Mobile communications Eye to Eye
Author: Dennis Lennie
Published 1st March 2009
Point to point communication via satellite is one of the most useful tools available to television and radio reporters in a world of fast news distribution. This short summary looks first at some of the newest SNG link kit and then at broadcast-related telecoms.
Advent Communications has introduced an enhanced version of its 1.5m and 1.8m NewSwift antenna to support high power C and and Ku-band RF and HD system requirements. The new antenna has a larger electronics pod enabling it to accommodate a pair of 400 W C or Ku-band travelling-wave tube amplifiers, either as 1+1 phase combined or 1:1 redundant pairs, or a 1:1 redundant pair of 750 W C or Ku-band TWTAs, or a 1:1 redundant pair of outdoor SSPAs. A follow-on development will incorporate a new feed arm and interchangeable multi-band feed cartridge assembly allowing the antenna operating frequency to be changed quickly.
e2v's new EV10AQ190 ADC is a monolithic chip featuring four separate digitally programmable 10-bit 1.25 gigasample/s ADC channels that, when interleaved via an industry standard serial peripheral interface and on-chip cross-point switch, operates either as a 4 channel 10-bit 1.25 Gs/s ADC, as a dual 10-bit 2.5 Gs/s ADC or as a single channel 5 Gs/s ADC. The EV10AQ190 provides analogue and system designers with considerable flexibility in receiver design. It offers easy upgrading from existing Quad 8-bit 1.25 Gs/s designs for applications such as 16 Gb/s point-to-point microwave links.
With the ever increasing requirement for HD signal handling, Holkirk Communications has introduced the 1.5 metre RM150 with the option of fully automatic satellite acquisition from within the DSNG vehicle. The unique antenna shape allows power amplifiers of up to 750 W capacity to be mounted directly without need for expensive coach work. Features include a 1.5 carbon-fibre reflector, fully redundant uplink chain, HD/SD 4:2:2 MPEG 2/4 encoding options, DVB-S, DVB-S2 and DVD-SNG modulation options, integrated dummy load and waveguide), full ACU auto-pointing option and antenna mounting brackets.
ND SatCom's ACU 5010 satellite antenna controller offers single-button-operation for an auto-pointing antenna system such as SkyRay Compact or SkyRay Light. The operator, for example a news reporter, needs minimal technical training. A fully graphical and intuitive colour display supports the usability of the antenna controllers. Each ACU can also be controlled remotely via a web browser.
Swe-Dish Satellite Systems AB has added a 1.2-metre antenna module to its CommuniCase product line. Suitcase CCT120 is the latest enhancement to the company's line of ultra-portable terminals which allow communication from remote locations.CommuniCase modules enable users to deploy different transceivers to support multi-band capability as well as interchange various antenna sizes and modems (SCPC, TDMA, iDirect) to meet operational needs. Like all products in this line, the Suitcase CCT120 features multiple modules, a plug-in modem, an antenna system, a controller and a transceiver.
Clear-Com Communication Systems is broadening the accessibility of its Eclipse Digital Matrix Intercom with IP-enabled V-Series user control panels. These allow users to link their Eclipse V-Series user control panels to the Eclipse Matrix frame over their existing WAN or LAN Ethernet cabling infrastructure. With a new matrix IP card, E-Que IP, individual V-Series panels can be integrated by establishing an IP link back to the Eclipse Matrix frame. As IP connectivity is enabled by the existing WAN or LAN network, all that is required to ensure connection on the Eclipse Matrix side is an Ethernet switch or router linked to the IT network. All panels in the V-Series line have a digital audio memory allowing the operator to replay 30 seconds of received incoming audio in noisy environments. Each panel's 10-character display key can support international characters such as Chinese, Japanese and Cyrillic.
Comrex' Access audio codec is designed to provides two-way, stable, stereo, low-delay audio over pretty much any type of internet connection, including wireless systems such as wi-fi and 3G. It is the first codec to use BRIC (Broadcast Reliable Internet Codec) technology to deliver wideband audio over the public internet and other IP networks in real time. It includes three BRIC algorithms as standard, each tailored to different network conditions and broadcast requirements (see below). For higher bandwidth networks, two AAC algorithms from Fraunhofer IIS can be added. A linear uncompressed mode can also be used. Because the Access constantly adapts to changing network conditions, audio delay is kept to a minimum whilst maintaining audio stability. If an internet connection is not available, Access can be used in two-way 15 kHz mono over a standard phone line and is compatible in this mode with the Comrex Matrix and Vector. If connected to another Access unit, it is even possible to run 15 kHz stereo over such a line.
Telex Communications' RTS VoIP Virtual Keypanel (VKP) is a Windows-based application that allows users to have a fully functioning RTS Digital Matrix Intercom on their PC. It also adds remote access to the system. The Virtual Keypanel application couples via the PC's Ethernet connection to any path that can support standard IP protocols, including LAN, WAN, and VPN. The RTS virtual keypanel application is compatible with any RTS Digital Matrix Intercom equipped with the RVON interface. The VKP requires that the PC have a static IP address.
On the installations front, Trilogy Communications has supplied a replacement for the 'red phone' system that connects ITV's network transmission centre with its five regional playout centres. As part of an ITV outsourcing strategy, Technicolor Network Services began managing the staff and operations of ITV's northern and southern playout centres in Leeds and London. These centres manage the playout of the ITV network channels as well as the delivery of content to other platforms. The original system had been installed over 30 years ago and was based on bespoke and now obsolete BT equipment. One requirement was that the system should operate over IP on MPLS Net04 network as well as leased ADSL. Trilogy's system minimised hardware, requiring each location to have only a 'red phone', a small interface box and a Mercury interface unit which allows each of these phones to be connected together over an IP network.