to traverse demanding terrain , is a “ huge challenge ”, as Jones describes . Megahertz recently supplied a ‘ chase ’ car built for the coverage of camel racing and other desert sports , which could also be converted into a newsgathering truck to handle tough terrain . “ We have also supplied many 4x4 Sprinter into Africa and the Middle East for newsgathering operations — also several on 4x4 pickups and even a Hummer ,” he adds .

Because broadcasters are increasingly operating with tight budgets , Megahertz is also noticing how they are now looking for equipment that does not need to be driven by specialist operators . “ Rather , they would like the operator to focus on acquiring and editing the story , rather than the technical operation of the digital satellite newsgathering ( DSNG ),” Jones explains . “ Smarter technology needs to be built into the vehicle to make the operation as straightforward as possible .

As the transition to IP continues to gather pace , is Megahertz also gaining more queries about IP-based vehicles ?

Citing an example of Megahertz facilitating a landmark migration to IP for a South-east Asian pay-TV operator in 2017 , where Megahertz designed and implemented a hybrid SDI / IP media headend at the organisation ’ s

One of the key remits for systems integrator Megahertz is the build of OB vehicles , including digital satellite newsgathering vehicles and smaller satellite link trucks .

new state-of-the-art hub , Jones acknowledges an ongoing transition , from bespoke hardware processing to IT-based processing . “ However , off-the-shelf IT equipment is not generally designed with mobile broadcast vehicles in mind , so

— Paul Jones , VP sales , Asia-Pacific , Megahertz

it is up to SIs like Megahertz to source , test and recommend the most robust and reliable versions available ,” he continues .

“ Then , we must mount them in a way that will prolong life expectancy in an environment

where endurance for fluctuations in temperature , vibration and humidity levels — from day to day — is critical .”

Elaborating on what he terms the “ IP evolution ”, Jones highlighted how broadcasters are now recognising the operational and commercial benefits that IP can bring . “ Until recently , the IP evolution has been confined to islands within a facility and tasks that naturally lend themselves readily to the transition ,” he notes . “ Now , the technology allows the use of the basic three element : storage , computing ( servers ) and networking , and supporting software solutions that can run in a private or public cloud .”

However , he is quick to point out that there are many implementation challenges to be overcome , making the hiring of an experienced and resourceful SI a top priority for any media organisation considering an IP journey .

While the role of the SI is critical to the success of any technology transition , similar importance should be placed on the continued relevance of OB vehicles in the field , Jones suggests , adding : “ You really can ’ t beat the content sourced from a team that is actually on the ground , using a cleverly designed , state-of-the-art OB truck to capture and transmit the highest quality video content .

“ For many events , it ’ s simply necessary to have an OB truck at the forefront of news coverage to get the full picture .”

Drawing on Megahertz ’ s experience , he also identifies how different OB applications require different types of OB vehicles . For example , the low-cost , high-volume end of the market is currently made up of mostly IP-based shoot / edit VSAT vehicles based on Mercedes Vito or VW Transporter-sized chassis , according to Jones . “ Typically , these trucks are designed with a single operator in mind , usually for live breaking news situations — someone who will drive the vehicle , shoot the material , edit and send the package back to base via satellite or bonded cellular .”

And where radio news vehicles are concerned , the simplicity increase , he claims . Traditional vehicles with an on-board generator , a large satellite dish , and enough space for two to three people and a small amount of production equipment are already commonplace .

“ Those larger production units covering , say , big sporting events or high-profile music festivals are built on vehicles such as the 7,000kg Iveco Daily panel van , or the Mitsubishi Fuso with a box body to accommodate three to six cameras , graphics , a slow-motion server and a separate sound operator ,” Jones concluded .

Can you share your vision for TV of the future — how will consumers ’ consumption habits continue to evolve , and how will this change or impact the use of satellites as a distribution platform ? Hamad Al Mannai : Viewing habits have been evolving , ever since smartphones , tablets and other portable digital devices became available and affordable ; so too the content to be displayed on these devices .

It is all about having the convenience to watch what you want and when you want , especially when people are away from their TV screens and / or on the move . This will continue to be the case in the foreseeable future , with people moving from one screen to the other to consume quality and engaging content .

There have been talks about the demise of linear TV and satellite distribution platforms for a number of years now , but we do not believe it to be the case . What is more important is to understand the way content will be consumed . Some studies show that even millennials will watch linear shows week-byweek , rather than download all and binge-watch on-demand . What we believe will happen is that , one

Hamad Al Mannai , executive director , commercial of Es ’ hailSat , shares with APB the company ’ s vision for TV of the future , and the role satellite has to play .

person or a few people at home will watch their favourite show on TV for a few hours a day and move on to individual screens or vice versa . TV will remain a key part of people ’ s lifestyles , and satellites will continue to be a major distribution platform for linear TV .

Having successfully delivered 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) services , how does Es ’ hailsat view the current development of 4K / UHD in Asia-Pacific ? Al Mannai : From a technology and quality perspective , 4K / UHD is definitely a good proposition for consumers to enjoy and appreciate their favourite content . And this time around , consumers are ready with 4K / UHD TVs .

However , the adoption by broadcasters has not been as expected . One of the reasons is the inadequate availability of quality 4K / UHD content to create linear channels . Sports and events-based content is still preferred at the moment for 4K / UHD transmission .

Some of the other reasons for slower uptake of 4K / UHD by broadcasters are , the adoption of advanced compression technology required for 4K / UHD transmission and the bandwidth costs .

In Asia-Pacific , where migration from SD to HD took place a few years ago , and where consumers are not willing to pay more for 4K / UHD content , broadcasters are reluctant to go on a spending drive for 4K / UHD headend when the returns on these investments

are not guaranteed . In MENA , where migration from SD to HD only recently started , and where consumers are used to free-to-air content , 4K / UHD is not a feasible option . In the shorter term , 4K / UHD will be a differentiator for some broadcasters , and will be mainly used in sports and eventsbased transmission . In the longer term , as compression technology improves and content becomes available , more and more broadcasters will start considering 4K / UHD content for linear TV .

In recent years , the broadcast and media industry has seen the emergence of IP . Do you foresee the possibility of satellite co-existing with IP , and what

platform for linear

— Hamad Al Mannai , Executive Director ,

Commercial , Es ’ hailSat

will be the value proposition this hybrid solution might bring forth to both the media operator and the viewer ? Al Mannai : We believe that IP technology will augment satellite , and is in no way a complete threat to satellite . Both have their benefits and challenges , so the question will be how to leverage the benefits to get the best hybrid solution .

Eventually , what needs to be considered is the user experience for acquiring and viewing content . Satellites , with their ubiquitous coverage , higher quality , stable and secure transmission , will offer a viable solution to broadcasters with higher subscriber base .

IP , on the other hand , will be viable for lower audience sizes , where costs are lower with lower . With IP there are other considerations , such as quality , security , piracy , and so on , to be factored in . Hence , a large part of consideration for broadcasters to use either platform would be the cost per subscriber .

Another consideration is the target market , that is , demography , with younger viewers preferring IP over satellite . Broadcasters need to consider costs per user , people without access to satellite dish , type of content , demography and so forth , when coming up with a hybrid solution .