PANELLISTS
22
January 2015
Fischer Connectors embraces miniaturisation
Fischer Connectors has extended the Fischer MiniMax series with a pin socket version . With the product range extension , the Fischer MiniMax series is now available both in 19- and 24-pin configuration , giving designers more flexibility , especially where space and weight restrictions play a role , said Fischer Connectors . It is available either as a standalone connector which can be mounted on a flex or cabled by users , or as a complete pre-cabled solution . While the 24-pin configuration is available with four power and 20 signal contacts , the 19-pin configuration of the Fischer MiniMax series features four power and 15 signal contacts as standard .
Quicklink integrating with Inmarsat BGAN HDR
Quicklink Video Distribution Services has announced that the latest release of the Quicklink hardware encoders include full BGAN HDR ( Broadband Global Area Network High Data Rate ) HDR integration and control directly from the encoder . The encoders also include optimisation on both quality and latency when used in conjunction with an Inmarsat BGAN terminal , Quicklink added . Martin Turner , director of media at Inmarsat , said : “ Making technology as simple to use as possible is a key priority for Inmarsat , so we are delighted that Quicklink has invested in achieving this . This partnership is fundamental to meeting the needs of media users and enabling them to fulfil the demands placed upon them .”
Next Month @ Distribution
UHDTV Satellite Transmission
PANELLISTS
Dr Ali R Ebadi
Senior Vice-President Space Systems Development Measat Satellite Systems
Harnessing the power of cellular networks
How effective and cost-efficient are cellular-based transmission devices ? Millette Manalo-Burgos reports …
When it comes to delivering live video , portability is the name of the game for newsgathering teams . And with cellular and Wi-Fi networks practically available every where , it is not surprising that there are now broadcast technology manufacturers offering to make use of these networks for live video delivery .
Take for example TVU Networks , which developed the TVUPack . Paul Shen , CEO , TVU Networks , tells APB that from the broadcaster ’ s point of view , mobile IP newsgathering solutions such as TVUPack have become a critical tool to deliver the live video that viewers demand , and for good reason .
“ The primary advantage is the system ’ s portability and versatility ,” Shen explains . “ It allows broadcasters to go live from more places than ever before . We ’ ve seen customers do live shots from moving vehicles such as boats , helicopters and highspeed trains . They can do live shots from places such as a mayor ’ s office or a locker room , and do it without being tethered by a cable to a production vehicle .”
The company ’ s entire design philosophy for TVUPack is to enable its broadcast customers to transmit more live video
The TVUPack enable broadcasters to transmit more live video from more locations in a simple and costeffective manner . from more locations in a simple and cost-effective manner . “ TVUPack is small and portable — our largest unit weighs less than 20 pounds ,” says Shen . “ It ’ s also easy to operate . No in-field configuration is required , and it can transmit live with just the push of a single button . It ’ s also versatile , and can transmit over readily available network connections such as cellular , Wi-Fi , satellite and microwave simultaneously .”
Shen acknowledges that all video transmission technologies have their limitations . For example , he says both satellite and microwave transmitters require line of site and neither of those mediums can transmit on the move . Similarly , cellular networks have their limitations . “ Heavy network congestion and dead zones can limit the ability to transmit over cellular networks ,” he adds .
And as cellular networks sometimes have their limitations , TVU has developed Inverse StateMux Plus technology , a proprietary transmission protocol that aggregates the available bandwidth from all transmission mediums including cellular , Wi-Fi , Ethernet , Ka-band and Ku-band satellite , microwave and BGAN ( Broad band Global Area Network ) connections .
“ As a result , the absence of cellular connectivity doesn ’ t necessarily prevent the TVUPack from delivering a live shot ,” says Shen . “ For example , one of our Australian customers has successfully done live shots from the open ocean using TVUPack in conjunction with a BGAN satellite unit , despite the fact that cellular networks were non-existent . One of our US-based customers was able to cover a massive wildfire using TVUPack in conjunction with Ka-band satellite technology . When going live from areas where both cellular and satellite networks were available , the broadcaster was able to transmit over both connections simultaneously . If a connection dropped , the TVUPack was able to continue transmitting over the remaining connection without interrupting the video stream .”
Broadcasters should be aware of the bandwidth conditions within the location where they are trying to shoot ,
Dr Bernard Lee
President FTTH Council Asia-Pacific
Martin Coleman
Executive Director Satellite Interference Reduction Group