The Concept of Satellite News Gathering

Digital satellite news gathering has dramatically changed the way television news was being broadcast earlier and is making it possible for us to watch events and reporting from throughout the world. Wars and natural disasters unfold before our eyes as ENG vehicles allow news reporters to begin broadcasting from remote locations beyond a TV studio.

ENG trucks have transitioned from the time when reporters were using films and shifted to videotape early in the 70s. However, thereafter media channels have abandoned videotape as well as analog land-based transmission signals in favor of digital formats and satellite technology for broadcasting live.

Before the development of digital technology, analog signals were being used to send satellite feeds which will basically wave signals. News organizations were in a position to report from remote locations simply because they had access to analog satellite connections. The war in the Falkland Islands during the conflict with the United Kingdom in 1982 and even the Gulf war in 1990 and 91 was notable examples of the way analog satellite connections were adopted by media channels.

It was only in the 90s which witnessed the transition from analog to digital satellite signals because video compression improved vastly. Digital signals are not similar to waves but a binary system which simply signals on or off that can also be transmitted via microwave transmission.

Discussions with experts who authored books on satellite news gathering compared the compressed video to concentrated fruit juices. They provided an example of taking water away from the fresh fruit juice because it would become easier and cheaper to transport. The consumer simply had to mix water in the concentrate before it could be used for drinking. The experts provided an opinion that video compression involved something similar like removing the information from the news gathered to make it easier for transmission. The news removed simply had to be added back to the transmission at the receiving end. In such cases, the uncompressed video image was not good when received at the other end but simply conveyed a message. It was similar to adding water to the concentrate of the fruit juice before having it.

A compressed video does not require as much power and bandwidth like analog signals which is a benefit because it becomes a cost-effective alternative. Ultimately the use of analog became obsolete as news crews from TV channels began to use digital signals for terrestrial microwave links along with satellite links.

Europe has transitioned to digital satellite news gathering earlier than the US because the United States is focusing more on local news. In fact, you can still find local stations in the US using terrestrial microwave links which are cheaper when compared to using satellite links. The concept of satellite news gathering has definitely changed the way media channels were working. Perhaps the introduction of ENG trucks and ENG vehicles made it possible for reporters to reach remote locations in order to transmit the latest happenings on the ground speeded up the demise of analog signals faster.

Satellite news gathering is likely to advance with more features in the near future as the analog technology is no longer being used. We may soon be able to witness uncompressed video images that are of higher quality than the ones we are presently being presented with. The technology that was used earlier has already become obsolete with satellite news gathering taking center stage. We can only expect that new developments will be introduced soon to make it even better for us to view news faster as it happens regardless of the location. Media channels and news reporters must be preparing themselves for the advancements in technology and hoping they too will have an opportunity to work with it whenever it is introduced.

5 incredible tips for successful live streaming

1.     Connect with your viewers. The success of your live streaming would definitely hinge on how you are able to connect with your viewers. Your viewers will surely look forward to your next live stream if you were able to connect with them the first time. Hence, you should watch your viewer’s list and try to engage them as much as possible.

2.      Be Cognizant of your bandwidth. Your bandwidth for live streaming is essential to the consistency of your streaming. Hence, you should ensure that you have a reliable transport system during your live outside broadcast or electronic news gathering broadcast, and ensure likewise that you have a fat connection for your streaming needs.

3.      Provide other options for your followers and would-be followers to connect with you. To further connect with your “would-be” followers, make sure that you provide them with various ways to connect with you. 

4.      Always have your devices fully charged to ensure that you can go live anytime. This is critical to the success of your broadcasting live because you need continuous supply of power for your equipment. You surely don’t want your live broadcast interrupted due to low bat and other power supply problems.

5.      Promote your live streaming ahead of time. If your primary reason in doing a live streaming is to become known and appreciated by other people, you should then engage in a casual promotion of your live broadcast prior to your actual live broadcast. You can do this by posting tidbits of your scheduled live broadcast, and by joining groups online wherein you can promote your upcoming live broadcast.

The Advancements in HEVC Streaming Equipment

The evolution of live streaming started with streaming media. Streaming media refers to the multimedia that is continuously presented and received by end-users while the provider delivers them. Hence, the concept of streaming often connotes the process of delivery and obtaining of media, and it is an alternative process to downloading. From the crude way of transmitting media, the process of streaming has greatly improved in the recent years. Buoyed by the fast-paced advancements in computer networking, coupled with advanced development in home computers, operating systems, HEVC streaming units, and HEVC streaming device, the process of streaming becomes a viable and practicable means of conveying media contents for ordinary consumers. By 2016, consumers already got the option of either streaming "live" or "on demand."

Live streaming allows end-users to enjoy streamed video event that is happening at present. On the other hand, "on demand" streaming is generally provided via progressive streaming. Live streaming is available only at one time when the event being videoed is occurring. On the other hand, “on demand” contents are either saved or stored in the hard disks or servers for a long time. Live streaming surely revolutionizes video streaming, allowing live video streaming for mobile, TV, and social media, and there are many companies that have ventured into the development of streaming technology and have tried to improve on the existing streaming technology; however, there are only very few companies that really excel in developing better streaming equipment, and one these very few companies is LiveU.

LiveU is a company based in America that focuses on providing portable live video equipment and acquisition solutions. LiveU's headquarter is situated in Hackensack, New Jersey. The technology that LiveU produces for television broadcasters enables quick live video links through wireless cellular networks. LiveU offers a wide range of equipment that could be used for live video coverage, and some of these pieces of equipment are portable enough and can be easily fitted into a backpack. These portable pieces of equipment and devices readily revolutionizes live broadcasting because these devices did away easily with the tons of equipment and materials which were formerly used in the traditional modes of broadcasting. LiveU likewise specializes in the development of software and mobile applications that make possible efficient and latent-free wireless live streaming of videos. The company have also patented the technology that enables cellular bonding for far and remote news gathering in various countries.

LiveU continues to excel in developing better streaming equipment, and in April of 2012, Panasonic, another great company, said that LiveU technology would be incorporated by Panasonic into its professional camcorder. The integration was successful, and it was excitedly announced on February of 2013. This integration of LiveU LU40 with that of AG-HPX600 Panasonic camera was made possible through the software upgrade key that permits the interface of the camera to control the LU40. Soon after, in March of 2013, another company—that of Hitacchi—integrated LiveU units with its camera solutions. Lastly, in April of the same year, the customers of LiveU became capable of integrating their cellular solutions with the XDCAM camera of Sony.  

The Evolution of Media Streaming Equipment

The history of streaming technology can be traced back to the 1920s when George Squier was first granted his patents for a certain system of distribution and transmission of certain signals over lines of electricity. This patent later on became the technical basis for the development of the Muzak, a technology for conveying continuous music to customers without relying on radio. The necessary technologies however to realize this rudimentary form of streaming were not available during those times, and it took several decades for the needed technologies to evolve for the realization of contemporary streaming technology. Streaming live necessitates a remarkable improvement in computer technology, software technology, and networking technology to be completely realized and become commercially viable. Hence, it took several decades, and only after computer and software technologies became powerful enough to support live streaming technology when streaming technology really took off. At present, almost anyone can now stream live videos through the internet via one of those video providers.

The broadcasting industry was first hesitant to adapt the technological advancements brought about by streaming technology. However, the industry afterwards saw the full potential of utilizing streaming devices and technology, and soon after, the industry has become enthusiastic enough to espouse the technology. With the use of streaming devices, the broadcasting industry readily do away with the tons of equipment and resources that have to be pulled together to actualize a live broadcasting. In the previous methods of live broadcasting, several equipment had to be brought into the location of the live broadcasting, and satellite trucks had to be mobilized likewise to transmit data to the mother studio. Moreover, a meticulous preparation had to be made before the actual live broadcast, and a lot of manpower support was needed to ensure that everything would be in its proper place before the live broadcast. This made live broadcasting the expertise only of a very few companies and teams, leaving the consuming public incapable of making live broadcast. However, with the introduction of various streaming technologies and the advancements in wireless transmission technology, the process of broadcasting live no longer becomes a special act that could be done only by those with the necessary equipment. At present, anyone can broadcast live via Facebook or YouTube. Moreover, this broadcasting of live videos can be done alone, without the need for tons of equipment and crews. Using highly specialized live streaming equipment, anyone can now broadcast live anywhere there are cellular signals. Furthermore, the streaming live of videos generally comes in high quality.

Streaming technology has greatly revolutionized live broadcasting, yet, the broadcasting industry was a bit slow to embrace the new streaming technology, being cautious in its approach to change. At present, however, the broadcasting industry is gobbling up the new streaming technologies as if they are hot cars, and they are scrapping off the old system of live broadcasting in favor of these new and innovative methods of broadcasting. Outside Broadcast equipment of the previous generation are now considered obsolete. Lastly, outside live broadcasting is no longer an act reserved for those big broadcasting companies, but something that could be enjoyed even by the ordinary end-users of the internet. 

Plug and Play Streaming Technology

Radio broadcast is the very first live broadcast transmission or media streaming to be ever introduced; likewise, it is the very first inherent media delivery system. The radio, along with the television which was introduced much later constitutes the only inherent delivery system for several years. The emergence, however, of video streaming gave people an additional means of inherent media delivery system. On the other hand, movie reels, compact disc, cassette tapes and other recordable media constitute the non-inherent types of media delivery.

Video streaming gave ordinary people the means to spread information to vast number of audiences, and enable people to access movies or television programs on demand using mobile devices like smart phones. Video streaming likewise allows people to webcast or broadcast on the internet. Furthermore, webcast enables people to share and promote personal ideas, views, experiences, faith, and beliefs to other people. Owing to the benefits brought about by video streaming, the general public readily embraced the technology.

Video streaming provides users an immediate on-demand access, allowing them to watch live or past TV programs anytime and anywhere. There is, however, one drawback when watching live using your mobile device and that drawback is the limited screen of your device. Despite the introduction of features like touch screen, the screen size of mobile devices still remains small. Hence, even if TVs are mostly immobile, they still remain popular.

People nowadays can stream high quality video files with ease through the use of user-friendly interface. Video streaming hardware have plug-and-play features that enables easy integration with existing video source and streaming server (i.e., personal computer or laptop). A lot of readily available plug-and-play video streaming devices have built-in software that can access the internet autonomously. This means that streamed files from the internet can be accessed without the aid of a personal computer. Likewise, aside from accessing the internet access, every video streaming device possesses Wi-Fi connectivity options.

As the number of video streaming users increases, more and more advance features and innovations such as that of one touch live streaming are added to video streaming device. As new technologies emerge and develop, suitable technologies would surely be incorporated into incoming development models or future video streaming devices. The expansion also of internet bandwidth and the development of video codecs or resolution will likely affect the development of the streaming process, protocols, and other capabilities of video streaming in the near future.

Video streaming is not just about broadcasting or receiving video files via the internet; video streaming can also be used as a link to watch a favorite video file (stored in a PC) on a smart TV. With the availability of media streaming technology, it became possible to play your favorite movie from a storage device to any device such as the netbook or Smartphone. Moreover, there is no longer any need for transferring a movie file from a storage due to the limited amount of space on your chosen device. Moreover, depending on the streaming software installed, it is likewise possible to stream other file formats like PDF, PowerPoint, Excel and Word formats to other devices which are linked by a common router. 

The Advantages of Streaming Live Videos and its Value in Electronic News Gathering

The transition from the 20^th century to the 21^st century seemed to augur well for radical changes in the world. At present, the World Wide Web is fully operational, and there is an apps explosion which means that every day, we are witnesses to the creation of new apps that generally make our digital experience awesome. Moreover, gone were the days when we have to buy CDs just to watch our favorite movies. In fact, at present, we can readily watch movies via streaming live of movies. We can also watch live streaming of great events like sports championship games and great concerts as they unfold. We simply have to wait for the scheduled streaming of these events; soon after, we can watch the events as they unfold.

Technologies like video streaming has been already here for almost several decades, but only recently did we experience the perfection of the technology. With the expansion of bandwidth and with better video streaming software, we can now view almost every major event that we would like to behold. Moreover, we could also stream live any momentous event of our lives online to the delight of our followers and friends. Furthermore, we can watch long video lectures that are performed online, and we can also behold even the landing of spacecraft on another planet online. Likewise, with streaming technology at hand, anyone can now broadcast anytime as long as one is connected to the internet.

Disadvantages and Advantages of Streaming Videos

In the past, if a person had desired to post a video online, he had to post the URL of the video online, and those who would like to watch the video would simply click then on the link to download it. But before a person could watch the video, he/she had to download completely the video. Gone were those days when you have to download completely a video before you can watch it. At present, you can simply watch an streamed video as you download it.

Another advantage of streaming video is that your video is definitely more protected from copyright infringement if you stream it. On the part of broadcasting companies, they can utilize streaming technologies to allow their news gathering team to broadcast easily anywhere and anytime. The electronic news gathering equipment of these broadcasting companies can surely facilitate the process of streaming live news feed without the need for the once cumbersome equipment of live broadcasting. It is in this aspect that streaming live videos becomes very important and useful. It definitely diminishes the burden involved in broadcasting live news, and surely gone were the days when live outdoor broadcasting of news and events were truly burdensome and cumbersome, needing tons of cables and requiring a cabal of crews.

One downside however of the streaming technology is that it requires larger bandwidth than that of simply downloading the video. Yet, most subscribers nowadays have data plans that are capable of high speed connectivity. Hence, the problem of higher bandwidth surely no longer poses as a big problem for those who would like to stream live and watch streamed videos.

The Emergence of Lightweight Broadcast Equipment

Mankind has always been fascinated with objects that can be described as extreme. Prefixes like super, jumbo, mega, and ultra were appended to certain words to emphasize extremeness in speed, dimension, strength, and other characteristics. We have been accustomed to words like supersonic, jumbo jets, ultralight, and hyperspace for quite some time now, and at present, words with prefixes like “mega,” “micro,” and “nano” have been recently introduced into the lexicon. These prefixes along with other superlative adjectives are usually used daily by advertisers to catch people’s attention. These advertisers know the psyche of most people who want things that are inclined to favor compact, portable, and easy to use products.

Broadcasting Equipment

Most television networks have news programs in their daily airtime, and among these daily programs, the news programs are most highly viewed by the general public. For this reason, the TV network’s news gathering department is one of the best equipped groups in the TV establishment. 

A news gathering team usually comprises of two persons (a news reporter and a cameraman) and a news gathering vehicle. A news gathering team needs to be very mobile to be able to reach the news location in a moment’s notice. Several news gathering teams may work together during a live coverage of a news events like that of the arrival of a visiting head of the state or religious leader, or that of the international sporting event. Before the onset of the event, every cameras, microphones and other audio/video equipment must be linked to production and SNG truck via extensive cabling. The preparation alone for the live coverage of any big event already necessitates a herculean effort on the part of the news gathering team, and the preparation itself also requires a lot of manpower and expertise. 

 

The Emergence of Wireless Technologies

The advent of advanced and miniaturized computers and wireless communications has engendered technological breakthroughs in broadcasting that greatly enhanced and innovated TV news coverage. At present, news gathering teams no longer necessitates lots of manpower and equipment. With the wireless technologies at hand, news gathering teams are now equipped with lightweight broadcasting equipment that use broadband technology instead of the traditional radio, satellite, and microwave transmitters.

The emergence of the third generation (3G) wireless network technology has allowed for alternative methods of broadcasting by way of the internet. Using 3G along with broadband technology, it became possible to stream large amount of data like video imageries in real-time. These technological advancements have led to the use of smart phones and other mobile devices.

Looking at what smart phone can achieve despite its diminutive size, engineers and technicians started to devise ways to utilize the smart phones in exchanging data files in broadcasting. This also led to the development of the wireless video camera link. With such link using either WiFi or broadband, it became possible to make lightweight, wireless video broadcast equipment. With this type of video camera, a news gathering team cameraman now has greater flexibility and freedom in their live news coverage. Likewise, via the use of cellular broadband, a news gathering team, which is remotely located, can now transmit its news anywhere and anytime. At present, many TV news networks are investing and trying to capitalize and optimize the use of wireless technology in their broadcasting of news and other live coverage.