los winter 10 i17

8/7/2019 LOS Winter 10 i17

1/14

In This Issue ...

BeaconSeek SNG Course

Galaxy-15 ... Its Back!

Its FNG Clever

Networked COFDMLinks

L I N E O F S I G H T - W I N T E R 2 0 1 0

T H E O C C A S I O N A L S A T E L L I T E N E W S G A T H E R I N G N E W S L E T T E R - I S S U E 1 7

IBC REV I EW

JO N A T H A N HI G G I N S

T e annual IBC show in Amsterdam in Sep-tember was very busy, reporting over48,500 visitors, up 3,000 from last year.(though remembering attendance includesexhibitors). Somewhat belatedly, heres a re-view of the more interesting products thatcaught my eye.

Starting off at the Vislink stand, Adventwere showing their LT120, the low-cost 1.2maluminium reflector version of their carbon-fibredriveaways, which we previewed in the lastedition. Vislinks Director of Product MarketingAshley Dove told me that the surface toleranceof this antenna meant that it met the sameperformance standards as their carbon-fibreequivalent a very impressive claim. Apartfrom the reflector, the rest of the antennalooked very similar to its carbon-fibre brothers,but sells at a significantly lower cost.

New at IBC was the Advent NewsLite 6000,a portable, IP-enabled SNG terminal designedfor use with current and new lightweight an-tenna systems. This modular solution promisesthe performance of high bandwidth contributionfeeds with the flexibility of BGAN-type news-

gathering. Its fully controlled through a laptop,which, of course, is both good and bad ...

The unit has been designed to be highlyconfigurable, so that customers can specify thesystem to meet their needs and arent re-stricted by a one-size-fits-all product. Thisgives customers a choice of traditional satellite

connectivity along with the addition of Wi-Fi and3G/4G connectivity, MPEG2 and H.264 SD/HDencoding and decoding, and the ability to add awireless camera receiver as well.

Ashley proudly claimed NewsLite is highlyconfigurable and more versatile than traditionalsuitcase and manpack solutions, and will sig-nificantly reduce operating costs. NewsLiteincludes the latest enhancements to our Ad-vanced Mobile Gateway functionality to enablehigh speed internet access and two-way officenetwork extension into the field; while IP-over-ASI means more bandwidth efficient file trans-fer over satellite. The box seems very impres-sive, though a broadcaster would need deeppockets to be able to afford a number of thesefor field use.

Vislink launched their Advanced MobileGateway AMG2100 in 2009 as part of their

(Continued on page 3)

Consultancy

Training

Project Management

Systems Integration

Market Studies

Regulatory Affairs Advice Advent NewsLite 6000 (stripy ears in topphoto not included in price !)

Advent LT120 Antenna

8/7/2019 LOS Winter 10 i17

2/14

Line Of Sight - Winter 2010

W lcome to a rather late edition of Line OfSight, delayed by well, various thingsreally.And sometimes finding enough suitable

material for a specialized newsletter such asthis means that its better to delay rather thanproduce something that leaves readers feelingdisappointed.

I offer a rather belated review of IBC - Iknow, it was four months ago, but better late then never. The show had a few interestingfeatures in the SNG domain, but nothing reallyoutstanding.

I was particularly intrigued by a develop-ment in terrestrial ENG microwave shown byCobham, and so Stuart Brown has kindly writ-ten a fascinating piece on networking wirelesscameras.

Another guest writer, Rob Stanley, hasalso written about his company Sat-Commsnew low cost SNG flyaway targeted at theNorth Africa and Middle East market.

But the satellite halls (and outside area) atIBC did display some noticeable gaps, whichshows that the recession is still affecting ourbusiness, though a number of exhibitors Ispoke to seemed fairly upbeat and com-mented on hopeful prospects.

In the last issue we covered the sad storyof Galaxy 15 - and in this issue, we can report

a happy ending (probably). Another satelliteoperator has suffered a little since the lastissue Eutelsat lost W3B on launch, thoughsince it was fully insured and replacing threesatellites in one slot that can still struggle onfor a little while, they seemed fairly laissez-faire about the incident.

In October we ran another successful SNGcourse here in Luton, UK. These twice yearlycourses are now a permanent fixture in ourcalendar, and we look forward to our nextcourse on 17-19 May. Of course, our Sling-Path online SNG training program grows withincreasing support from satellite operatorssuch as Intelsat and SES.

As always (and I always say it), I hope youenjoy this edition and feedback is alwayswelcome. Aspiring writers of articles are al-

ways welcome to offer ideas - its not thatdifficult. This is a newsletter for the industry,and as many ideas as possible should beaired within it.

Jonathan Higgins

Page 2

L I N E -U P

[email protected]

8/7/2019 LOS Winter 10 i17

3/14

e2v were

showing a new white

box, so beloved of

HPA

manufacturers ...

screen.On the audio side, it offers 10 channels

and automatic embedded audio switching, It

also has a tally output for external cues, runsoff 12V, and weighs 4.8kg.

At the e2v stand they were showing a newwhite box, so beloved of HPA manufacturers.This white box is a new compact lightweightBUC for SNG applications, called the Stellar TS though its actually made by ST Electronics(Singapore), with whom e2v have entered into areseller agreement to offer their BUCs into theSNG market in Europe.

Designed to be mounted on the feed arm, the TS range is said to consume less than285W of prime power for a 40W BUC, and isavailable in Ku and C-band versions.

These compact SSPAs get more interestingevery year as the power requirement reduces,at least for SD transmission, as the satellitesget more sensitive.Murraypro is a UK manufacturer of variousand audio monitoring equipment, and at IBC they launched their Test Chest 3G, a very in-triguing box of tricks.

Described as an engineers go-anywheretool, this clever little battery-operated box pro-duces a virtually instantaneous video/audioanalysis on its high resolution screen.

The intriguing Which-Wire? detector auto-matically identifies the type of signal applied toits input and displays the video and audio along

with a banner identifying the detected standardin less than a second, with the stereo speakersactivated when embedded audio is present.

The Test Chest 3G automatically awakesfrom slumber when any video signal is de-tected.

terrestrial microwave offering, and it was onshow at IBC. The AMG2100 is a bi-directionalout-of-band gateway which provides IP connec-

tivity over multiple wide area network pathways to support file transfer and remote van man-agement.

The AMG2100 provides an extension of thenewsroom network out into the field, offeringfull Ethernet router functionality with VPN tun-nelling and eight Ethernet switch ports.

A Wi-Fi connection may also be activated toprovide local WLAN connectivity; the AMG2100supports a range of wide area connectivity stan-dards, including 8-VSB, Wi-Max, EVDO andUMTS.

NewsLites design is IATA weight compliantfor airport baggage handling, and its modularelectronics support a broad range of satellite

antennas. The system on display at IBC was atwo box sub-23 kg solution when combinedwith a 1m Advent Mantis antenna.

On the SIS LIVE stand there were a coupleof interesting looking products. First was a flatpanel antenna, uPak, not primarily targeted atthe broadcast market, but developed by SIS inconjunction with Astrium, part of EADS.

uPak is an integrated and compact, fullyautomated Ku-band VSAT terminal that pro-vides high-speed data communications forinternet connectivity, video transmission andVPN connectivity.

It has an integrated iDirect modem, andunusually for a flat-plate antenna, is not

spread-spectrum operation but has such a lowpower output that the intrinsically poor sidelobeperformance of flat-plate antennas will notcause interference to adjacent satellites.

With single button operation the unit can beused by anyone with little or no training. uPak islightweight and portable, designed to be trans-ported as airline checked baggage or in a ruck-sack for remote field operations.

Aimed directly at broadcasters was SISLIVEs RouteCase, an ingenious compact multi-channel video and audio mixer with commscosting 6,500 (US$8,500)

RouteCase is a compact 4 channel HD/SD

SDI production unit incorporating the latest invision mixer technology with audio mixing facilities. SDI 480/576 formats can be accepted inHD mode via 2 inbuilt upconverters with fullysynchronous mixing between all inputs. Videomonitoring is via a 15 HD LCD multi-viewer

(Continued from page 1)

The intriguing

Which-Wire?

detector

automatically

identifies the type of

signal applied to its

input ...

Line Of Sight - Winter 2010 Page 3

IBC REV I EW

SIS LIVE uPak

SIS LIVE RouteCase

8/7/2019 LOS Winter 10 i17

4/14

it can be

really difficult to

be sure that you

have interference

Its like a

motorized

antenna,

but without the

motors ...


Via its high-resolution LCD touch-screen,the usual range of 10-bit resolution SD/HD SDIor composite test signals can be generated,including 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ration circles for

monitor setup, as well as a moving ident can tohighlight frame freezes on decoders and syn-chronizers. A DVI port provides simultaneousDigital & Analogue outputs, enabling the use ofan external PC monitor.

The Test Chest 3G also incorporates ascope with a 25Hz10MHz frequency responseusing a separate BNC input which fully supports

the use of a switchablex1/x10 probe if required.

An audio pod is in-cluded to extend the TestChest 3G to include thestandard audio input andoutput connectors, and

is capable of generatingsimultaneous analoguestereo test signal as wellas an AES test stream. A

neat trick offered by the Test Chest 3G is theability to listen to the audio presented to thisscope input, enabling it to be used as a veryhigh impedance audio signal tracer.

It also has a clapperboard feature to test forlip-synch errors, and a TDR for detecting cablefaults.

At around 4,800 (~US$6,200), its notcheap but its really very neat and has justabout all the video/audio test and measure-

ment functions youd want to hand - andtheres a rack-mount version available as well.On the Cobham Domo stand there was a

very intriguing full-mesh ENG microwave systembeing shown, which has exciting potential inconnecting wireless cameras together at an

event that could then be uplinked from an SNG truck or flyaway. A full explanation is given inthe article from Stuart Brown of Cobham Domoelsewhere in this issue.

Finally to the Sat-Comm stand outside,where they were showing their Fast News Gath-ering (FNG) flyaway, designed for use withASBUs MENOS network. As Rob Stanley of Sat-Comm has contributed a piece on the FNG ter-minal elsewhere in this issue, I shall leave it tohim to explain its features.

However, as Tim Williams of Sat-Commhelpfully explained Its like a motorized an-tenna, but without the motors.

Overall the show was fairly average, with

signs that the recession is still biting. Notableby its complete absence was ND SatCom, oneof Europes leading SNG companies, seeminglydeciding to abandon the premier Europeanbroadcasting show - an indication of things tocome for ND ?

IBC REV I EW

Sat-Comm FNG

WH AT IS TH AT?N E W I N T E R F E R E N C E I D T O O L

A new online tool for helping chase downpotential interference has been launchedby SUIRG (Satellite Users Interference Reduc-tion Group).

Interference is something that affects us allat one time or another,and if youre not wellversed in what interfer-ing carriers or phenom-ena look like, it can bereally difficult to be sure that you have interfer-ence.

The Signal Interfer-ence CharacteristicsTool (SIC) is availableon their website (www.suirg.org), and provides

a range of sample spectrum analyzer plotsillustrating different types of interference.

Based on real life events, the tool illustratesa number of different interference scenariosand what the trace would typically look like.

The plots shown on the SUIRG websitemight help you get some idea of what the prob-

lem is and how to tackle it.The SIC is a picture book of sample plots

each representing various types of interference.The book allows

selecting a specific typeof interference, ifknown, or the user canstep through the plotsuntil they locate a plot that closely representstheir ongoing problem.

The SIC is a living tool where additionalexamples will make the

tool even more valuable to the satellite indus-

try.SUIRG ask that if anyone has examples of

interference to submit the spectrum plot(s)along with a short description and correctivemeasures taken for consideration for the tool.

8/7/2019 LOS Winter 10 i17

5/14


I marsat has announced its next generationsatellite fleet is due to start operation in2014. Unlike its previous satellites however,the Inmarsat-5 fleet will operate in the Ka-band.

The new service running on Inmarsat-5 willbe called Global Xpress and will offer speeds ofup to 50Mbps to mobile terminals.

Inmarsat BGAN services are an importantelement in the SNG toolbox, and the possibilityof high-capacity links on an on-demand basiswill raise high expectations in many newsroomsat some point in the future.

Inmarsats CEO Andrew Sakawaty an-nounced Global Xpress will be faster and lessexpensive than current Ku-band market offer-ings, it will be delivered to smaller and cheaper terminals and be the first offered on a seam-less, global, end-to-end basis with high-qualityof service.

Inmarsat goes on to claim that they hope tooffer 10Mbps connectivity to an antenna thesize of an iPad (20cm). The highest speed linkswill be to larger antennas on ships and aircraft.

However, as with other broadband offerings, the link will probably be asymmetric, with theremote-to-base having a much lower throughput which is the opposite way round to that re-quired for SNG.

The announcement by Inmarsat that they

are going to be spending US$1.2 billion overfour years on launching and establishing thenetwork comes at a time when there are anumber of Ka-band satellite broadband satel-lite services launching over the next 5 years.

Inmarsat have placed a contract with Boe-ing to build the three satellites for the Inmarsat-5 fleet, based on the HP-702 bus.

Though before anyone gets too excited, itsworth remembering that BGAN was launchedsix years ago, but the speeds originally prom-ised have only just been reached in the lastyear or so.

And of course, nobody knows how muchthis service will cost.

INM AR S AT -5T H E N E X T G E N E R A T I O N

the link will

probably be asym-

metric which is

the opposite way

round to that re-

quired for SNG

8/7/2019 LOS Winter 10 i17

6/14

bility to share resources, and produce and transmit content to and from remote locationsacross the Middle East and North Africa.

MENOS was launched at the beginning of2009.

ASBU performs the role of Access NetworkProvider with its hub installed in Algiers, and is the largest feed and file exchange network forbroadcasters, encompassing the entire Middle-East/North-Africa and Europe. Arabsat hasprovided satellite capacity via BADR-4 (Ku-band) and BADR-6 (C-band) satellites.

MENOS is a full IP satellite-based system


S t-Comm has been producing SNG flyawaysystems for some 10 years. Our goals havebeen to produce simple, compact and depend-able solutions.

The development of our Gazelle FNG rangehas been in response to a demand for a cost-effective first responder newsgathering termi-nal.

The range is not intended to replace theflexibility and power of a full-blown flyaway, butto provide a simpler, more portable and afford-able solution.

In particular, the system will stream video athigher bit rates than that currently possibleusing Inmarsat or Thuraya L-band terminals,while benefiting from the efficiency and rela- tively low cost-per-bit of commercial Ku-bandspace segment.

The main driver for the Gazelle develop-ment was a requirement from Newtec for a lowcost, FNG (Fast News Gathering) portable satel-lite newsgathering terminal, to operate on theirMENOS satellite video contribution platform.

The MENOS (Multimedia Exchange NetworkOver Satellite) exchange network has been de-veloped by the Arab States Broadcasting Union(ASBU)jointly with Arabsat and Belgian satelliteequipment manufacturer Newtec to deliver theASBUs 28 member broadcasters with the capa-

F I L L I NG A HOL E I N SNGRO B ST A N L E Y

The range is not

intended to replace

the flexibility and

power of a full-

blown flyaway, but

to provide a simpler,

more portable and

affordable

solution ....

8/7/2019 LOS Winter 10 i17

7/14

Few vendors

produce small form

factor H264

encoders that include

the professional

signal interfaces and

flexible encoding

options that are

essential to the

broadcaster

MENOS is afull IP satellite-

based system that

can support any

transmission

application required

by broadcasters


F I L L I NG A HO L E I N SNG that can support any transmission applicationrequired by broadcasters using DVB-RCS andDVB-S2 technology with the statistical multiplex-ing of data, voice, television, and radio signals

to ensure optimum efficiency in satellite band-width usage.

These include both live and file transferSNG contribution uplinks to studios, primarydistribution from studios to headends, international radio and TV exchange between studios,and not least, support for archiving video andaudio content.

It also offers value-added IP-based servicessuch as permanent two-way satellite IP connectivity between all remote stations, VoIP, corpo-rate VPNs, and an integrated billing system.Different classes of terminal have been defineddepending on the intended usage.

A number of European SNG manufacturers,

including Sat-Comm, have now been approved to supply uplink equipment as part of theMENOS system.

We dubbed the MENOS FNG version of our terminal Ghazala after the Arabian gazelle,reflecting its fast and nimble attributes.

The Ghazala FNG uses a Newtec modem todeliver a H264 encoded video stream of up to1Mbps over the Ku-band MENOS platform onArabsat 5A. With the combined efficiencies of the satellite platform and modem, achieving this level of throughput requires only a 1.2mVSAT antenna and a 4W BUC to cover most ofthe Arabsat 5A Pan-Arab footprint.

Ghazala combines a Newtec-supplied pack-age consisting of a NTC/2232 L-bandmodem,IP router and VOIP telephone, to which we adda H264 encoder, PC server, and flyaway an-tenna to produce a basic MENOS FNG terminal.

It also contains useful facilities such as abuilt-in DV interface, and a wired beltpack inter-com, which makes use of the MENOS VOIP net-work.

The Ghazala FNG is supplied to ASBU mem-bers via Sat-Comms MENOS sales partners,Omniglobe (EMEA) Ltd.

Sat-Comm also produce two other versionsof the terminal. The DVB Gazelle is a more con-ventional flyaway, with SD and HD capabilities,

MPEG-2 or H264 encoding, and is designed forhigher transmit power application using DVB-S2modulation.

It is available with a variety of solid stateand tube based RF power options. The iGazelleprovides a simple video streaming platform forlive contribution feeds using iDirect VSAT net-works.

A hybrid transmission monitor and bookingplatformIn common with all of our flyaway systems,

the Gazelle range includes a comprehensivemonitoring system, and the AVM-4 was purposebuilt for the unique requirements of this new

terminal. The AVM-4 has a high brightness,daylight visible 12 LCD video monitor, stereospeakers and LED PPM meters.

Since the MENOS platform allows the directbooking of transmissions from a web-server

built into the terminal, we built miniaturised PC

hardware into AVM-4 and added a keyboard.Operators use this to make bookings, and italso supports the SC-300 Sat-pointer, a power-ful antenna pointing tool with a graphical userinterface. The LCD screen is simply switchedbetween display modes to show either the in-coming video, or that of the internal PC screen.

Compact MPEG-4 encoding optionsOur requirements called for a small, stan-

dards compliant H264 encoder to deliver avideo stream ranging from rates as low as400kb/s. Few vendors produce small form fac-tor H264 encoders that include the professionalsignal interfaces and flexible encoding optionsthat are essential to the broadcaster.

For the most part, small encoders areaimed at the CCTV market where such limita-tions dont appear to be much of a drawback.

However, we quickly recognised that the IP-900E from Fujitsu fitted the bill, with excellentencoding performance and reliable interopera-bility.

When first we looked at it, in most respectsit was perfect, with low power dissipation and acomprehensive set of encoding options, butinitially it lacked the exact combination of videoresolution and stream rate that we needed. Weworked through these issues with Fujitsu, whoresponded quickly with software updates to add

the encoder settings that we needed.Packaging & ConstructionField experience in some of the more ex-

treme newsgathering environments has led us to look extremely carefully at our component

Sat-Comm Ghazala

8/7/2019 LOS Winter 10 i17

8/14

not all

H.264 systems are

created equal it is

possible to make

exaggerated claims

about latency

but be left with truly

awful picture

quality


visitslingpath.comE ent coverage and newsgathering in thebroadcast industry was revolutionised in2001 with the introduction of Digital WirelessCamera Systems.

The Coded Orthogonal Frequency DivisionMultiplexing (COFDM) modulation scheme used to transmit the signals enabled true Non-Line Of Sight (NLOS) op-eration for the first time givingproducers complete freedom ofmovement and the ability to golive from previously unusable loca-tions.

The loss of cables not onlyafforded less rigid parking require-ments for SNG vehicles, it meantquicker rig/de-rig times, hencebetter utilisation of staff and facili-

ties.Ten years on, little haschanged in terms of the technology used topower these systems in the broadcast industry.However, in the surveillance sector there havebeen some exciting developments, all of whichare applicable to broadcasting. The purpose of this article is to explain some of these and ex-plore how they might be deployed within thebroadcast environment.

Since its acquisition of domo Ltd in 2005,Cobham has become the market leader forCOFDM products within the surveillance sectorand, as such, has been at the forefront in de-veloping these new technologies. In recognition

that much of this technology is equally applica-ble to broadcasting,

Cobham have now formed a focussed team to bring these to market in form-factors andwith features broadcasters can easily use. The

build standards required for the defence andlaw enforcement industries and the efficienciesgained through larger volumes, will be reflectedin a new range of high quality, cost-effective

broadcast products due to be launched in early2011. H.264 Encoding

MPEG-2 has served the wirelesscamera industry well, howeverincreasing pressure on availablespectrum, the introduction of HighDefinition and the widespreadadoption of H.264 encoding in SNGsystems are forcing users to look atH.264 as the encoding engine for the next generation of wirelesscamera systems. Traditionally,H.264 encoders have been too

large and power-hungry to be con-sidered for wireless camera use these problems have been overcome, with com-pact designs requiring lower power consump-tion, typically 10W, appearing on the market.

Latency/delay has always been an impor-tant factor for users of these systems and earlyH.264 encoders had latencies typically in ex-cess of 500ms, unacceptable for large multi-camera events where very noticeable lip-syncproblems can occur through mixing cabled andwireless cameras. For newsgathering applications, adding this delay to those already pre-sent in the SNG Encoder and satellite hopwould make live 2-ways impossible. New en-

coding techniques are now being implementedwhich will see delays drop below 100ms, mak-ing H.264 a usable option for the first time.

But what are the real benefits of switchingto H.264? First of all, it is important to note that

NE W COFDM TEC H NI Q UES

ST U A R T BR O W N

and packaging choices. Since elevated tem-peratures are inevitable, minimising heat gen-eration within the terminal case, and ensuring

adequate ventilation, are particularly important.Low power components with high tempera-ture ratings, and powerful thermostatically controlled fans have been used throughout theunit.

The Gazelle FNG electronics case uses aversion of a Sat-Rack. Made by CP Cases (UK)and dimensioned to our specifications, thiswell-ventilated case combines a shock-mounted aluminium rack frame with a tough,fabric covered outer shell.

Thermal tests have been carried out, prov-ing reliable operation of the electronics pack inambient conditions of up to 50 deg. C.

Each Gazelle FNG terminal comes with a

1.2m carbon fibre SNG flyaway antenna, theSat-Comm 120Ku Mk III. This compact andlightweight unit fits into two foam filled cases23kg cases.

(Continued from page 7) The full range of Sat-Comm Gazelles made their debut at IBC 2010, and the first produc-tion units are already in service. Rob Stanley is Business Development Directorfor Sat-Comm Ltd.

F I L L I NG A HO LE I N SNG

8/7/2019 LOS Winter 10 i17

9/14

Typically, a

well-engineered

H.264 system

should deliver a 30-

50% efficiency

saving over a

comparable

MPEG-2 system


not all H.264 systems are created equal it ispossible to make exaggerated claims aboutlatency and/or encoding efficiency, but be leftwith truly awful picture quality. Clearly there is

little point in adopting H.264 if the system hasto operate at MPEG-2 bit-rates in order to offercomparable picture quality buyer beware!

Typically, a well-engineered H.264 systemshould deliver a 30-50% efficiency saving overa comparable MPEG-2 system that means a30-50% reduction in bit-rate for the same pic-ture quality. Optimum efficiency tends to occurat lower bit-rates ideal for wireless camerasystems, with the added bonus that at theselow bit-rates, 4:2:0 encoding often gives betterresults than 4:2:2.

For SD, a typical News bit-rate of 6Mbpscan be reduced to 3-4Mbps whilst for HD, a typical bit-rate of 15Mbps can be reduced to

9Mbps enabling the more robust QPSKmodulation to be used. On fast-moving showswhere Steadicams are often used in extremelychallenging environments, switching to higherbit-rate H.264 gives stunning quality, not previ-ously achievable in a single DVB-T channel.

Another application is the growing use of 3Din event coverage. Using H.264, it is possible tomultiplex two HD signals (left and right eye) intoa single DVB-T channel this was used for thefirst time in the coverage of the recent RyderCup golf tournament.

Finally, in simpler, single channel SNG systems where no baseband manipulation of thesignal is required, it is possible to encode at thecamera-back and simply modulate the ASI

stream directly onto the satellite thus avoid-ing a decode/re-code cycle with its accompany-ing increased delay and picture artefacts.

Custom ModulationI imagine many wireless camera users read-

ing this article will be aware of the chronicshortage of RF channels at large events. This isthe effect of a double whammy. In recent years there has been a spending spree by the largetelcos, gobbling up precious 2GHz spectrum formobile data services such as 3G, LTE and Wi-MAX.

Also, wireless cameras are somewhat avictim of their own success their ease of set-up/use, promoting rapid take-up by both estab-lished broadcasters and users previously waryof using wireless technology. The bit-rate reduc- tions made possible by H.264 cannot be fullyexploited by standard DVB-T systems, as band-widths are set at 6, 7, and 8MHz and it is notpossible to fit multiple signals into a single 10or 12.5MHz channel allocation.

At Cobham, we have developed Narrow-band modulation with a bandwidth of 2.5MHz(3.5MHz is in development). LPDC error correc-tion (from DVB-S2) is used to give performanceat FEC 2/3 equivalent to DVB-Ts Viterbi at FEC


8/7/2019 LOS Winter 10 i17

10/14


1/2. At 16QAM with an FEC of 2/3 it is possibleto transmit a bit-rate of 4.8Mbps.

As 4.8Mbps H.264 gives equivalent picturequality to approx 7-9Mbps in MPEG-2, it istherefore possible to transmit Broadcast qualitySD pictures in a 2.5MHz bandwidth. This, in turn, enables 3-4 SD channels to be transmitted in a single 10 or 12.5MHz channel alloca-tion.

The narrower bandwidth gives increasedpower density, lower channel noise and a re-

ceiver sensitivity of -94dBm only 1dB lower than a typical DVB-T system running at QPSK,FEC 1/2. The implications for event coverageand busy newsgathering assignments are obvi-ous.

Even lower bandwidths of 1.25MHz and625KHz are available for non-broadcast qualityrequirements, such as talent reverse vision,autocue or reverse viewfinder feeds. In thenear future, the addition of DVB-T2 modulationwill significantly increase bandwidth flexibility.

NEW COFDM TEC H NI Q UES

Typical live coverage set-up using single COFDM channel

Suunto Tandem-

The Best CompassClinometer

For AligningSNG Uplinks

-

Precision Made inFinland

BUY ONLINE@

beaconseek.com

The conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq haveobviously put news crews in

.Fortunately the uplink engineer, cameraman,

and reporter escaped unhurt.

Delivering Spor t

Fast, Robust and ReliableTel: +44 (0) 1525 721118 [email protected] ww w.holkirk.com

We transmitted on the hour, every day of The Ashes Cricket live into Sky Sports News programs, and the trans-missions were dual path MPEG-4 HD with a total transmission time of over 11 hours per day.The HolkirkTP120performed perfectly and passed all Optus satellite approval tests

TP120 Fly-Away operational at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane,Australia, delivering The Ashes Test Cricket in glorious HD

The TP120 antennasystem from Holkirkis renowned for itscompact size, light

weight and powerfulperformance which

has been designed to

excel in todaysdemanding SNGmarket place.

Peter Baker

Managing DirectorPBG Broadcasting

8/7/2019 LOS Winter 10 i17

11/14

This system

enables up to 8

radios to

automatically

connect to combine

in a fluid, self

forming, selfhealing mesh ...


a bi-

directional

COFDM system

has been developedwhich takes care of

everything on one

single frequency

Bi-Directional COFDMTraditional wireless camera systems trans-

mit a COFDM signal in a single direction fromthe camera to the receive point. If camera control (iris, blacks etc) is needed, this is sent viaan additional UHF channel which must bebooked and paid for. If the presenter requiresan IFB, this is also sent via an additional UHFchannel. Add camera operators talkback, auto-

cue, reverse vision etc and it quickly becomesvery expensive and un-manageable, even if theadditional RF channels are available.

The surveillance market is particularly de-pendent on 2-way communications and operators are generally unskilled. A system as com-plex as the one described above would be im-possible to deploy.

To address this, a bi-directional COFDMsystem has been developed which takes careof everything on one single frequency. Applying this technology to broadcasting would enablethe next generation of wireless camera systemsto be fully integrated offering all the facilitiesavailable on wired cameras, but utilising a sin-

gle COFDM channel.Set-up is easy, just dial in the frequency and

away you go. Not only would such a systemsave valuable bandwidth (and hence time andmoney), the bi-directional system allows con-stant communication between the camera andbase units, enabling such techniques as dy-namic power control and dynamic modulationcontrol to minimise near/far effects, prolongbattery life and extend range.COFDM MESH networks

An exciting development of the bi-directional system has been the recent intro-duction of the COFDM MESH.

This revolutionary system enables up to 8radios to automatically connect to combine in afluid, self forming, self healing mesh. The ra-dios within the mesh exchange data on a singlefrequency, simplifying frequency management.

The entire mesh occupies just 2.5MHz of band-width (3 and 3.5MHz also available, with 8MHzin development).

The radios employ the unique CobhamCOFDM modulation scheme and therefore offerexcellent RF penetration and performance inthe presence of multipath.

The mesh radios can provide up to 4Mbpsof IP data (data rate depends on mode, number

of nodes and range between nodes). This avail-able IP data rate can be used to exchange IPdata traffic between nodes and bit-rates will beincreased, as development of the system con-tinues. The highly flexible mesh topology meansthat data can be exchanged between nodes ina point to point or multi-point fashion; rangecan be extended by using nodes as repeaters.

There are many immediate applications forthis technology in broadcasting, the most obvi-ous being a development of the bi-directionalsystem described previously. If additional rangeis required, this can be achieved by simply add-ing extra nodes as repeaters the system willauto-configure and send data back to the base

unit by the best available route, allowing news-gathering organisations the ability to reactquickly to rapidly changing news environments.

In addition to the transmission of video, IPdistribution is now a common requirement inOutside Broadcasts either to extend studio ornewsroom facilities out to the field, or as amethod of controlling remote equipment, muchof which now has IP control capability.

At Cobham, we are very much looking for-ward to rolling out these pioneering wirelesscamera solutions into Broadcast platforms over the coming months. These exciting develop-ments are only the beginning our customers

will, no doubt, find many more applications forthese groundbreaking technologies. Stuart Brown is Broadcast Systems Director forDomo Products at Cobham Surveillance.

Mesh system used in motor racing coverage


8/7/2019 LOS Winter 10 i17

12/14

G-15 is now

responding to

commands and

ground controllers

have restored

telemetry with the

spacecraft


AR E WE SO L D O R NOT?

I the last issue, we reported a couple of com-pany buy-outs that in the end dont seem tohave happened for various reasons what avolatile business environment we live in. Soheres an update, with some other companynews as well.CPI

After an announcement last May that Com-tech Telecommunications had made an offer ofUS$472 million for the CPI (Communication &Power Industries Inc.) group, which includes theCPI Satcomm division, it all fell through.

Comtech previously acquired Xicom, CPISatcoms principal competitor, and it wasthought-provoking as to how they were going tohandle the two businesses.

Then suddenly on 7 September, a jointpress release announced Comtech Telecom-munications Corp. and CPI International, Inc.today announced that they have terminated the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May 8,2010 ... The termination was by mutual agree-ment of the companies and was unanimouslyapproved by the boards of directors of bothComtech and CPI ... As part of the termination,Comtech has received a termination fee ofUS$15 million from CPI ... Comtech and CPI willremain independent, publicly-held companies.

So after a short engagement, the weddingwas off.

And CPI had to pay US$15 million to call itoff even though Comtech had only incurredabout US$1 million in expenses some say itwas due to Comtech having lost a significant

U.S military contract in the summer, and there-fore the deal lost appeal to CPI.

Sat-CommAgain, as we reported previously, Sat-

Comm, the UK SNG manufacturer, had an-nounced that it was being bought by Om-niGlobe Networks (Canada).

Since then, the whole acquisition seems tohave fizzled out, though there has not been aformal statement from either company. Unoffi-

cial sources say that Omniglobe were dragging their feet, and now the assumption is the dealis off. Or is it ?

WavestreamGilat Satellite Networks, a major VSAT net-

work systems company from Israel, boughtSSPA manufacturer Wavestream for US$130million in November.

The industry view is that Gilat wants to getinto the lucrative U.S military market, in whichWavestream is already an established player.But industry sources are very surprised at thehigh valuation of Wavestream.

ND SatcomSES had been trying to dispose of all or at

least a majority share of ND SatCom for over ayear. ND SatCom, who as well as manufactur-ing satellite equipment for the military, ac-counts for a significant part of the German-speaking European SNG market.

Finally in October, SES sold 75% of its stake to Astrium Services, which owns the UKs military telecommunications satellites and severalEarth observation satellite services companies,for an undisclosed sum.

SES is left owning 25% of ND SatCom, andhas said the transaction is expected to be final-

ized in early 2011 subject to regulatory ap-proval.

Well, thats the latest - by the next edition,things will probably have changed again.

visitslingpath.com

I early April, as reported in the last edition,Intelsat lost control of Galaxy 15 at 133W,which provided coverage over North America.

Intelsat has now at last regained communi-cations after G-15 spent nearly nine monthscruising around the geostationary arc. G-15 isnow responding to commands and ground con-trollers have restored telemetry with the space-craft.

Intelsat announced On 23 December, thepower from the Galaxy 15 battery completelydrained during its loss of earth lock and theBaseband Equipment (BBE) command unitreset, as it was designed to do. Shortly thereaf-ter Galaxy 15 began accepting commands andIntelsat engineers began receiving telemetry in

our Satellite Operations center. We have placedGalaxy 15 in safe mode, and at this time, we

are pleased to report it no longer poses any threat of satellite interference to either

neighbouring satellites or customer services.The satellite continues drifting, but Intelsat

expects to quickly stabilize the craft's orbit andreturn it to commercial service.

Between April and December, G-15 driftedpast by more than a dozen operational C-bandcommunications satellites owned by Intelsat,SES, Telesat and Satmex but fortunately,satellite operators reported no significant dis-ruptions in communications.

Intelsat and Orbital Sciences, the satellitemanufacturer, had anticipated the system re-setting back in August, but G-15 carried onfunctioning until December.

The original cause of G-15s failure is stillformally undetermined.

IT S BACK! GALAXY 15 REBOOT

8/7/2019 LOS Winter 10 i17

13/14


BEAC O NSE E K RU NS SEV ENT H PUB L I C SNG CO UR S E

I October we held the seventh of our popularBasic SNG Operations courses we holdthese every year in May and October.

As usual the course was held in the delight-ful surroundings of the postgraduate campus of the University of Bedfordshire on the outskirtsof Luton in the UK, some 30 miles (50 km)north of London. We had students from theUnited Arab Emirates and the Netherlands froma variety of backgrounds.

The students underwent three days of veryfocussed training, starting with a very intensiveday of classroom training on satellite principlescovering generally and specifically SNG uplink-ing theory it was early evening before wefinished.

This was followed by two days of practicalexercises, including learning how to use aSuunto Tandem compass/clinometer, what tolook out for on a site survey, and rigging andusing a flyaway as well as a small SNG truck.The exercises on the flyaway took up much ofthese two practical days.

By the end of the course all the studentswere able to competently assemble and oper-ate the Advent 1.9m Mantis flyaway systemkindly provided by Vislink News & Entertain-ment. Students carried out a number of trans-missions and routine operational checks onboth Telesat and Eutelsat.

In addition students were shown an SNGtruck provided by PBG Broadcasting.

Instruction is carried out on with a compara- tively large antenna so that the students fullyexperience the hands-on reality of critical ad-justments and measurements.

They have to accurately and consistentlypoint a completely manual flyaway antenna atthe correct satellite and deal professionally withsatellite operations centres. We limit numbersto only six participants so that everyone has theopportunity of using the system and talking tothe satellite operator.

The next course will be on 17-19 May 2011(see back page) - so if youre interested in at-tending, please get in touch with us soon.

Available from BeaconSeek& Amazon

8/7/2019 LOS Winter 10 i17

14/14

BeaconSeek Ltd.

Hithermailes,

212 Mancroft Road, Aley Green,

Luton, Beds, LU1 4DR

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)1582 842 717

Fax: +44 (0)1582 849 013

Email: [email protected]

Web: beaconseek.com

Editor: Jonathan Higgins

Line Of Sight is a free newsletter

published electronically from time to

time at the whim of the editor

BeaconSeek Ltd. is a private limited

liability company registered in

England & Wales: No. 3954192


Basic SNG Operations CoursePutteridge Bury Conference Centre

University of BedfordshireLuton, UK

Next Course: 17-19 May 2011

Principal Tutor - Jonathan HigginsOnly 6 participants

Enquiries: [email protected]

Every student receives a Suunto Tandem Compass/Clinometer and Introduction to SNG & ENG Microwave book

THE BOOK

BUY ONLINEAmazon or BeaconSeek

Suunto Tandem-

The Best CompassClinometer

For AligningSNG Uplinks

-Precision Made in

Finland

BUY ONLINE@

beaconseek.com visitslingpath.com

los winter 10 i17

Documents