Q&A Newtec The SNG revolution is coming Digital Satellite Newsgathering is constantly evolving and new products are being introduced that make the whole task much easier, more reliable and more cost-ef fective whilst maintaining high quality at the same time. Newtec is an innovating company that have been involved with the DSNG market for well over ten years. Helen Jameson spoke to Newtec's Vice President Professional Equipment, Max d'Oreye about their involvement and trends within the DSNG market. Question: How has DSNG been revolutionised over the last ten years? Has the introduction of IP to the newsgathering process had the biggest impact? Max d'Oreye: First of all this is a long story for Newtec. Over ten years ago, we introduced a modulator that was designed for SNG because it could integrate the RF upconverter. We have always been in this market because we were able to integrate the modulation with the RF in a compact unit. Then there was a second trend in the market that leant more towards integrating the modulator with the encoder. This was purely for video ­ there was no IP at this stage. Then there was a third wave where people were thinking about IP services and this prompted a change in the SNG market again. As a result, the modulator was taken out of the encoder again so that IP services could be transmitted together with the video. People not only want to be able to connect an encoder with an IP output to the encoder, but they also want to be able to transmit files or interactive IP services over satellite. Question: Which products and services does Newtec offer that are suitable for use in the DSNG community? Max d'Oreye: To be part of this revolution, this third wave in the DSNG market, we have developed a modulator that is designed to be capable of transmitting traditional video and also anything IP. In the same modulator we have an ASI interface to transmit the video but we also have an IP interface, an encapsulator and a router within the modem. So, with the same unit, the user can operate the traditional way or they can connect their laptop directly to the modulator and transfer the file over a satellite link. If they have a return channel they can use the modem instead of the modulator. They have two-way repeat connectivity right from the modem without the requirement any additional equipment. The modulator is compact and portable and also has the potential to help the journalist with other things because once you have two-way communication, you can perform many other tasks in the field. You can actually carry out the operation of the transmission equipment, not from the SNG side, but from the other side of the satellite. So, if there is no technician on-site you can help the journalist configure the equipment remotely. When you are doing IP over satellite, you also need an assortment of software to go with it. There is some transmission delay to compensate for and special security needs to address, so at Newtec we have developed a line of IP-product software that is integrated into the equipment. This enables the satellite transmission to be optimised for IP com- munication. It is easy to use as it is fully integrated and designed specifically for the SNG market. We only provide the features that the operator needs. Question: Newtec's Azimuth range has proved to be extremely popular in the broadcasting community. What are the benefits of the Azimuth range of satcom equipment for SNG users? Max d'Oreye: Firstly, Azimuth is fully compatible with all the DVB-S and DVB-S2 transmission standards. Therefore, Azimuth equipment can be used in conjunction with any other broadcasting hardware. Broadcasters are not stuck with using just one supplier. In the broadcasting community material is exchanged amongst broadcasters and they don't necessarily have the same equipment. The next benefit is that we have several options that allow the user to operate the equipment in the traditional way and also via IP but without any change to the equipment. It is a very smooth transition when required. Question: When designing and developing products for satellite newsgathering purposes, what do you as the product manufacturer need to take into account? What are the broadcasters looking for in their satcom equipment? 22 w w w.satellite-evolution.com | January/February 2009 newtec.p65 22 20/01/2009, 11:08