Member Article

A New Dawn for dB Broadcast

dB Broadcast, the UK’s leading broadcast systems integrator, has completed its relocation to a new purpose-built facility on the outskirts of Ely. The building has been designed to be flexible and capable of expansion beyond its current capacity, enabling dB’s continued growth and ensuring the company’s ability to deliver multiple projects in parallel long into the future.

Aurora House, the new headquarters on Lancaster Way Business Park, is set in 1.6 acres with views of Ely Cathedral to the east and lake views to the south, and close to the Cambridge tech hub. Construction work started in late 2019 and, despite a short pause due to COVID-19, the building programme has been executed effectively and efficiently, allowing dB to complete the move even with the challenges that the ‘new normal’ now brings.

The new facility has a dedicated data centre racks room, driven by the ever-increasing requirement to run IP proof of concept and regression testing of systems, helping dB Broadcast and clients alike to navigate the transition to IP-based infrastructures. It also allows longer term hosting opportunities for clients. The room is capable of hosting up to 40 racks of equipment, the equipment can then be configured and monitored locally by the dB Broadcast engineering team, or remotely by clients if desired using dedicated VPN connectivity.

There is sufficient capacity for large OB vehicles to be built, as well as a dedicated Test and Support area with direct vehicle access for servicing and supporting smaller vehicles. These larger areas can also be used to facilitate offsite system builds, or equipment preparation and coordination prior to onward shipping to client sites. The facility boasts an internal floor space of around 2,300 sq. m (25,000 sq. ft.) split over two floors. The warehouse, prefabrication area, dedicated racks room for proof of concept/hosting and client meeting rooms are on the ground floor with access to an outside patio area. A large open plan office with further meeting rooms is located on the first floor. Aurora House has been designed to be highly energy efficient and to fit well into its rural surroundings.

David Bird, Founder and Managing Director of dB Broadcast said: “After thirty years of building the company from the ground up, I am extremely proud of my team for helping realise my dreams of our own purpose-built premises. I believe this is a new dawn for dB and represents a springboard for the company to embrace the IP revolution currently underway in our exciting, ever-evolving industry.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Terry Nicklin .