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To gauge product interest we asked ping 66% are looking to buy within the Publisher’s Note “When are you looking to buy a cellular next 12 months, which to us means tim- live streaming appliance/backpack?” ing for a publication like this is right on elcome to “Video and social events where satellite coverage As you can see from Figure 1,a whop- the mark. Joel Unickow, on the Move,”the would be difficult or impossible. Publisher W first installment Back in August, we were keen to see Figure 1. When are you looking to buy a cellular live streaming appliance/backpack? of the new Streaming Media Field Guide just how much market interest there was Responses Percent series. These guides, which you’ll see for CNG technologies and products so we immediately: 48 10.86% plenty more of, are designed to focus on surveyed our readership (you may have 1-3 months: 72 16.29%

a specific task related to online video. participated yourself, as we promised this 3-6 months: 77 17.42%

They help you become fluent on the publication to everyone who helped us 6-12 months: 95 21.49% topic and understand related terms, as with that effort). So, is this the latest 12+ months: 150 33.94% well as give you an in-depth look at industry fad? The Streaming Media sur- Total Responded to this question: 442 99.77% products related to doing the job. vey suggests the answer is a resounding Total who skipped this question: 1 0.23% It would be hard not to notice that one “no.”In only 5 days, 443 people respond- Total: 443 100% of the hottest hardware trends in video ed to our survey and said that they are in 3-6 months 6-12 months 12+ months this year has been the onslaught of mobile the market for this technology, with 293 150 140 150 encoders and cellular link aggregators of them looking to buy this kind product 130 120 making cellular newsgathering (CNG) a within the next 12 months. Now, we don’t 110 reality. Designed to give traditional satel- know how much surveying you do in 100 90 95 lite uplink a run for its money when it your company, but over here, we do a lot. 80 70 77 comes to electronic newsgathering (ENG) And this is a mind-blowing result. Even 60 72 —or at least offering broadcasters and though these products have only been 50 40 48 webcasters a new alternative—this year on the market a short time, it seems like 30 20 alone we’ve seen it used for live online everyone is rushing to get their hands on 10 0 and broadcast coverage of the Olympics, them. So, let’s go over our findings from immediately 1-3 months 3-6 months 6-12 months 12+ months the Super Bowl,and all manner of political the survey.

Publisher’s Note 2 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

Next we asked,“How many units would see 14 companies that are looking to buy Figure 3 asked respondents how much respondents alone, we see budgets in ex- you consider buying?”From the results in more than 10 units each, it’s equally easy they were likely to spend on CNG technol- cess of $6 million already earmarked.More Figure 2,you could make an assumption to say that there are companies firmly ogy. This is an exciting result that really than anything,this is another way of us ask- that we’re at a “try before you commit” embracing a CNG strategy and readily speaks volumes as to why we are seeing ing “are you really planning on buying,” stage for this technology, but when we deploying the technology. an explosion in this space. From the 443 and the answer is a loud and clear “yes.”

Figure 2. How many units would you consider buying? Figure 3. How much will you spend?

Responses Percent Responses Percent 1: 236 53.39% up to $5,000: 292 66.06%

2-5: 175 39.59% $5K - $50k: 121 27.38%

5-10: 17 3.85% $50K - $100k: 18 4.07%

10+: 14 3.17% $100k+: 11 2.49% Total Responded to this question: 442 99.77% Total Responded to this question: 442 99.77% Total who skipped this question: 1 0.23% Total who skipped this question: 1 0.23% Total: 443 100% Total: 443 100%

1 5-10 292 up to $5,000 18 $50K - $100k 2-5 10+ 121 $5K - $50k 11 $100k+ 236 292 220 236 292 263 205 189 234 173 204 157 175 142 175 126 146 110 94 117 121 79 88 63 47 58 32 17 14 29 18 16 11 0 0 1 2-5 5-10 10+ 1 2-5 5-10 10+

Publisher’s Note 3 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

Figure 4 shows that we are not looking cerely embraced by the traditional broad- disappear in the broadcast space as the post-production facilities are leading the at simply an online video phenomenon cast space. primary technology to deliver video feeds way, CNG technologies are finding a generated by bloggers and new media As you see in Figure 5,it’s clear that the for broadcast. home in a wide range of organizations, broadcasters with an online presence only main intent for usage is to get a feed Finally, let’s look at the categories of including worship, government, educa- (i.e., churches, non-professional sports online. While that’s exciting for our indus- companies that responded to the survey. tion, and the enterprise—not to mention & events); this technology is being sin- try, it shows that ENG isn’t quite ready to While media companies and production/ organizations for whom online video is

Figure 4. Will you be publishing content to “traditional” broadcast platforms? Figure 5. Will you be publishing content to online video platforms?

Responses Percent Responses Percent Yes: 234 52.94% Yes: 411 92.99%

No: 208 47.06% No: 31 7.01%

Total Responded to this question: 442 99.77% Total Responded to this question: 442 99.77% Total who skipped this question: 1 0.23% Total who skipped this question: 1 0.23% Total: 443 100% Total: 443 100%

7.01%

52.94%

47.06 92.99

208 No 31 No 234 Yes 411 Yes

Publisher’s Note 4 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

their first order of business,as you can see information about CNG in general, and and we encourage you to continue to pro- us know by emailing me direct at joel@ in Figure 6. for case studies and insights from some vide us feedback in future surveys so we streamingmedia.com. The bottom line is clear: If you’re shoot- of the leading suppliers on the market. can serve you better with more information. ing video,CNG solutions need to be part of And, in closing, we thank everyone who Have an idea for an installment in the —Joel Unickow, your production toolkit. Read on for more took the time to participate in the survey, Streaming Media Field Guide series? Let Publisher

Figure 6. What type of organization are you?

Responses Percent Media/Publishing (TV Station/Networks/Combination Stations) Enterprise Company (Manufacturing/Services/Financial/Aerospace, etc.) Cable/Networks Worship, Government, Education, Program Producer Media/Publishing (TV Station/ 75 16.97% Production and Post Production Facilities Streaming Industry (StreamingMedia, CDN, ISP, OVP, Web Services, Software Provider) Networks/Combination Stations): Film/Motion Picture TV Consultant/Systems Integrator Cable/Networks: Recording Studio Equipment supplier, dealer, distributor 9 2.04% Satellite or Telecom Independent/Blogger Production and Post Production Facilities: 89 20.14% 90 Film/Motion Picture: 89 11 2.49% 80 Recording Studio: 20.45% 70 75 76

Satellite or Telecom: 20.45% 60 Enterprise Company (Manufacturing/ 61 Services/Financial/Aerospace, etc.): 20 4.52% 50 55 Worship, Government, Education, Program Producer: 76 17.19% 40 Streaming Industry (Streaming Media, CDN, ISP, OVP, Web Services, Software Provider): 55 12.44% 30 31 TV Consultant/Systems Integrator: 31 7.01% 20 20 Equipment supplier, dealer, distributor: 11 2.49% 10 11 11 9 22 Independent/Blogger: 61 13.8% 0

Total Responded to this question: 442 99.77%

Media/PublishingCable/Networks Recording Studio Film/Motion Picture Satellite or TelecomEnterprise Company Streaming Industry Total who skipped this question: 10.23% Independent/Blogger Total: 443 100% TV Consultant/Systems Integrator Equipment supplier, dealer, distributor Production and Post Production Facilities

Worship, Government, Education, Program Producer

Publisher’s Note 5 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE Cellular Newsgathering: A Primer

By Dom Robinson relay earlier this year in addition to myri- if there would be some ad Olympic events—has shown that this interest in helping us he cellular newsgathering mar- technology has truly come of age. This assemble a comprehen- ket has expanded rapidly since maturity reflects well on the fact that IP sive guide; hence, this T we first started covering it in the video protocols are finally reaching wide- Field Guide. pages of Streaming Media,and from a mere spread acceptance as part of the broad- I have been asked to three or four vendors 18 months ago we cast telecommunications mix. present a quick “primer” are now tracking and covering more than This field guide arose as I completed the to help the readers un- 35 vendors. benchmarking of the Mobile Viewpoint derstand some of the The techniques and technologies in- technology that was used to follow the terms and nuances in the volved vary with each provider.Some pro- Olympic torch around the UK (see http:// space. Probably the most viders will tell you that the antenna is the go2sm.com/mv).As I completed it,we useful exercise you can most important part, while others will tell realized that there were so many new ven- undertake before we go you that it’s all about the underlying trans- dors in the marketplace that to benchmark further is to catch up on terminology by group of technologies uses cellular mo- port and the management of the signal one in each issue of Streaming Media mag- reading the Glossary on page 9. bile telephony networks to enable this between the encoder and the server. azine would take us more than ten years Terms like “channel bonding,”“link ag- back haul. Cellular link aggregators,channel bond- to build a complete picture of the sector! gregation,” and “cellular multiplexer” may Traditionally, satellite or fiber technol- ing devices, and “cellmuxes”—devices that And that was just the vendors we could be unfamiliar to some of you. In summary, ogy has been used for outside broadcast. provide integrated video encoding and reach at the outset,let alone revisions up- these technologies are all designed to al- Satellite and fiber are both notoriously cellular link aggregation and bonding— dates and new entrants! low an outside broadcast video engineer expensive,and need careful planning,pre- have all featured prominently in significant Obviously that wasn’t useful to anyone to send a live video picture back to their installation at the venue or pre-licensing, recent broadcast events.The proliferation comparing product to choose their own, television center for distribution—either and so on, and this has limited the amount of video images—such as those from the so we decided to reach out to cellular online or via a traditional television broad- of live outside broadcast coverage that is leading pack of the London Olympic torch newsgathering technology vendors to see cast medium—to end users. Critically, this typically available on broadcast media.

Cellular Newsgathering: A Primer 6 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

Webcasting has, in the past decade, but it’s not even remotely worthwhile for in urban areas where buildings and similar ice for many other users who may use opened up access to many live events for a webcast of the school football team to a obstructions can either mean incredibly the service at any time. On one tower for ever larger audiences.While offering lower few moms and dads. long cable runs (avoiding public walkways a live broadcast, this is a far more com- quality and coming without the same For a music festival lasting a day in a field and roads, etc.), or it means that the video plex thing to manage than, say, a blanket guarantee of service that fiber and satel- a fixed line may also be impossible to has to be shot,returned to the van on foot, capacity planning exercise to (for exam- lite bring, often “good enough is good install. Distance from exchanges, physical and then uploaded; i.e., live is impossible. ple) provision the police force a national enough”is preferable to “perfect is beyond protection, and power for the termination VSAT and leased lines do have the ad- “private” data mobile network (as they our budget.” equipment (customer premise equipment vantage of providing a guaranteed quality indeed do). Indeed, these days rather than organiza- or CPE) also factor into the decision-making of service (QoS) and may be sold with a In other words, calling up Verizon or tions struggling to source the budget to process.More often than not festivals will service level agreement (SLA).This means Vodafone and asking for 2Mbps on a tower offer their audiences a webcast, increas- arm themselves with VSAT (very small aper- that a quoted 2Mbps service will consis- for three hours during a football match is ingly organizations find it hard to justify ture terminal) satellite IP services. Al- tently provide a 2Mbps capability, not an extremely complex provisioning exer- not doing a webcast. The biggest techni- though expensive by the day compared shared with anyone else. cise for a relatively low-value job. cal challenge has typically been sourcing to a normal leased line or even fiber,given In the world of cellular multiplexers, And for this reason, cellmuxes take a a high enough quality internet connec- the contract is usually sold by the hour— it is virtually impossible to buy a path slightly different approach. They work on tion at the outside broadcast location to with a few fixed parameters such as the through the cellular network with a prior- the principle that each mobile SIM opens enable a nice clean backhaul of the en- install and alignment of the dish and the ity “class of service”to effectively contract up a data channel on a different account, coded signal. national radio frequency licensing—VSAT a fixed QoS or agree upon an SLA.Cellular or even a different provider,and if you have Tying a fixed line to a building for a has dominated the electronic newsgath- companies do not officially or easily offer many options to route each packet of data, one-off event is only worthwhile for a TV ering (ENG) space for the past few years agreements to provide guaranteed service then if a particular route is saturated there broadcast, since the install alone may run of outside broadcasting and webcasting. from one cell’s base station. This would, is likely to be an alternative.By literally over- to thousands,and the line will usually come VSATs can be self-aligned by systems fitted in engineering terms, be complex to provisioning the routes available several- with a 12-month service contract, adding to vehicles ensuring that a signal can be manage and provision. Each tower has a fold, a high-capacity throughput can be further thousands to the equation. That’s established within a 5 or 10 minutes of certain amount of data capacity that is maintained even through each of those an insignificant cost for a World Cup final being onsite and parked, providing the shared over all subscribers on that line. links may be shared with users who are rights owner to get a high-quality video location has clear line of sight to the Reserving some of that capacity for a sin- contending for that throughput in a un- source from the \ stadium to their play-out, satellite.This makes VSAT more complex gle client has the effect of reducing serv- predictable fashion.

Cellular Newsgathering: A Primer 7 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

The great thing about the internet is that look like a single IP interface to the link was reduced below the speed required These key advantages will often be the it can easily be configured to send packets applications using that bonded link. by the video encoding link,there would be deciding factors in the decision-making over all sorts of diverse routes, and the no communication to the video encoder to process. application at the remote end can recom- I A video multiplexer: A collection reduce the encoding bitrate. For roving reporters, war correspon- pile all those packets into a logical order. of software components that This communication between these com- dents, nature and extreme sports re- For this reason a cellular multiplexer has together encode the video, and ponents, particularly the multiplexer enco- porters, and many other scenarios, these several key components: then packetize it in such a way der and the channel bonding application, technologies offer a new level of flexi- that it can be transmitted over IP are critical to ensuring continuity of video bility, enabling live reporting from new I A link aggregator: Effectively a networks.The video multiplexer regardless of the network variation. locations, and also allowing high-quality fancy router designed to interface may also run a client/server system If all of these elements are configured bulletins (file transfers) to be acquired with several mobile data SIM that changes parameters such as and combined well, then a true cellmux back at TV play-outs only a few moments accounts. Those data SIMs the compression and effective can deliver a constant “good enough”(or, after they are completed. must correctly configure their bitrate of the video, should the at the very least, “best effort”) video sig- These technologies are changing the ex- own dedicated radio system channel-bonding systems report nal contribution feed. For linear (live) pro- pectation of the “immersive experience” (which then “talks” to the cellular back that the overall available gramming, the quality may vary but the of content; live video from powerboats network mast). throughput has dropped or risen. signal’s integrity should be maintained at and race cars is becoming commonplace. more or less all times. Footage from war zones is available live, I Channel bonding: A software While it could be possible to have a chan- These cellular technologies also have in HD.New camera angles from backstage process that runs as a client/server nel bonding link aggregator that ultimately other key advantages that come to bear at festivals are being added to streaming process (so it runs both on the works like a router and simply presents the when considering if the risk of signal/ events. And the list goes on … cellmux device at the event and on multiple cellular services as a single higher quality variance is worth taking: These technologies are inexpensive and a counterpart somewhere on the capacity link, and to then use a standard I They are usually extremely portable effective.They are also a bit easier to wear internet at the receiving end) that video encoder to send a stream over such on your back than a satellite truck. I works out which route to send a link, this would not be a true cellmux. They activate in a few seconds Now let’s take a look at how some of the which packet of data over and Should the capacity of the link vary to a I They operate from anywhere and vendors in this rapidly growing have de- makes the entire group of routes point that the effective throughput of the can even work while moving ployed their systems in the real world.

Cellular Newsgathering: A Primer 8 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

A Cellular Newsgathering Glossary by Dom Robinson

Acquisition to the ingestion/origination server in the distribution that contain “noise” and other “less-than-perfect” The process by which a signal is obtained. Playout model; in the case of cellular newsgathering, however, elements in the video stream. The more the content workflow managers will often talk about file typically the encoder delivers the stream to a local is compressed, the more artifacts can be seen. acquisition for non-linear delivery and will talk server, and then only a single, highest possible bitrate about signal acquisition for linear (live) delivery. is sent to the ingestion server. Multiple bitrate versions Backhaul (1) may then be created by that ingestion server to offer While this term can be used in different contexts, in Adaptive Bitrate Encoding adaptive bitrate (ABR) video to the end users. the cellular newsgathering model “cellular backhaul” (or Adaptive Video Encoding) is the connectivity from the mast and base to the Using modern video container and transport Antenna core network. For 2G masts, the cell will have a single models—commonly developed for HTTP transfer The radio aerial through which the cellular signal is T1 provisioned to the base, and this will provide to provide access to widely available caching and transmitted. While some vendors use “dongles” that the mast with 1.3Mbps to share among all its users. CDNs—video can be made available in various bitrates contain antenna of their own, other vendors have High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HDSPA) 3G masts by the originating publisher, and the recipient can added their own custom antenna systems to their will typically have 14 T1 circuits, or approx. 20Mbps, seamlessly switch between these various bitrates as cellular newsgathering devices and purport higher and for 4G the provisioning is planned to be 40Mbps their network quality varies. This is particularly gain, better reach, and, importantly, increased distance or 80Mbps depending on the radio frequency to be beneficial for users in mobile streaming where from the head and body of the operator, decreasing supported.This backhaul is a key limiting factor for network quality of service can be extremely volatile, the effect the electromagnetic radiation. throughput of the cellular newsgathering upstream. and it's commonly used by cellular newsgathering (CNG) devices to adapt dynamically to the network Artifacting Backhaul (2) conditions.Typically, when encoding for an adaptive Image degradation caused by video compression can From the playout perspective, the job of bringing bitrate model, all bitrates are sent from the encoder create unwanted visual distortions, areas of content the video source live into the facility is often called

A Cellular Newsgathering Glossary 9 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

backhaul.This can refer to live and to non-linear file connector clip or the flash shoe on top of the camera, of chocolates) and were intended to be clipped on a transfer from the event. Generically it means “from creating a self-contained portable broadcast unit. belt or carried in lighter weight forms than a backpack. the edge to the core” of the broadcast workflow. Cell Constant Bitrate Backpack The area or RF footprint that a specific mast services. A single defined bitrate.The bandwidth is considered The first portable cellular newsgathering equipment Most cells overlap other cells, and are often laid out as a peak, but the encoder will typically generate appeared as a backpack-carried device.These are still geographically in hexagons by operators to the black or silent data to fill (or “pad”) the data stream. simply nicknamed “backpacks.” degree that’s possible. Does not offer the efficiency of other options (such as adaptive bitrate), but typically reduces network Base Channel Bond planning and provisioning issues during the streaming The containerized switchgear connected to and A layer 2/3 or 4 technique that can be added to link session. Often the choice for wired encoding models located at the bottom of the cellular mast.The base aggregators to enable two or more underlying layer 2 where the underlying network quality of service is contains the significant equipment that converts the network routes to appear on the routing table of the relatively constant. radio frequency (RF) signal to digital IP data. device as a single gateway.This bond may be facilitated between the layer 2 interfaces and presented to the Contribution Breakup router as a single logical network interface, or it may Outside broadcasters will often talk about file Breakup commonly refers to the deterioration of the be facilitated by a layer 3/4 application capable of contribution for non-linear delivery and signal video to an unusable state caused by underlying muxing (and demuxing at the remote end) that contribution for linear (live) delivery.“Contribution” transmission signal path failure—i.e. “the video can’t operates independently of the routing logic and is what’s acquired in “acquisition.” get through." uses multiple gateways in the routing table. Dongle Camera-Top Chocolate Box The common term for a USB cellular modem, as The third generation of CNG devices is appearing in The second generation of cellular multiplexers appeared typically provided by 3G data service providers. a form factor that can be fitted to either the battery in a small form factor (around 8”x 5”,or the size of a box These typically plug into the CNG device and deal

A Cellular Newsgathering Glossary 10 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

with the communications with the cellular data increase the range of the RF link, however there scenarios—where bets are made on action in close service provider, including the antenna, SIM, and so are certain standards and protocols in place that to real time—content latency is a mission-critical on. Some CNG units integrate the modem internally, define what the optimal limits are to ensure that issue and can adversely compromise the underlying requiring the operator to simply install SIMs with the transmission does not “flood” the mast and reason for the production of the content. service accounts tied to them, while others use render it unable to receive signals from other devices dongles and leave the dongle manufacturer chosen seeking to use the services on the cell. Link Aggregator by each operator to deal with compliance issues A system that presents access to multiple ISP or other for telecommunications. Jitter “upstream”layer 2 data link services. It’s fundamentally Jitter is variability, caused by adverse network no different than a “normal” IP router, but while Hand-off conditions, in the time it takes packets of data to most IP routers in the market are sold with a single The technical point of interaction between to facility traverse the network link between two points. In upstream layer 2 interface (e.g. cable model, 3G, or providers.Typically the acquisition/contribution point a packet network many things can affect this time, Ethernet WAN) link aggregators will have two or more is the hand-off for an outside broadcast transmission and jitter can increase packet loss, which can lead such “upstream service” interfaces, providing diverse engineer to the playout workflow. to breakup. connectivity that enables higher levels of resilience and overall availability. Note, however, that the Handover Latency multiple layer 2 links are not combined into a single A common term for the underlying network routing Latency is the delay between the action being overall bandwidth pipe, so while they are “aggregated” and management that enables a cellular device to filmed and the rendering or delivery of that image at to a single routing “table” they are not available as transition from one mast to another as it moves a point in the distribution chain. Increasing buffering an aggregated gateway on that routing table. geographically from one cell to another. (to protect against network jitter and other packet loss conditions) also inherently increases latency, Mast High Gain which means that “live” is not quite as live events The antenna and associated structure that supports A term that refers to the sensitive of the antenna of happen. Usually latency is no issue for remote the antenna used by the cellular network operator an RF system. Essentially a high-gain antenna can users, however in the specific example of gambling as their local service point.

A Cellular Newsgathering Glossary 11 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

Multiple Bitrate Packet Loss Sync Several streams made available at the same time The failure of packets, or “chunks” of data, to traverse Some CNG systems offer genlock and sync, and so a with application layer logic available to switch a network link. Most modern audio and video timestamp can be added to the video, ensuring that the user’s player from one source to another. compression techniques are resilient to some packet the stream can be tightly synchronized to other Typically this pre-dates HLS, Smooth Streaming, loss, but a high packet loss will lead to breakup and, stages in the workflow. Sync is relatively complex, and other Dynamic Adaptive Streaming HTTP worse, can cause the transmission to fail completely. since often some buffering in CNG transmission can (DASH) techniques, and multiple bitrate simply add latency and this can put outputs out of sync, refers to the creation of multiple discrete bitrates Playout even if they have common timecodes. which don’t interrelate in any way (such as DASH The playout in a broadcast network is the central files do by being sync’d at the group of pictures “hub” to which all the video is sent prior to being Talkback [GoP] level). distributed to the end users. It usually consists of Some devices have a facility to talk two-way between scheduling systems and a human-operated master the CNG unit and the receiver studio, and so for Multiplex/Demultiplex control room (MCR) that lines up the programming, interview or for production control the units can (Mux/Demux) mixes various sources, and produces the final provide instant communication links along with the Breaking a stream of data into packets and output content. video and audio stream. transmitting the stream of packets onto a packet network (multiplexing) and then at the Receiver Variable Bitrate recipient end combining (and where required The device hosted at the remote end of the logical link The bitrate of a stream that adjusts with the complexity reordering) packets as they are received from that receives the various muxed streams, combines of encoding. An example may be an intense, complex the network into a single ordered stream of data them into a single stream again, and typically presents portion of the video using a peak of 1Mbps while a (demultiplexing). Often abbreviated to “muxing” the stream as a base video source, for example an SDI few moments later a simple “talking head” image may and “demuxing.” or HDMI video. use only a few Kbps or less.

A Cellular Newsgathering Glossary 12 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE Channel Bonding Revolutionizes News & Sports Coverage

with 4-8Mbps of sustained bandwidth is paths. The packets that reach the destina- needed. While in some areas 4G cellular tion first are used.In other scenarios,multi- modems can provide this bandwidth, in ple links can be used as backups for each many places it is still not possible. Using other. For example, if a cheaper LAN con- and aggregating several slower connec- nection (typically Wi-Fi or Ethernet) breaks, tions will achieve that bandwidth and transmission can automatically switch to hannel bonding allows multiple dramatically improves the quality of the more expensive mobile connections. network connections to be com- video feed in comparison to single In addition to using channel bonding for bined to create a single, higher modem systems. video feeds, it can also be used to speed C Teradek Cube speed end-to-end connection. The idea Mobility Support—Every cellular net- up video file uploads and downloads. was first widely used in 1990s under the work operator has different coverage areas, lular networks.Cube encoders are offered name of “inverse multiplexing” to com- which means one company’s modems may THE TERADEK APPROACH in HDMI and HD-SDI varieties and can trans- bine multiple circuit-switched 56 and not work as fast as others in any given area. By combining the Cube video encoder mit directly to the web, content delivery 64kbps phone network channels into a By always keeping alternative communica- with the Bond video transmitter, video networks (CDN), iOS devices, and IPTV higher speed wideband connection. tion paths available via multiple modems, producers can capture,encode,and deliv- decoders.With the new x55 models,Cube Nowadays in the broadcast industry you eliminate the delay associated with er video from locations and in situations encoders and decoders now include this technique is used to deliver high handoff between from various operators. that would have heretofore either been MIMO WiFi, an internal Li-Ion battery, micro quality video feeds through multiple Reliability and Stability—When a low- impossible or required expensive and un- SD for on-board proxy recording, and an connections, often wireless ones, such delay broadcast is required, there might wieldy satellite delivery. OLED display for rapid configuration and as cellular modems. The use of multiple not be enough time to retransmit pack- status updates. simultaneous connections provides the ets that got dropped or delayed by one of Teradek Cube following advantages: the cellular modems.For such applications, Cube is an award-winning, wireless H.264 Teradek Bond Bandwidth Aggregation—Typically, for some or all packets can be duplicated and video encoder that can stream 1080p over The Teradek Bond is a hardware addi- a high-quality HD broadcast,a connection sent out simultaneously on the multiple Ethernet, dual-band WiFi, and 3G/4G cel- tion for the Cube encoder that enables

Teradek 13 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

1. The amount of gear was getting to be Live Coverage of Super Bowl XLVI using the Teradek Bond a lot for one person to tote around By Michael Artsis, Video Journalist day for the entire week leading up to the 2. Lack of available electrical outlets big game, in addition to pre- and post- leaving me using nothing but batteries hen I started my career a decade game coverage. Here is the kicker: I would 3. Durability of the gear W and a half ago as an anchor and be doing all of this solo.No cameraperson, 4. Ability to be setup, broken down and reporter, I quickly learned that I liked audio person, producer, helper, schlepper, moved quickly and often shooting my own stories.I dreamed of the or even an intern.Now,14 years earlier,this 5. Reliability day when my cell phone and pro video would have been impossible, but I had 6. Ease of Use camera would be one and I could go live two secret weapons in my bag that made 7. Flexible setup from the field easily, inexpensively, and this possible. The first was the Teradek 8. Most importantly—I needed to be quickly. This was just a dream in those Cube, which is an H.264 encoder that able to get a cellular connection in Teradek Bond, sitting atop the Cube days, but my style of presenting news broadcasts live video over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Indianapolis so I could use my USB wasn’t and I was racking up the awards for or cellular modems. modem for live broadcasting streaming 1080p HD video over up to five my coverage. My theory is that I need to I had been using the Cube successfully The Cube satisfied every potential prob- 3G and 4G USB modems simultaneously serve as a tour guide for the audience; for about 6 months at this point. I used lem I had imagined on that list except one. from most cellular carriers worldwide. to inform them while entertaining them. it for broadcasting live coverage of the I had been to Indianapolis many times to Whether you are streaming directly to I knew even back then that going live Yankees playoff games for the New York watch football so I already knew that cel- the internet or back to your control room, immediately from anywhere inexpensively Post as well as the 1986 Mets 25th anni- lular coverage for the city was pretty poor. the Teradek Bond can transmit video to would one day be very important. versary party, Occupy Wall Street cover- Verizon is the best for the area, but even nearly any platform. Bond’s revolutionary Fast-forward almost exactly 14 years: I age, my nephew’s Bar Mitzvah, celebrity its 4G speeds were only 4Mbps down and Adaptive Internet Streaming technology am working for The New York Post assigned parties, red carpet coverage, multi-camera 1Mbps up, which is not enough for a nice constantly adjusts the video bit rate and to cover Super Bowl XLVI.This coverage was live shows and a whole lot more. The 720p video.To circumvent this bandwidth buffering in real time to adapt to varying set to be completely live from the host city, Cube worked great for me, but I was still issue,I had to use my second secret weapon: network conditions.This will ensure that Indianapolis, and the stadium, Lucas Oil. I concerned about a number of potential the Teradek Bond. Bond sits on top of the your content is delivered reliably and at the was scheduled to do a bevy of live shows issues that could arise from my Super Teradek Cube and allows you broadcast highest quality possible to its destination. with celebrity and player interviews every Bowl coverage: live over up to 5 cellular modems at one

Teradek 14 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

time; something that was necessary in a sweat.My entire reputation was being put sigh of relief. It appeared that the Teradek tions,seven times a day.I even put the New city with so little available bandwidth. on the line for this live broadcast. Every- gear was going to pull me through this York Post writers on once a day by them- I flew to Indianapolis and immediately thing I had worked for up until this point challenging broadcast,even though I was selves in a roundtable-type discussion. went to work after landing. I only had two was dependent on two small pieces of still concerned about the signal holding No issues. 4G Verizon Pantech USB modems and one Teradek technology working without a up over the course of a week. From the On Media Day, every broadcast station Clearwire USB modem to get me through hitch in an environment that was going to corner of my eye, I noticed that the FIOS 1 you can think of turned up with all of their the long week ahead.However,the Clear- be very challenging.After setting up, I no- crew was still scrambling to go live, even gear.There was plenty of RF around,which wire modem didn’t get any service in In- ticed crews from FIOS 1 News in New York after I had been interviewing various peo- had me worried. Fortunately, the Bond dianapolis, which left me with only two with cellular bonding equipment from ano- ple for nearly an hour. pulled through and the broadcast for that modems for my Teradek Bond.I started to ther company.They were telling me how day went on without any problems.In fact, they couldn’t get it to work and that they “My entire reputation was being put we decided to switch the workflow up a couldn’t get a strong cellular signal any- on the line for this live broadcast. bit so we could stream to a decoder back where in the vicinity.The pressure was on. at the Post’s office for adding overlay con- Everything I had worked for up until The New York Post,the 5th largest news- tent before it was sent to the CDN. The paper in the U.S., decided to place my live this point was dependent on two small switch took only three minutes and the feed front and center on their home page. pieces of Teradek technology …” video stream looked fantastic. This was huge. Not only were the Post’s Toward the end of the week, I expected top brass going to watch my feed, the At the end of the broadcast everyone to encounter at least a couple issues with American public was going to as well. was happy. Viewership numbers were far the broadcast, but I never did. In fact, Within minutes of setting up we were greater than expected on the Post’s web- none of the other crews that had a ready to go live. Using a cellphone, I coor- page and the entire broadcast was nearly Teradek Bond, including a Fox affiliate, dinated with the guys back at the Post. flawless. But would the gear hold up for had any issues. We all had a good chat The countdown began, “5-4-3-2-1 and until Super Bowl Sunday? about how the Teradek gear was working you’re on!” Thankfully, the Bond did its job time and out and everyone had nothing but posi- Shortly after going live, I hear in my ear, time again. It always worked and never tive experiences. Michael Artsis’ setup, including the Teradek Cube and Bond, “Looks great, sounds great, you’re doing stopped working. I interviewed countless Super Bowl Sunday finally came and as inside Lucas Oil Stadium on Media Day for Super Bowl XLVI fine.” I was thrilled and breathed a huge people that week from six different loca- the minutes ticked away in the fourth

Teradek 15 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

on-one interviews. So here I am with no dedicated Breaking News with the Teradek Bond Cellular Transmitter cameraperson, interviewing By Van Applegate, Photojournalist with national media attention. I was Mario Manningham, Justin equipped with my camera, two batteries, Tuck, and Kenny Philips live s a photojournalist for a local tele- and our cellular bonding solution, the on the home page of the A vision station (WTKR) in the highly Teradek Bond. Racing down the inter- New York Post.This was a competitive market of Norfolk, Virginia, state, I was listening to the IFB feed of my huge coup for a journalist oftentimes my success is judged on speed. station as they broke out of scheduled with very little gear and no The ability to be the first live crew on programming to bring the breaking news production team. Despite scene gives me command of the news to our viewers. They were airing fuzzy the potential for disaster story overall. Like most television news video from a nearby traffic camera, which with a lack of cellular con- photographers these days, I find myself Michael Artsis interviews New York Giants tackle nectivity, the Teradek Bond arriving on scene juggling duties ranging “Teradek has changed the way Kareem McKenzie after Super Bowl XLVI pulled through and made a from getting the most compelling video to we gather news. As quickly as quarter, I went to the designated press professional live broadcast possible with establishing a microwave or satellite shot. interview area to setup all of my gear. The a one-man team.The viewership numbers Dealing with cumbersome ENG equipment I can turn on my camera, I am location was deep in the stadium, which were through the roof and the top man- and finding a safe place to run a live shot streaming live back to the station.” made me nervous about cellular connec- agement for the Post were ecstatic. often prevent me from getting that ever tivity.The idea here is that the players will I continue to use Bond all the time. It important video that makes the news story showed smoke rising over the horizon. I come in and each sit at one of two dozen helps me do my job better, faster, and truly connect with our viewing audience. knew I had to get there fast to provide a podiums to do a small press conference it always gets HD video directly to my Teradek has changed the way we gather more complete picture of what was hap- where reporters fire off questions in rapid audience with ease. The device is em- news. As quickly as I can turn on my cam- pening on the ground. succession.After the first group of players powering and I feel confident going live era,I am streaming live back to the station. Traffic was backed up on the interstate. finish, a new group of players come in from areas I never would have dreamed On the afternoon of April 6, I was called I parked my car on the shoulder and pro- and repeat the process. of before. I can’t recommend Bond to a reported jet crash in Virginia Beach. ceeded to run to an exit ramp with my cam- As each player wrapped up answering enough. It’s the future and the future is Knowing the military installations nearby, era and Teradek in hand. I flipped on the questions, I pulled them aside for one- here now. I knew this could be a serious incident camera as I started running through the

Teradek 16 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

smoke filled intersections to get to the for a news truck to penetrate the sea I was streaming with the Teradek Bond, it crash site.The jet had crashed into an apart- of emergency vehicles. We roamed the was a moment shared with thousands of ment complex, which was everyone’s worst crash site for hours, sharing the scene live viewers as it happened in real time. It fear.The sense of urgency set in. the entire time. We interviewed emer- gave everyone hope that in the most try- At the scene I met my reporter, who gency responders and shared valuable ing times, people will join together and was already doing a live phone interview. information to residents nearby about help one another. Within moments, the station had begun evacuation orders. We remained live on the scene the receiving my live video feed via Teradek. entire afternoon and evening, eventually Behind the firehoses, you can see Van Applegate We were live on the ground in less than 15 “Other wireless solutions would have with two Teradek Bonds, and later with shooting with the Teradek Bond and Cube minutes after a jet crashed into a crowded been too bulky to carry around all day. traditional transmission methods. But it complex. I began shooting everything I was our dominating three and a half hours noon,curious about what it was like to be saw, providing the audience at home with The Teradek Bond … revolutionized the of exclusive live coverage with Teradek broadcasting live from such a scene. the same sights and sounds I was seeing way we think about live television.” that kept our viewing audience for the Other wireless solutions would have and hearing as I got them.Fire trucks were entire day. The other stations had to wait been too bulky and heavy to carry around flooding the streets. It was impossible And then it happened ... that moment for the emergency crews to clear before all day. The Teradek Bond sat like deck of we photojournalist live for. A crowd of their trucks could send a live signal from cards on my camera,allowing me to move bystanders rushed to help the fire de- the site. freely about the crash site for hours on partment move a heavy hose so special CNN broke into their own coverage to end. It truly revolutionized the way we teams could gain access to the crash site. take our feed outright. They were broad- think about live television. People jumping in to help emergency casting what WTKR was displaying via responders—the human element. It put Teradek, sharing this local news story to That is just one success story. Teradek faces on a story that until then had been the great national and international audi- has proved time and again to give us a about the fire, the smoke, and the horri- ences live. It was a proud moment for me, clear edge in breaking news. The moment ble sounds of screaming sirens. It was a one that would prove to be a pivotal part we arrive on scene we are beaming our moment I may have missed had I needed of my progression forward in the industry. video and sound back to the station to The Teradek Bond and Cube mounted on to man a satellite dish, run cable, or tune CNN’s Brooke Baldwin conducted a phone provide a complete picture as quickly as Van Applegate’s camera, ready for action in a standard ENG live shot. But because interview with me on CNN later that after- possible. And,like I said,it’s all about speed.

Teradek 17 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE Cellular Newsgathering: Past, Present, and Future in live streaming with media organizations seeing the value of live content. This in turn means that the model for content acquisition has changed with con- tent providers across the spectrum—from online portals through local TV channels to Tier 1 broadcasters—needing to be pro- Author: Ronen Artman, active in their content acquisition as they VP Marketing search for service differentiation. For many e live in a connected world with organizations the use of live video—until content delivered over a multi- approximately five years ago—had been Wtude of networks for consumers difficult or impossible simply because SNG to receive on a wide selection of devices. (satellite news gathering) solutions are Central to this has been the widespread expensive, cumbersome, and cannot be deployment of wireless networks, which arranged at truly short notice. Of course for in essence all media companies below Tier significantly. The growing connectivity of has significantly impacted the way that con- major broadcasters this hasn’t always been 1 status,SNG technology has always been terrestrial wireless networks has begun sumers watch content in terms of device an issue.However as viewer demands have out of reach. This is where the bonded to provide a resilient, cost-effective alter- and is also driving the desire for immediacy. changed—the revolution in sports cover- modem technology that facilitates cellular native to streaming SD and HD video via This has put pressure on traditional broad- age and the demands of modern conflict uplinking comes in. traditional satellite and fiber. Today, more casters of all shapes and sizes to increase the reporting being two key examples—even Over the last five years,widening cellular and more broadcasters and online media range and speed of their coverage of live Tier 1 broadcasters have had to alter their networks and new video uplink technolo- use cellular-bonded technology for cost- events and it’s now leading to the growth approach.For streaming media operations, gy have changed the transmission space effective live video transmission from any

LiveU 18 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

location, combining multiple cellular tech- and signal levels change across the differ- comprehensive warranty, hardware, soft- LiveU’s bonding solution maximizes the nologies and networks, including 2.5G, ent connections.Via LiveU’s LU1000 server ware, installation and training. With low Quality of Experience (QoE) by leveraging 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi and WiMAX, for reliable, technology, signals are received, either for monthly payments instead of expensive available network resources. The uplink HD (even up to 3D) video uplinks. onwards broadcast or for streaming. equipment purchases and satellite trucks, backpack or handheld device continuously, LiveU is the pioneer in portable video- content providers benefit from substantial and in real time, monitors all available links over-cellular technology, allowing media From smart phones to capex and opex savings. and adaptively controls the content gener- organizations across the board to take ad- ation,protection,and multi-link scheduling vantage of 3G/4G/Wi-Fi/WiMAX networks backpacks, live HD video THE BONDING CHALLENGE functions. Instead of relying on a single (predominantly the former two) for live is available anywhere In order to succeed,cellular-based technol- unreliable link with a single point of failure, content acquisition. Using this technology ogy has to overcome the Quality of Exper- multi-link bonding technology improves means far greater speed of deployment, LiveU’s proprietary antenna technology ience (QoE) challenge.High-quality video the reliability, data throughput, and service mobility, and cost-effectiveness compared extends the cellular networks’ coverage, experience relies on smooth and uninter- coverage, minimizing the inherent risks to previous alternatives. LiveU’s flagship converting cellular dead zones to live rupted video delivery, however, cellular of losing connectivity.Users can trade-off professional-grade product—until recently zones.It uses highly advanced RF technol- links are inherently unstable and fluctuate between resiliency and throughput for the LU60, now the LU70—bonds up to 14 ogy for exceptionally resilient transmission, continuously.Transmitting video over such better performance. See sidebar on next network connections over multiple carriers, compared to standard off-the-shelf air- a link may result in black screens,breaks in page for more information. including multiple LAN and even BGAN cards. From bustling urban environments video, pixelization, jitters, audio problems, satellite connections,in a mobile backpack. to underground tunnels, high-rise office lost lip-sync etc., even over 4G networks ENTERING THE MAINSTREAM This creates a reliable,broadband video up- buildings and crowded public events, the and from stationary locations.Parameters The question remains: When is the pic- link pipe over multiple narrowband pipes. technology overcomes cellular multipath that impact the experience and can change ture good enough? Many news editors Using any camera,the fully-integrated self- fading and poor cellular coverage, taking in a millisecond include: uplink bandwidth, say that the “story trumps the picture” powered compact unit provides video reso- “anywhere”to a whole new level. uplink latency, loss rate or sharp changes and in certain breaking news cases, being lution ranging from CIF through D1 (SD) and LiveU offers its customers an all-inclusive in bandwidth, out of order packets, or a first onsite is a competitive advantage for up to 1080i HD. The bonded 3G/4G solution turnkey service package, which includes combination of these. LiveU’s innovative media companies even if the picture and aggregates all data connections simulta- 24/7/365 customer support, all SIMs and bonding technology bridges the gap be- video quality are low. A phone shot may neously to achieve high bandwidth and data plans necessary to provide high- tween the desired video experience and be adequate in some situations: Saddam smooth transmission, even as bandwidth quality video streaming from the field, a cellular technology. Hussein emerging from his hiding place

LiveU 19 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

or demonstrations in countries where TV reporters have limited access.In these situ- ations, viewers often accept lower quality amateur footage, even just for a glimpse Bonding of rapidly-changing events. Otherwise, TV and online viewers expect a constant, Architecture high-quality video experience. For big ptimum bonding solutions max- events, broadcasters still depend on ENG Oimize the Quality of Experience trucks to ensure uninterrupted live video (QoE) by leveraging available network transmission. resources. The uplink backpack or However, with their significant improve- handheld device continuously, and in ment in stability, cellular-based uplink tech- real time, monitors all available links nologies have become part of the main- and adaptively controls the content LiveU’s Cellular Bonding Workflow stream. Tier 1 networks, news agencies, generation, protection, and multi-link and online media all use mobile back- scheduling functions. Instead of relying on a single unreliable link protected using a smart multi-link Forward Error Correction (FEC) packs for newsgathering and coverage of with a single point of failure, multi-link bonding technology improves algorithm that takes into consideration the statistical behavior of the high-profile events,for both primary and the reliability, data throughput, and service coverage, minimizing the links. The algorithms then transmit some of the H.264 packets over secondary content, for example, post-game inherent risks of losing connectivity. The device controls the available each of the multiple cellular modems according to their monitored interviews, red carpet events, political links and determines how best it can utilize each of them. momentary performance, predicted behavior, type of packets, etc. roadshows, and breaking news. With the On the transmission side, the device modifies the H.264 video On the receiving side, the video server combines the multiple video introduction of sub-second latency, re- encoder parameters— such as the frame rate, quality, and resolution streams and delivers the reconstructed video stream to the TV studio porters are now able to conduct broadcast- —in real time, optimizing transmission to the momentarily available or online distribution platform. Bonding several cellular links together quality interviews with decision-makers bandwidth of all the links. To compensate for, and recover from, vari- minimizes the inherent risks while achieving the desired or greater and opinion-formers during prime-time able rate packet loss over the cellular network, the content is adaptively performance. news programmes. Bonded uplink tech- nology has also proven its reliability in the most extreme conditions, such as

LiveU 20 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

Hurricane Sandy and the Japanese earth- fer feature on the backpacks to feed the For news and traffic reporting in con- are a few news agencies that are using hel- quake in 2011 (as it happened and in the video back to the station for editing prior gested cities, the technology can be icopters with a special zoom camera that’s quake’s aftermath). to broadcast. mounted on motorbikes,providing greater mounted on the outside and plugged into Uplink technology is used in many dif- It can be used as an integrated backpack flexibility and faster coverage through the the cellular uplink device for high altitude ferent ways, for example as a mobile inside an SNG/ENG truck: this gives teams traffic jams.One leading station has over 15 live video streaming. This can also apply to backpack by the reporter in the field to the flexibility to use the portable technol- motorbikes for easier outdoors transmis- airplanes,blimps,and even hot-air balloons. cover breaking news from any location. ogy and satellite technology only when sion.Motorbikes can also be used to cover There are also boats used by weather Journalists—provided simply with a cam- necessary. In fixed destinations, report- cycling competitions and marathons.Sim- teams in flooding situations, coastguards era, laptop, and backpack—take live shots ing teams can switch between satellite ilarly,helicopters can be used for weather, for national disasters, and sporting jour- for newscasts and shoot HD-quality video and backpack.They can also shoot video traffic reporting, accidents, car chases, and nalists to cover rowing events and under- in the field.They can also use the file trans- while driving. coverage of large demonstrations. There water expeditions.

LiveU 21 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IBC 2012 saw the company showcase The LU40i will be linked via the camera IBC 2011 saw LiveU introduce the LU40i, its compact, LU40-S uplink device for interface, giving camera operators a real- which offers a high-quality video uplink broadcast media, incorporating LiveU’s time indication of LiveU’s transmission solution for coverage of events such as proprietary internal antenna for addi- status and video transmission quality. sports, music, advertising, religious, com- tional resiliency in areas of poor cellular With the LU40i and HPX600, a camera munity and corporate sponsorship in a coverage.The LU40-S offers rich new fea- operator will be able to manage the substantially smaller form factor and has tures and capabilities for live news- video uplink while shooting: a must for a been specially designed to meet the needs gathering, including: low latency for one-person remote crew. of media professionals on the move. Sup- interview-mode; local storage store and In addition, at IBC 2012 LiveU announced porting up to six 4G LTE/3G cellular, and forward;file transfer (FTP);video and audio the expansion of its live video portfolio to additional WiMAX, Wi-Fi, and LAN links, indicators; under one minute boot-up time; offer customers a complete, end-to-end the LU40i leverages LiveU’s algorithms for and the ability to control the unit from its transmission solution, adding laptop and superior resiliency and sustained video touch screen, the server or from any web- mobile apps to its LU70 backpack and transmission. It includes LiveU’s versatile enabled device. LiveU’s proprietary internal handheld LU40 uplink solutions. At the encoding capabilities for transmitting high- antenna provides stronger connectivity. same time, LiveU unveiled LiveU Total™, quality HD/SD video from diverse locations, The antennas and modems support a large its unified management platform enabling adapting to dynamic network conditions. number of cellular and Wi-Fi frequencies control rooms to manage multiple video Weighing less than 700g (25oz),the LU40i including 4G LTE,ensuring enhanced signal feeds from LiveU units operating in dif- been recognized by broadcasters and can be seamlessly connected to most com- performance with long-range reception ferent locations.The LiveU Total platform online media companies than 4G begins mercially available cameras and comes with and increased uplink capability. seamlessly supports the full spectrum to be rolled out. New 4G LTE networks, an easy-to-use touchscreen interface. In a further development, April saw Pana- of LiveU’s product portfolio within a sin- we are told,offer considerable bandwidth The device is small enough to clip on the sonic and LiveU announce a new collabo- gle ecosystem. benefits allowing consumers, especially camera operator’s belt or be mounted on ration to deliver an integrated camcorder smart phone users, to take advantage of the camera itself for professional HD-quality and live video uplink solution,utilizing the THE IMPACT OF 4G LTE surfing and downloading content. Does video uplink;the easy-to-use LU40i enables LU40i video uplink device and the new AJ- The world of technology never stands still the same apply for HD (1080 and 720), or the production of unprecedented program- HPX600 P2 camcorder with planned wire- for long: no sooner have the benefits of even SD, live video transmission from the ming for online viewers. less integration features. using cellular-bonded backpacks over 3G field for broadcast or online use?

LiveU 22 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

Well, yes and no. For the 3GPP 4G LTE formance of a 4G device,even more so in that seems to be happening in stages. None of this is to underestimate the (not LTE-Advanced,which is still some way the uplink. What appears to be the case is that for any value of 4G LTE:if everything’s optimal then from realization), with all the variations in Second, the frequency being used has a given backhaul capacity, operators tend users will get lower latency and more operators, territories, spectrum, infrastruc- very real effect on performance. In much to increase the downlink capacity because bandwidth. For video transmission it’s not ture and modems, significantly higher of Europe,for example,2.6 GHz is allocated that’s where most subscribers’ usage lies. peak, or indeed average speeds that we’re total bandwidth is certainly possible with for LTE whereas 3G uses 2.1 GHz. That’s a LTE coverage is currently very limited interested in. While surfing the web a sud- LTE both in the downlink and the uplink. big enough difference in indoor penetra- compared to 3G. Whereas 3G reach has den drop may go unnoticed, but for video Lower uplink latency is also achieved. tion to cultivate a whole new technology grown significantly beyond city centers, it’s very different: What’s required is the But notes of caution must be sounded. called Femtocells, designed specifically to LTE deployment is only beginning in city highest sustained “goodput” (throughput The fundamental factors that affect 3G address problems related to indoor cover- centers while suburban, let alone rural that’s received okay) with the lowest sus- networks and have an impact on uplink age. Third, since the maximum bandwidth areas, will see much later deployment due tained latency possible. With inherent video transmission affect 4G—or any cel- is higher for 4G LTE, so is the bandwidth to ROI issues,except if forced by regulation. cellular behaviour, increased network lular network for that matter.Regardless of amplitude. This means that in case of RF Still, broadcasters need the peace of mind loading, and the other factors, perform- the exact bandwidth demand versus avail- interference or other cause of change, for to be assured that broadcast-quality video ance fluctuations are inevitable. ability,many of these factors touch on the example, a truck passing between the will be delivered, regardless of whether Multi-link solutions, such as LiveU, that basic requirements for live broadcasting: user and the tower or more subscribers there’s 4G network coverage or not. use 4G LTE and other available networks, resiliency, stability, anywhere, anytime. sharing the capacity, a significant sudden Initially,of course,there are very few users allow broadcasters and online video pro- First, the topology: the number of base bandwidth drop and/or latency increase on any new LTE network but sharing the fessionals to enjoy the benefits of both stations and antennas deployed and their may occur. In other words, if a user is uplink capacity applies as much as it did the 4G and 3G worlds. While harnessing locations—up high with great line of site uplinking live at 2Mbps,and there’s a sud- previously.Even before an increase in users the extra bandwidth and shorter delay or around the corner in a high-rise urban den momentary uplink drop to 200kbps, and a rise in bandwidth demand, 600kbs provided by the LTE network, bonded area where signal quality can be compro- that broadcast is in trouble. and lower sustained uplink speeds have solutions overcome LTE difficulties with mised. Then, as with 3G, multipath inter- Another factor is the backhaul from the been observed for entirely understand- 4G/3G technology switching. A properly- ference and fading is an issue with 4G, BTS back to the backbone, mainly fiber able reasons, representing a difference designed LTE-bonding system automati- for example in built-up areas. Of course or microwave.To realize the potential LTE between theoretical, maximum, average or cally switches a greater percentage of the the distance from the tower remains very bandwidth increase, operators need to published speeds and what’s practically transmitted video bandwidth over to the important in limiting the momentary per- invest in strengthening the backhaul and achieved in the field. 3G networks in relevant areas without,for

LiveU 23 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

example, succumbing to broadcast break- downs because of relying too much on any single LTE link. Indeed for many years to come, multi- LiveU and the London Olympics DATA: link backpacks and handheld uplink ! Transmission hours – over 2,500 hours devices that simultaneously bond 3G and he London 2012 Olympic Games were an indisputable success, ! Data transmitted – approx. 1.5Tb 4G technology will see the best results. T not only in terms of the event itself but also in terms of the ! Over 100 LiveU units in use to cover the games – on average breadth and depth of coverage available. LiveU’s pioneering portable 20 were broadcasting at any given time during the day SUMMARY uplink technology was deployed for the first time at the 2008 Beijing ! Usage split between live and store and forward Cellular uplinking has already changed Olympics where NBC Universal used LiveU’s live mobile units to newsgathering forever,offering speed of broadcast live from the games—a landmark event for the company. USAGE (LIVE TRANSMISSION, FILE TRANSFER deployment and mobility that was previ- At this summer’s London Olympics, LiveU came full circle, providing OF EDITED STORIES AND STORE & FORWARD): ously impossible.LiveU’s handheld devices over 100 units of its fourth-generation LU70 bonded uplink solution on ! Tennis at Wimbledon – exclusive interview with Roger Federer open up live streaming to organizations for the ground for its global customer base covering the event for viewers as he walked off the practice court ahead of the final with whom it was previously beyond the realms around the world. This was an event where the mobility and flexibility of Andy Murray of possibility.The LU70 and now the com- the technology came to the fore with the figures below showing a mas- ! Triathlon, following the players and their families pany’s move from products to solutions— sive leap in usage since Beijing. Customers, who used LiveU’s technology, ! Rowing at Eton Dorney – following the races and broadcasting a complete portfolio—as announced at included BBC News, NBC, Caracol TV, Swiss TV, Sky NZ and TV2 Norway. alongside on a bicycle! IBC 2012,is the future of newsgathering. LiveU, along with its UK partner Garland Partners Limited, further ! Olympic Cycling at Box Hill The LU70 is being used to cover the major enhanced its technology for the Olympics using QoS SIM cards. The ! Olympic Equestrian at Greenwich events around the world,satisfying viewers’ services, backed by the onsite support team, enabled LiveU customers ! Olympic Park, on the perimeter for live interviews demands for both quality and speed, with to deliver the best broadcasting and online video experience. In addi- ! Sailing at Weymouth and Portland the rest of the portfolio empowering addi- tion, LiveU used dedicated network resources, supplied by Broadnet ! Football at Coventry Stadium tional market sectors. Communications. ! Riverbank Arena in the Olympic Park to cover the Hockey For additional information visit http://www.facebook.com/LiveU.Fans and http://www.liveu.tv

LiveU 24 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

combination of enhanced technology and Exploring the New Realm of Cellular increased capacity has created the ideal environment for new methods of video Technology for Live Video Production distribution and consumption. As consumer demand for high-quality By: Eric McCulley, VISLINK STATE OF TECHNOLOGY efficiencies of H.264 AVC to maximize the video streaming media continues to grow, How new advancements increase number of high definition channels they commerce entities such as broadcasting and optimize data throughput can fit within an allotted bandwidth.The news outlets, business enterprises, and providing remarkable video resolution with minimal latency Until approximately the mid-2000s, most video distributed over the internet was of poor quality and low resolution. While oday, people have an insatiable MPEG-2 is still the standard used in the appetite for media rich video production of DVDs and for other high- T streaming content. The introduc- quality video recording mediums, H.264 tion of 4G/LTE cellular technology has had Advanced Video Coding (MPEG-4) has a profound impact on the origination and become the standard for operating in distribution of high quality live video con- reduced bandwidths and data rate chal- tent. Real-time video transmission is no lenged environments. Recent advances longer the exclusive domain of television in video encoding technologies, such as broadcast and cable companies. Now H.264 AVC (MPEG-4), make it possible to anyone can broadcast high quality live stream high quality video at data rates that video anytime from remote locations. This the internet is now capable of managing. article explores the new mix of technology In fact the technology is so efficient that and how it addresses the market demand satellite video distribution and digital for live video. cable systems rely on the compression

LiveGear 25 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

(evolved High-Speed Packet Access) and 3G standards developed for mobile devices LTE (Long Term Evolution also marketed and are based upon an all-IP (Internet Pro- as 4G LTE) are presented in the chart to tocol) network infrastructure using ad- the left. vanced wireless radio technologies such as MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output). HOW TO GET SEAMLESS VIDEO While the IP-based packetized transport OVER THE CELLULAR NETWORK infrastructure of third generation networks New broadband technology make the transport of high data-rate video changes the playing field possible,the lack of consistent speeds con- Third generation mobile networks were tinues to be problematic. the first systems designed to support large Two major challenges in transporting data packet sizes often associated with high data-rate HD video over a single 3G This chart shows the evolution of cellular networks and the associated technologies, high definition video streaming.They were network are the speed and stability of the which together provide increased data rate speeds and capacity. developed to be extensions of the set of connection.One solution to help mitigate law enforcement/public safety agencies over cellular networks. For example, sta- burden the cellular broadband infrastruc- tionary 3G wireless connections can ture by streaming their video content over achieve uploads speeds in excess of this ubiquitous communications medium. 1Mbps; however typical mobile 3G con- In response to this demand, cellular service nections have an upload range of approx- providers are frantically trying to improve imately 200 to 800 Kbps; while 4G LTE the data transport capacities of their net- mobile upload connections achieve con- works using state-of-the-art 4G LTE tech- nection speeds on average of 5 to 7 Mbps. nologies. 4G LTE was designed to provide The theoretical peak bitrate performance up to 10x the speeds of existing 3G net- of third generation 3G mobile telephony works and therefore provides enough communications protocols such as HSDPA capacity for mobile video transmissions (High-Speed Data Packet Access), HSPA+

LiveGear 26 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

this situation is to combine several cellular The diagram below is a workflow illus- makes high definition video transport and must be operated in an entirely sep- network channels together, essentially cre- tration depicting the transport of high data possible, but the high data rate demands arate wireless spectrum. LTE networks ating a single virtual “high-speed”leveraged rate video by leveraging “bonding”multiple placed upon these circuits may even are showing average upload speeds of connection. This technique is referred to cellular networks and the internet to play exceed the capacity of multiple “bonded” between 5 and 7 Mbps,considerably faster as “bonding.” Bonding multiple cellular out onto multiple mobile edge devices. circuits.Strictly relying on 3G connections than that of 3G speeds. A single LTE net- network connections together improves may not provide the level of service that work connection is conceivably able to upload speeds, persistence, and the relia- WHY BONDING? is required for high quality video. support a high quality HD video transport bility of the connection.The risks associ- 3G, 4G & LTE: How to achieve a robust The goal of LTE (also referred to as 4G stream, however due to the fluctuations ated with excessive transport time and live feed that stands up to the dynamic LTE) was to increase the capacity and inherent of cellular networks, relying on the potential of network interruptions over conditions of the public network speed of 3G wireless data networks. A a single LTE circuit is risky.Therefore, the a single cellular network connection are One study reveals that average data major objective was to simplify the net- technique of “bonding” is still advisable thereby minimized. Distributing the pack- upload speeds across the U.S. achieve work architecture by transitioning it to for cellular video transmissions,even when etized video stream over multiple circuits only a fraction of theoretical 3G speeds. an all IP-based system with considerably 4G LTE network service is available. minimizes delay and improves reliability. This study compared the upload speeds of improved transfer latencies as compared The quality of service (QoS) of broad- Further, adaptive bit-rate (ABR) encoding four major U.S. cellular network providers to 3G infrastructures. Unfortunately, the band cellular video transmission will helps to maintain video continuity by ranging from .56 to 1.4Mbps. Bonding new wireless interface of LTE is incompat- steadily improve as 4G LTE networks pro- dynamically adjusting the encoder’s out- multiple network connections together ible with established 2G and 3G networks liferate, but should not be counted on put bit-rate to accommodate the avail- now if your live video transmission event able upload speeds across the networks. is important. One has very little control These separate packetized video transport when operating over a cellular network in streams are reconstructed and reordered the public domain. The recommendation when they arrive at their IP-addressed is not only to use multiple bonded cellular destination into a smooth and coherent cards,but also to have a device that offers video stream for decoding or website dis- “store and forward.” This allows the video tribution. This process is often referred to be recorded and pushed through the to as aggregation. The end result of this network when an increased level of service process is a seamless video picture. is available.

LiveGear 27 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

THE ULTIMATE VIDEO TOOLBOX ices. This reduces infrastructure complexi- mission opens new doors and provides The latest choices for video ties, costs and can improve overall system a medium for sharing content via IP 24 contribution and distribution utilizing flexibility. Once broadcasters adopt a uni- hours a day, 7 days a week. New revenue licensed and unlicensed spectrum versal IP infrastructure,the cost efficiencies models are made possible by generating Many broadcasters have learned the hard and ability to seamlessly integrate their income from providing content outside way that the exclusivity and reliability that complete video operations can be realized. of the traditional broadcast market. The their licensed Broadcast Auxiliary Service Due to the digital nature of the IP medium, addition of an IP-based cellular video (BAS) frequency band affords them cannot sharing video content with the use of meta- transmission system will enhance any be replaced by the advent of avant-garde data will transform the cooperation, effec- operation whose business is involved cellular video transmission systems.This tiveness, and speed of the entire broadcast with real-time or non-real-time video new unconventional video transmission workflow.The ultimate toolbox for a broad- content collection activities. By migrating medium is a great tool to supplement caster would include ENG, SNG and cellular towards the use of IP based systems one Electronic News Gathering (ENG) and network access due to eminent domain technologies creating a comprehensive can create a high value proposition for the Satellite News Gathering (SNG) systems black-outs. and cost effective solution for the latest overall operation. IP based systems are a which operate in licensed frequency bands, A balanced mix of licensed broadcast in video contribution and distribution. key element of a successful equipment but cannot be relied upon for any event ENG/SNG microwave and unlicensed This new realm of cellular technology portfolio in this fast paced video world. of importance.Cellular video transmission broadband cellular video transmission extends to enterprise, radio, newspapers, systems are subject to the unpredictability equipment is the ultimate combination law enforcement, sports and countless of network availability, fluctuations of for a successful live video production. If other niche markets that can now pro- For additional information visit signal strength, overcrowding (especially possible, equipment should be IP-centric, vide live video to their selected audience. http://broadcast.vislink.com/ at large venue events), and the limited for real-time and non-real-time video serv- Having affordable access to video trans- applications/applications/livegear/

LiveGear 28 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

the world. You will learn how to evaluate News on the Move: The Tools Behind the your on-the-go needs to stream the best video possible from a variety of sources. Digital Video Revolution in Journalism We’ll also show you the best tools for producing broadcast-quality video in a onds, movements and events like Occupy digital images have overtaken film, citizen fast-paced reporting environment as well Wall Street, the Arab Spring, and Hurricane journalism will not overhaul the broadcast as how to set up and produce the highest Sandy have demonstrated the effective- field. What’s happening with blogs and quality video broadcasts from the palm ness of social, mobile, and local commu- digital imagery is dilution. On the other of your hand. I. INTRODUCTION nications. The reporting of these events hand, the ability for anyone to broadcast Keeping Pace with a Changing World happened in real time over social platforms. live video complements the broadcast news INSPECT THE SCENE: HOW TO n the fast-paced world of the twenty- As mobile technology continues to grow, tradition. It helps bring up to the minute EVALUATE YOUR ON-THE-GO NEEDS four hour news cycle, mobile technol- the public’s understanding of devices will content to the masses and offers a rich, I Pocket production: Learn how I ogy has made reporting even faster as too, as will a proliferation of tools that will powerful, and immediate insight into the to set up and produce the highest stories are shared around the world with- fundamentally change the way the world most current events all over the world.Now, quality video broadcasts from the in seconds of breaking. Reaching an audi- communicates. Unfortunately, while these traditional platforms can use live broad- palm of your hand ence with high-quality video,however,can events unfold before our eyes, video jour- casts from citizens as a primary source for I Think big: Best tools for producing be difficult without the right equipment. nalism lags behind, and until recently, has the latest news. With these advances in broadcast-quality video in a fast-paced The problem is that most broadcast-quality not kept pace with other mediums. technology,anyone can broadcast an event reporting environment video equipment is cumbersome and ex- As up-to-the-minute content becomes across the globe,sharing moments,spread- pensive, limiting the ability to broadcast more accessible, a recorded video up- ing ideas, and influencing the future. III. INSPECT THE SCENE: EVALUATING from anywhere but a studio. Because of loaded to YouTube suddenly seems too YOUR ON-THE-GO NEEDS these restrictions, citizen journalists have slow. Now broadcasting live to audiences II. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Knowing your environment and making few options that do not measure up to of any size almost anywhere with an In this White Paper, we’ll share tools, tips, sure you’re fully prepared is integral in their professional counterparts. internet connection is possible. Whereas and recommendations on how to prepare achieving the most seamless production. Fueled by digital and social platforms to blogs and online content have supersed- and utilize the latest technology to stream If timing and safety permits, think ahead spread messages around the world in sec- ed,though not replaced,print articles and video live on the web from anywhere in to when filming will take place and whether

Livestream 29 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

or not you will need any lighting equip- IV. POCKET PRODUCTION: ment. You should also try to scope out Learn how to set up and produce the location, so you know exactly what the highest quality video broadcasts you’re up against. from the palm of your hand Establishing beforehand if you’ll be able to set up a station or if you will have to SHOOTING FROM YOUR IPHONE broadcast on the move will be vital in pro- For citizen journalists, discretion is key. ducing an effective broadcast. This will What better way to be discreet than to help determine the best camera equip- blend in with the crowd? By broadcasting ment and streaming solution for your pro- with your mobile device you can maintain duction.Additionally,it’s always best to try your anonymity and still keep the stream and estimate your tech budget beforehand going. As a citizen journalist, whether or and determine how much equipment you not you’re noticed could determine if your will need. You should always be prepared report gets out or if it doesn’t. The Live- and make sure you have an ample selec- stream for Producers iOS App provides a The Livestream for Producers iOS app allows for the most discreet, moment’s notice citizen journalism possible. tion of equipment on hand such as bat- great video broadcasting option straight teries, extension cords, charging devices, from your mobile device. Rather than batteries, lenses, and microphones, you neous text, photo, and video updates.The or additional lighting supplies. broadcasting from a large noticeable cam- can enhance your broadcast without add- interface of the Livestream for Producers Be sure to know what kind of internet era, now you can stream in HD from your ing too much extra bulk or noticeability. iOS App makes it easy to share and create connection you have. Find out whether mobile phone.The release of the iPhone 5 The Livestream for Producers iOS App is events in seconds and also boasts the you can plug in via an Ethernet cable, if and 4G LTE has made it possible to stream the perfect option when you have only a highest performing live video when broad- Wi-Fi is available, or if you will need to even better video. The iPhone 5’s built in moment’s notice to film and broadcast casting over 3G. See how the app stacks use a 3G or 4G mobile hotspot. Most of stabilizer reduces shaky video,and stream- live to a free, ad-free Livestream account. up competitively at http://livestream.com/ these preparations should be done prior ing over 4G allows for faster streams and In addition to video broadcasting, the app mobilecompare. With the Livestream for to your production and if done properly, better quality. There are also plenty of also allows for live blogging, photo, and Producers iOS App you will always be will help your broadcast go as smoothly accessories you can use to take your pocket text.The app also features free sharing to prepared to stream to the web at a mo- as possible. broadcast to the next level. From tripods, Livetream.com in real time and simulta- ment’s notice.

Livestream 30 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

CAMERA TOP ENCODER I Cameras can connect to the Livestream Encoding on-the-go can pose a few Broadcaster via the HDMI video input issues, especially when space and pro- (including 1080i, 720p and 480i). duction crew for the project is limited.For I Encodes real-time in high quality mobile productions with an HD Camera, H.264 video and AAC audio at up to the Livestream Broadcaster will provide 2.3Mbps. Note: HDMI audio or line in you with affordable encoding that can (3.5mm jack) audio input are provided. work with any connection in conjunction I Users can control and configure the with any camera with an HDMI output. Livestream Broadcaster on the device The Livestream Broadcaster is a highly itself or remotely from anywhere in adaptable piece of equipment. Though the world via the Livestream web site, less discreet than mobile phone broad- or via an iPhone using the, which can casting, the Livestream Broadcaster en- be downloaded from the App Store. codes directly from atop the camera in high definition. In addition, citizen Jour- CAMERAS nalists can use the Livestream Broadcaster Camera equipment can easily drive up as a desktop encoder connected to a production costs for those that aren’t multi-camera video production switcher, or as a battery powered (via three en- Livestream Broadcaster allows journalists to stream directly from any camera with an HDMI output. There are plenty of closed AA batteries) portable wireless inexpensive camera encoder mounted to a camera and stream live via Wi-Fi or a USB 3G/4G Wireless national carriers that enable wireless ing via Ethernet if possible. If Wi-Fi is options available today. Modem. The Livestream Broadcaster is streaming in the field, even in locations available, this will produce a good quality a cost-effective option for encoding at where Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections are stream while 3G and 4G hotspots are familiar with the market. However, there only $495. It supports most 3G and not available. best used when left as the only option are plenty of inexpensive options out there, 4G modems from US carriers including For best battery life and highest quality while on the go. Here are some other you just need to know where to look.The Verizon 4G LTE, as well as many inter- stream,Livestream recommends connect- notable features: GoPro offers some of the most affordable

Livestream 31 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE and easy to use HDMI cameras available camera production team as well as power shooting and broadcast quality coverage. Livestream’s goal is to for purchase today. Highly durable and and internet connections, then the Live- It also comes with the Livestream Studio provide tools for anyone portable options like the Hero work great stream Studio HD500 is one of most afford- software that includes multiview,graphics when you’re in a fast-paced filming atmos- able, and portable options in the market. overlay and tilting,and video clip playback to create and share the phere. For professional level HD-SDI cam- The cost of a large production can add up and recording (DDR).With 5 video outputs, moments they’re most eras, your best bet is to go with trusted quickly so cutting costs and not quality is you can broadcast to a variety of places, brands like Sony or Panasonic. Click here of the utmost importance.The Livestream not just over them web. The value of the passionate about in real time. for some budget-friendly options. Studio HD500 offers a professional quali- Livestream Studio HD500 makes it a great ty switcher with live video and audio mix- option to reduce costs without sacrificing tools Livestream offers can make reaching PRODUCTION SWITCHERS ing in a compact, portable package. The quality. Other helpful features include: your audience with more content quicker If you are broadcasting an event in a set Livestream Studio HD500 has up to 5 HD/ I A low price point of $8500 – and easier.Productions can range from one location and have the funds for a multi- SDI inputs, allowing for multiple camera less than half the price of person to a full production team in the industry standard devices field or studio.They can cost thousands of I One-click live streaming in dollars or as low as that of a monthly cell HD multi-bitrate to the award phone bill. Livestream’s goal is to provide winning Livestream Platform tools for anyone to create and share the moments they’re most passionate about V. CONCLUSION in real time. Over the last few years we With the world dynamically changing have seen how the internet has provided everyday, it’s important for those who are anyone with the ability to spread and trying to share content and spread ideas share ideas. For years live video was left to communicate effectively. Livestream’s to professionals, but now, with the help advanced software and hardware makes from Livestream anyone can have the broadcasting live video accessible to power to share their perspective. pretty much anyone with an internet connection. From covering a small com- For more information, visit Livestream Studio HD500 is a professional-quality switcher that works with up to 5 HD/SDI inputs and an equal number of outputs munity event or a large scale protest, the livestream.com.

Livestream 32 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

noted as obstacles that have caused hes- Digital News Gathering itation when it came to using mobile satellite uplinks. Broadcast From Anywhere to Anywhere with ATCi’s LiveStreamPac Pro Today we no longer have to worry about spreading like wildfire across the globe these obstacles due to emerging LTE tech- and innovations in encoding technology nology in the uplink field.The technology —this fantasy has turned into a reality. surrounding LTE allows for an abundance Traditionally if a group wanted to provide of bandwidth at a fraction of the cost of a live video feed they would have to use satellite time. According to a report pro- satellite transmission to accomplish this. vided by the Global Mobile Suppliers While this transmission provided an excel- Association, global LTE networks have lent source of bandwidth for data delivery, grown from two networks in 2009 to 89 it came with its own set of issues.The main networks in place in 2012 with 150 planned ATCi, founded in 1979, is committed to issue that has been in the forefront for by the end of the year. delivering innovative technologies to meet those wanting to uplink live video has con- Due to the current infrastructure and The ATCi LiveStreamPac offers up to 10 cellular the emerging needs of cable television, sistently been the expense associated with support surrounding LTE technology, ATCi connections plus Wi-Fi and a H.264 video encoder. corporations, government, educational satellite: the cost of renting/maintaining a is pleased to announce the new Live- institutions, and small- and medium-sized SATCOM truck, the occasional-use satellite StreamPac Pro. The LiveStreamPac Pro been deployed worldwide and is used enterprises. One of the greatest needs fee, and the crew of satellite engineers series is the world’s most advanced pocket by number of international, national, and voiced by our customers has been the abil- required to establish and maintain the sized 3G/4G-LTE system. This new system local TV channels and news agencies on ity to provide a high quality, inexpensive, link, as well as issues that arise by doing a leverages ATCi’s expertise in video and a daily basis. and easy-to-use live video uplink. In the global uplink. Logistics such as where to transmission technologies already demon- With up to 10 cellular connections (up past this need would have merely been a park a truck and how to run cable from strated in the design and delivery of the to 8 x 3G/4G-LTE internal modems with fantasy, but today—with 4G/LTE networks the uplink to the source have also been now standard LiveStreamPac, which has high efficiency custom antenna array

ATCi 33 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

and 2 USB interfaces for additional USB modems) plus a Wi-Fi connection (built- in Wi-Fi modem) and by integrating the best-in-class H.264 video encoder, the unit is able to stream a high definition live video down to the receiver with a delay that’s short enough to allow seam- less interviews. The LiveStreamPac Pro works by detecting and aggregating (bonding together) multiple IP-based networks (3G, 4G/LTE, WiMax, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Satellite). As the world becomes increasingly covered in wireless connectivity, the Live- StreamPac Pro solution takes advantage of The LiveStreamPac takes advantage of all available networks to delivery a signal that can then be sent out to TVs, computers, and mobile devices. every IP network in the immediate area as it becomes available. To perform this cru- cial task,a high-performance mechanism is ing to the real time networks’ capabili- the IFB return channel.The units can also now can turn poor coverage areas into embedded in the unit that automatically ties. The friendly and intuitive touch be controlled by the receiver (Studio) or transmission opportunities. From crowded senses and bonds together all possible IP screen interface allows media profes- any device connected to the unit though sporting and other public events to local connectivity that provides our customers sionals on the move the ability to easily the network. reporting in remote areas,the LiveStream- the biggest pipe to spread video content. configure and operate the system using News gatherers and live stream pro- Pac bonding system overcomes poor cellu- Designed for video professionals, this the Live and the Store & Forward func- ducers from high schools and colleges to lar coverage obstacles,taking broadcasting 2.2 lb unit is automatically set up accord- tions as well as talk to their studio with local TV stations and production companies from any location to a new level.

ATCi 34 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE Mobile Viewpoint

small belt-pack device called 3G-MC,using 2 mobile connections, to the high-end backpack-carried WMT (Wireless Multiplex obile Viewpoint (MVP) develops Terminal) using up to 8 mobile connec- complete solutions for live wire- tions. With Skylogic’s Newsspotter and Mless video and data transmission MVP’s 19"rack model they offer an adap- that meet the uncompromising needs of tive and certified solution for high quality media, production, and security profes- live news gathering. In combination with sionals of today.MVP manufactures adap- a foldaway tripod they offer a complete tive video encoders using single or multi- Nomadic set-up. Figure 1. The Mobile Viewpoint workflow plexed Tooway 3G and 4G connections. The company is based in the Nether- By bundling multiple mobile networks to- lands, operating worldwide via dealer gether it is therefore possible to create a networks, and has a proven track record to forward its UDP video data. Once each other options are also available such as connection with better and more stable in media, engineering and governmental packet is routed, it makes its way through local streaming in RTSP,http or RTMP bandwidth. MVP solutions are especially organizations worldwide. the separate cellular networks, through The Mobile Viewpoints set up also in- suited for distributing live video in com- their peering to the internet and over to cludes (Figure 2) an Antenna, which con- bination with Store & Forward of local HOW MOBILE VIEWPOINT’S the ISP to which the receiver unit, the sists of a grey bulb on the end of a 2m recordings. Mobile Viewpoint started as TECHNOLOGY WORKS WMT Backend Server, is collected. See the long telescopic pole. part of Triple IT, a company focused on The Mobile Viewpoint devices accept SIM overview in Figure 1. The telescopic antenna very effectively providing IP video technologies for secu- cards from data-enabled mobile opera- The MVP playout buffers the stream to addresses those concerns relating to hav- rity and roadside monitoring.Leading with tors and once the various APN names have allow for different packets arriving over ing so much cellular “radiation” so close sales into the Dutch police and highway been set up, the modems hook up and different routes to be sorted into the right to the operator’s head for any prolonged management they developed in 2005 a each data carrier is added to the pool of order, and also decodes it. The output is period of time. An added advantage is series of technologies ranging from a available routes and links for the device then presented as an SDI signal, although that by telescoping the Antenna well above

Mobile Viewpoint 35 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

of the data path. The backpack weighs transmit the images using a combination CASE STUDY 2: around 6-8kg, including batteries and of different mobile 3G networks.The WMT Live local newsgathering for AT5, dome antenna. uses 4 to 8 SIM cards from different oper- Amsterdam TV channel ators to create a stable video connection. AT5, the local news channel of Amster- CASE STUDY 1: Mobile Viewpoint, in cooperation with the dam, uses two MVP backpack units to BBC Olympic Torch Relay; awarded BBC, also developed Continuous Picture broadcast live news during the daytime. at IBC by Sport Video Group Europe Technology (CPT) to ensure a smooth con- Out of a number of competing solutions, tinuous video link while driving through Mobile Viewpoint was selected by the BBC rough countryside with varying and mar- and awarded the contract to provide live ginal mobile coverage.Providing live cov- coverage of the Olympic Torch Relay 2012. erage of the Olympic Torch Relay through- The vehicle in front of the relay, (Figure 3) out the UK was also challenging because was responsible for the live coverage, and the event took place over a long period was equipped with Mobile Viewpoint’s and over significant distance,but this was Wireless Multiplex Terminal (WMT) to very effectively resolved by the CPT.

Figure 4. AT5, local Amsterdam TV channel, in downtown Amsterdam covering live news during the day with their WMT backpack solution.

Figure 2. The Telescopic Mobile Viewpoint antenna AT5 cruises around the city looking for mounted on the backpack model.of the WMT-Bold, interesting news.The goal of this initiative the latest release using 4 mobile connections. was to optimize the number of viewers in this daytime slot, and the format has the heads of any crowds the single largest turned out to be a huge success. One absorption of radio waves (the water mol- example of a recent interesting news item ecules in the people at the event) is avoid- Figure 3. The BBC converted horsebox equipped with MVP’s solutions, went in front of the runners was the coverage of the attack of the ed, resulting in a significant optimization and streamed the Torch Relay live during the 70 days of the Torch Relay using 3G. Amsterdam Court of Law during a trial of

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the Heineken kidnappers. Another exam- VIP went into hiding somewhere in the have covered uprisings in the Middle East; ple was the coverage the potential hijack world. Viewers of the live stream could hurricanes in New York,and festivities dur- of an airplane landing at Schiphol airport, watch her for a week enjoying a nice hol- ing Ramadan—always right in the middle attracting many thousands of viewers. iday and the one who guessed where of the action where satellite trucks could she was (Costa Rica) won a major prize. not possibly enter. CASE STUDY 3: The program turned out to be a hugely WMT in paradise; Costa Rica successful, both technically and from a Figure 5. Al Arabiya PORTFOLIO A WMT Backpack was used for the live marketing perspective. Local 3G cover- Mobile Viewpoint offers solutions for media coverage of a contest in which a Belgian age happened to be good in the chosen and security to companies worldwide such area,and therefore the WMT backpack was as Ericsson,Heijmans,MBC News, Al Jazeera, able to deliver a high quality video for the BBC, Dutch Federal Police, the Vatican, Rai entire week—live! Uno, RTP, WDR, Thai TV Channels 3 and 7, etc. CASE STUDY 4: Live News Coverage Mobile Viewpoint B.V. for the Arabic World www.mobileviewpoint.nl Al Arabiya, part of MBC and one of the Figure 6. Cairo's Tahrir Square on Al Arabiya E: [email protected] biggest media companies with audiences T: +3172700502 throughout the Arabic world, uses WMT by their local offices in Paris,London,New Address : Keesomstraat 10E Figure 5. WMT backpack covering the contest systems for live news coverage from loca- York, Ramallah, Syria, Cairo, Dubai, and 1821 BS Alkmaar live from Costa Rica tions across the globe; WMTs are used daily Saudi Arabia. Mostly relying on 3G, they The Netherlands

Mobile Viewpoint 37 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE LiveShot Video IP Codec Offers Live Wireless Low-Latency Video over IP Wi-Fi, 3G, and satellite data services. The quality live video streaming. LiveShot is resultant BRIC Technology was the essential especially optimized to perform well on core of our ACCESS Stereo BRIC IP Audio challenging IP networks like 3G, 4G and Codec,which provided radio broadcasters satellite links. more freedom than ever to do creative and innovative remote broadcasts in loca- VIDEO tions where live broadcasts had previously LiveShot encodes and decodes video to ince 1961, Comrex has been engi- been impossible.The same BRIC Technol- the H.264 codec standard, which is the LiveShot is used by TV stations and networks to deliver high-quality, neering innovative products that ogy that is at the heart of our IP Audio state-of-the art codec for high quality low-latency video from anywhere internet access is available. Spush the boundaries of technology Codecs is also the foundation of our new video using low network bandwidth. But and offer broadcasters superior solutions LiveShot Video IP Codec. not all H.264 encoders are alike. Within AUDIO for remote broadcasts. From our very first the standard, several lesser-quality pro- Comrex has years of experience encoding wireless microphones for television back in LIVESHOT files are available to conserve processing live, low-latency audio over IP networks the 1960s to our industry-standard IP audio Comrex LiveShot™ delivers live video power. For optimal video quality, Live- for broadcast, and LiveShot shows it. In codecs of today, our decades of experience over a range of IP networks. LiveShot is Shot encodes with H.264 HIGH profile. addition to standard AAC audio coding, in leveraging both wired and wireless data used by TV stations and networks to Several other options within the H.264 LiveShot utilizes HE-AAC and AAC-ELD infrastructures has continued to allow us to deliver high-quality,low-latency video from standard, many of which are not imple- audio coding, both reducing network provide useful tools for broadcasters.Early anywhere internet access is available. mented by competing products due to bandwidth and lowering delay. in the last decade, Comrex pioneered tech- LiveShot leverages the success of Comrex complexity, are default in LiveShot. All niques for making it possible to reliably ACCESS audio IP codecs and uses the same H.264 options that maximize quality LATENCY transmit high-quality, low-latency audio technology to smooth out the “bumps” over poor networks and decrease latency LiveShot can encode and decode an audio/ over challenging IP data networks such as on the public internet to allow broadcast- are implemented. video stream with less than 200mS delay.

Comrex 38 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

Delay may be higher based on encoding web browser, regardless of whether flexible 8-inch gooseneck-style adapters, mode and network factors.LiveShot uses an the system has a public or private which serve to elevate wireless modems automatic decoder buffer manager to keep IP connection. Once logged in, the above the body of the unit and above the delay to an absolute minimum.This tech- studio side users can set up and camera operator’s head.The adapters are nology was perfected over years of experi- operate LiveShot remotely, including bendable to provide for proper physical ence with the BRIC series of audio codecs. the Store and Forward functions. spacing between wireless modems and I LiveShot can also be controlled to survive hitting doorways and other CHANNELS locally via a web page delivered from obstructions. LiveShot delivers full-duplex video and its internal Wi-Fi access point.This LiveShot is supplied with a high-gain stereo audio between the field portable Wi-Fi connection is independent from Wi-Fi USB adapter,and can support a wide and studio rackmount systems. In addi- any media channel and serves a web LiveShot offers wireless access via two flexible 8-inch range of 3G and 4G USB modems.Via the tion, a full-duplex cue channel is available page optimized for mobile browsers. gooseneck-style adapters that attach via USB. built-in Ethernet port, connections can be between the portable and studio units. made via satellite terminals. On the portable, the return audio/video STORE AND FORWARD with Anton Bauer-style Gold Mounts to channel is delivered via output connec- LiveShot Portable can store audio and sandwich between a professional video A WORD ABOUT 3G/4G NETWORKS tors.The cue channel is accessible on the video on its integral SD card slot. Once that camera and a battery. The system can be Summary: Default coding is 1.2Mbps up, portable via wired headset or Bluetooth video is recorded,files can be managed and powered from the battery or from an ex- 400Kbps down.This works well with 4G LTE audio to a wireless headset. uploaded to the studio via either user inter- ternal AC power supply. Power consump- or a pair of GSM-based 3G modems. Other face. LiveShot also maintains a fixed-length tion is 8 watts.Weight is 5 pounds. users may need to adjust defaults.3G CDMA CONTROL storage buffer of the ongoing stream on networks usually offer poor performance. LiveShot is optimized to be controlled in the SD card.On demand,this buffer can be WIRELESS Many users are excited about the two ways: captured and forwarded to an FTP server Besides connection to Ethernet, LiveShot prospect of using LiveShot in 3G and 4G I LiveShot can be “driven” from the in the studio for better-than-live quality. offers connection to wireless modems via networks. Here’s some advice and sug- studio via the “LiveShot Central”Server, two USB ports. These ports can be used gestions for use on these. which is maintained by Comrex. PORTABLE simultaneously to increase the band- The default mode (or “sweet spot”) for LiveShot Central allows you to connect LiveShot Portable is designed to be com- width of wireless connections. LiveShot LiveShot delivers a video feed coded to to your LiveShot in the field from any pact and lightweight.The unit is supplied USB connections are made via a pair of 1Mbps along with an audio feed coded to

Comrex 39 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

48Kbps.With packetization overhead,this lished by setting the default profile to its combination is the actual media “call”that stream comes in around 1.2Mbps total. A lowest current setting (256Kbps). flows between the IP addresses. lower quality return stream is delivered in Media Connections are defined within the direction to the portable at around LIVESHOT TUNNEL “Connection Profiles”. Once a profile is 400Kbps total. These are only default One of the key elements of the Comrex defined, (or a factory profile selected) it modes and several factory profiles are LiveShot system is its ability to create a can be applied to outgoing connections. included to raise or lower these data rates “tunnel” (much like a VPN) between two Since profiles define all media streams depending on available networks.The de- units.This tunnel remains active whenev- in both directions, the LiveShot making fault stream fits nicely within the upload er LiveShot is powered up,and its status is the outgoing “call” is master of all these path of a typical 4G LTE service. In fact, it’s reflected on the “Network Status”light on parameters, i.e.: a LiveShot has no control likely you can change to a higher data each unit. The tunnel utilizes an insignifi- over video or audio configuration of in- rates if required on these services. cant amount of network bandwidth so coming connections. On GSM-based 3G services (or services it’s not usually a problem to keep the tun- Finally, the media connection travels marketed as “4G” but not LTE-based, like nel going 24/7. along a VPN tunnel layer that is estab- As shown by these front (left) and rear shots, some HSPA+ networks) this speed will LiveShot units connect together using a lished between the units. Use of the VPN LiveShot supports myriad inputs and outputs. likely “max out” the upload channel and variety of protocols that are layered on tunnel layer is optional, but it does offer provide poor performance. On these net- top of each other. several advantages.These include: 3) The tunnel offers the option to pro- works, it’s advisable to either “pair up” The lowest layer protocol is called a 1) Only one port is utilized in connec- vide encryption of media streams. with two active wireless modems simul- media stream,and consists of a one-way or tions between LiveShot units, so special 4) Using the tunnel, streams can be taneously, or changing the default profile bi-directional video or audio stream. One network arrangements (e.g.port forward- split between multiple networks (e.g. dual to something less data-intensive. or more media streams are packed along ing) are minimized. 3G modems). In our experience, CDMA-based 3G serv- with a “Stream Protocol” into a “Media 2) Since the tunnel is kept always open, So in the simplest scenario, where a user ices (e.g.Verizon and Sprint in the U.S.) have Connection”which is a combination of all connections are possible in both direc- will be making a point-to-point connec- insufficient upload speed to work well with defined media streams, along with all the tions; even if a NAT router is involved on tion over the VPN tunnel, the following LiveShot, even using a pair of modems, at setup and control information. The Stream one end (i.e. the tunnel can be estab- steps are necessary: speeds that approach “broadcast quality”. Protocol used in LiveShot connections is lished from the field, but media streams 1) Make sure that both LiveShots are Lower quality connections may be estab- SIP (Session Initialization Protocol). This then established from the studio). connected to valid IP networks.

Comrex 40 FIELD GUIDE: VIDEO ON THE MOVE

2) Configure the LiveShots so that a (i.e. UDP9001 port forwarded, or on an VPN tunnel is established between them open internet connection without fire- (this is typically done once on initial walls) to be the server. It is possible to configuration—the VPN tunnel can be establish multiple tunnels to a server, but left “up” and will be automatically re- a client can only establish one tunnel established if a LiveShot is powered down simultaneously. or moves). The LiveShot Tunnel depends on the 3) Choose or create a profile, defining LiveShot Central Server for IP address LiveShot is also available in a rack configuration. audio and video flow in each direction. lookup. This means that once your tunnel 4) Assign that profile to the outgoing settings are correct, both the client and 3) Form Factor — LiveShot rack is con- goosenecks, providing durability as well connection—because your LiveShots have server may move to different internet tained in a 1U rack chassis. The portable as elevation and spacial diversity be- been “married” via the tunnel, there is addresses without issue. unit can clip to the back of a professional tween modems. only one outgoing connection possible. video camera. 8) Interface — LiveShot is controlled via The process of configuring the tunnel in- IN SUMMARY 4) Power — LiveShot portable uses an intuitive web page delivered from the volves setting parameters on each device The Comrex LiveShot is a hardware video around 8 watts of power, low enough to internal web server. In the portable, a so that whenever they boot up they search codec system designed for real-time video share power with camera batteries. built-in Wi-Fi access point can deliver the for their respective unit.In this way,units are and audio transmission over IP networks, 5) I/O ports — LiveShot connects to page to the browser of any smartphone, “married”together and the default connec- including the internet. Some of the bene- cameras and switches via a wide array of tablet, or laptop with wireless connectivi- tion goes only to the “partner” LiveShot. fits of the LiveShot system are: AV connections,including HD-SDI,analog ty. Future versions of LiveShot will utilize As in a VPN, one unit of the pair is des- 1) Quality — LiveShot uses a highly opti- composite and HDMI ports. a central server function that will control ignated the “server” and the other unit mized version of H.264 video coding and 6) Network connections — Both LiveShot connections and deliver statistics. “client”. Most often, you will set the stu- AAC-ELD audio coding for the best possi- Studio and Portable support Ethernet, dio LiveShot (usually the LiveShot Studio ble quality and LiveShot Portable supports two simul- For more details on the Comrex rack unit) to be the server, and the field 2) Delay — LiveShot’s video and audio taneous wireless network connections LiveShot Video IP Codec, visit us online side (Portable) to be the client. In studio- processing is highly optimized to reduce over USB. at www.comrex.com or contact us at studio applications, it’s best to set the unit delay. End-to-end delays of 200mS are 7) USB masts — LiveShot Portable uti- 1-800-237-1776 (Toll Free in the U.S.) with the clearest path from the internet possible on good networks. lizes a pair of innovative bendable USB or +978-784-1776 worldwide.

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