Word from the team…
IBC is fast approaching and it’s going to be a busy show for the Holkirk team this year supporting our partners with multiple demonstrations across some interesting, diverse market sectors. From ‘future proofing the DSNG market’ with the latest Eutelsat antenna systems, GaN BUC technology and multi-orbit tracking using bonding encoders and the latest ‘Satcom as a managed service’ offering worldwide Multi-Bearer News Gathering (MBNG) ensuring you can always get your story filed!
We are also supporting the Digital RF revolution with our RF over Ethernet EDGE terminals that will provide fast secure contribution of the latest DiFi standard network protocol.
Lots going on and lots to talk about.
Dave Nicoll
Strategic Business Director
Future proofing DSNG and the live broadcast market.
In an era where rapid technological advancements are commonplace, the broadcasting industry continues to rely on Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) for its unique benefits, despite the emergence of newer technologies like GSM bonding and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems. DSNG provides unparalleled reliability, especially in remote or challenging environments where terrestrial networks may not be available or reliable. This is crucial for live news reporting, where the ability to broadcast without interruption is paramount.
DSNG operators are still at the forefront of broadcast technology, providing real-time news coverage from remote locations and secure back-up redundancy for critical broadcast events and as the demand for high-definition content and the need for rapid deployment of news teams increases, DSNG operators must future-proof their operations to stay competitive and efficient.
Our RM150 1.5M DSNG vehicle mounted system is fully characterised by Eutelsat for use across their fleet and provides robust performance, reliability, and ease of use, making it a preferred choice for broadcasters and communication professionals who require dependable satellite communication capabilities. The RM150’s compact and robust design, with integrated BUC control and auto-pointing capability, fits onto any vehicle, making it ideal for new projects or upgrading existing assets.
Our TP120 1.2M Flyaway system is also characterised for use with the Eutelsat fleet and offers a combination of global reach, reliability, quick deployment, managed services, cost savings, and flexibility, making it a superior choice for DSNG teams requiring dependable remote communication unlinking world-wide.
On the REVGO stand (Hall 1.D21) we have a great demonstration of integrated BUC/antenna control that is not only ready for the current market demands but also prepared for future advancements. The integrated antenna control unit with GaN BUC 1:1 control system mitigates the need for independent controllers saving cost and weight in the uplink package.
Migrating from DSNG to Multi-Bearer News Gathering (MBNG)
For many years we have been pioneering the use of new technology to help improve the day-to-day job of filing news stories and live events back from remote locations to the studio by integrating the latest mobile know-how into our antenna systems.
Multi-Bearer News Gathering (MBNG) is just a term for this activity, bonding many IP paths to get your content back to base.
For example, the most efficient way to cover a story would be to use a simple 4G/5G bonding encoder, either camera back or backpack, light weight portable and easy to use. However, we all know the limitations of the terrestrial networks.
So, we could bond the cellular with wired internet, once again great for metropolitan area’s but not for remote locations.
For added availability we can of course used a satcom link, this has the highest availability and reliability, but which system?
LEO – Starlink could be an option, but the current service plans are typical consumer grade and the coverage to not yet worldwide (but it’s getting there)
GEO – INTELSAT FlexMove and Eutelsat ADVANCE are both great options giving world-wide coverage with high throughput satellite coverage with a ‘Satcom-as-a-Managed-Service’ air time contact offering with our Scorpion Lite and the TP120
Visit the Milexia stand Hall 1.C67 to see a live demonstration of the latest MBNG solution packages with 5G Bonding and pre-configured ‘Satcom-as-a-Managed-Service’
Pioneering Satcom Solutions using Software Defined Radio (SDR) and DiFi compliant integration.
Holkirk’s Digital Intermediate Frequency (DIF) EDGE TERMINALS represent a significant advancement in satellite communication technology.
DIF, also known as RF over IP, bridges traditional RF systems with modern IP-based networks, distributing RF signals over IP with the efficiency and flexibility of digital technology. This transition is akin to the shift from analogue to digital broadcasting, offering enhanced performance and greater choice.
Working with our partners Milexia and ETL Systems to ensure DiFi interoperability with the ETL Digital 1000, our RF over IP EDGE terminals that will provide efficient signal sampling, seamless IP encapsulation, accurate reconstruction and maintain digital integrity from insertion to end point.