of
their machine room computers and devices into a single-user interface. This centralized
interface lets operators and engineers in multiple locations access the same devices from
the live studio.
“From a broadcast point of
view, it truly expands the
capability and resource sharing
beyond what a typical television
production facility is doing
currently... We would not be able
to function with the efficiency
that we have today were it not
for the Avocent solution.”
David “Shack” Haralambou
President
By Request Communications
Case Study
WWE tag teams with AMX switches
to produce action-filled programs
The Power of Being There
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