In Broadcast - June 2013 - 56

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

WWW.INBROADCAST.COM | ISSUE 20 - JUNE 2013

N E W S

InFILE

Wireless Video Links: An Overview

In the first of a series of articles, ABonAir argue that broadcasters should go wireless in order to transmit
attractive and compelling video content – the solution is to find the right match between their needs, the
offered performance and the feature set…
By Eran Igler
CEO, ABonAir

I

56

ncreasing competition for ratings
and viewer engagement, the need
to bring breaking news quickly,
to go on the air from remote or
unexpected places and provide
unique shooting angles, have
brought broadcast networks
worldwide to extensively adopt
wireless video transmission
technologies.
More and more camera teams
benefit from using wireless
equipment to transmit video content
from cameras back to Outside
Broadcast Vans (OB Vans) or Central
Stations. Both professionals and
amateurs use wireless solutions
when they can’t use cables
due to physical limitations in
outdoor events, or simply for their
convenience. Also, movie and
reality show teams increasingly
adopt wireless solutions for content
monitoring by the director.
They all appreciate the great
value of wireless solutions for
attractive content transmission and
ease of shooting.
There is a variety of wireless
technologies and solutions on the
market today. We will overview
different wireless technologies and
their suitability to broadcasting

Wireless video links

today, clarifying the appropriate
use for each one.
There are three leading wireless
video link technologies - based on
different transmission methods:
OFDM/COFDM solutions, Cellular
network solutions, and Video
over WiFi solutions. Each method
has advantages and limitations
and may be combined with each
other to achieve better coverage
and/or solve the other system’s
disadvantage.
OFDM/COFDM-based wireless
video link systems consist of
transmitters and receivers (OFDM
is a method of encoding digital
data on multiple carrier frequencies).
The transmitter is positioned on
the camera; the receiver is located
inside the OB-Van or at the event’s
media centre where the content is
gathered and transmitted further
on. OFDM-based solutions usually
provide very high picture quality,
performance and range, as they
are “stand-alone” and don’t rely
on other networks or equipment.
Their limitation is that they require
additional equipment in order to
transmit the broadcast content to
the viewers. These systems typically
belong to the high-end broadcast
quality level.
In wireless video links over
cellular network, the transmitter is
positioned on the camera or in a
backpack carried by the cameraman,
transmitting the content over the
cellular network, and from there
to the broadcaster’s servers. The
receiver is usually software on
the server. Cellular systems often
encounter the problem of congestion.
In crowded events with many cell
phone users, 3G & 4G networks
may not provide the bandwidth
required to maintain good image
quality. Another typical problem is
the high latency of the system that
can reach up to 10 seconds.
In Video over WiFi systems
the transmitter is located on the
camera and the receiver is either
near the WiFi access point in the
same location, or at the TV station
after the internet cloud. WiFi video
link solutions’ main advantage
is their low cost, making them a
perfect choice for low budget

Outdoor news coverage using ABonAir wireless equipment

productions. Their disadvantages
are compromised picture quality and
stability, crowded frequencies, and
the fact that they share resources
with other applications and users.
Combining two solutions
together can overcome some of
the technologies limitations like in
the case of OFDM and congested
Cellular network. Using an OFDM
Link to “jump” the first few hundred
meters away from the congested
cell may solve the problem, as now
the cellular transmitter connects
to a clear cell, far away from the
event, avoiding cell congestion and
transmitting the broadcast live with
minimal additional delay.

Buying Parameters

Wireless video link systems differ
in performance, feature set and,
obviously, price. Customers
must examine a number of
important parameters:
Stability:
Continuous,
uninterrupted and stable content
transmission is crucial for the
broadcast success. Viewers are

not tolerant of breaking frames,
lost moments, freezing or pixelation
(large pixel on screen), especially
not in live thrilling moments (just
when the ball approaches the goal);
and so the systems must provide
reliability and stability;
Picture quality is another
important parameter. High-end
solutions provide a clear and “crispy”
picture of over 45dB PSNR (Peak
Signal to Noise Ratio) while systems
at the lower end may offer around
30dB (higher PSNR number means
better picture quality);
Transmission range: The range
between receiver and transmitter
– may vary from 10 meters to 2.5
Km. A few meters range may
satisfy in-studio applications like
video-assist or monitoring, while
complicated outdoor applications
like live News broadcast, outdoor
sports (car races, golf games) or
shooting from helicopters require a
larger transmission range. Obviously,
the more range you have, the more
CONTINUED ON PAGE 57

Sony’s XDCAM paired with ABonAir are perfect for field applications


http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/?first=Phillip&last=Izzard&search=Go https://twitter.com/inbroadcast http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpzEatLsHdE&feature=youtube_gdata_player https://www.facebook.com/InBroadcast http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/inbroadcast/id468652679?mt=8 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.branded.inbroadcast&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5icmFuZGVkLmluYnJvYWRjYXN0Il0. http://WWW.INBROADCAST.COM http://www.abonair.com/index.php?dir=site&page=content&cs=3048

In Broadcast - June 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of In Broadcast - June 2013

In Broadcast - June 2013
Contents
InNews: Rogers Opts for Quantel at City Montreal
InNews: Vizrt and Mosart Enter Newsroom Partnership
InForm: Istreamplanet Live-Video Workflow
InReply: BSI Wireless Camera Captures the Action
InFocus: Sound Devices Pix 240 Sprints Ahead
InView: Bradley Engineering Focuses on Remote Camera Control Systems
InView: Government Tax Breaks: The Devil Is in the Detail
InMedia: In Demand Uses Aja to Create Promotional Content
InMedia: Ihse Draco Kvm-Matrix Switchers Support Broadcast It Workflow
InMedia: Media Production - the Next Generation
In Broadcast - June 2013 - Intro
In Broadcast - June 2013 - In Broadcast - June 2013
In Broadcast - June 2013 - Cover2
In Broadcast - June 2013 - Contents
In Broadcast - June 2013 - InNews: Rogers Opts for Quantel at City Montreal
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 5
In Broadcast - June 2013 - InNews: Vizrt and Mosart Enter Newsroom Partnership
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 7
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 8
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 9
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 10
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 11
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 12
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 13
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 14
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 15
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 16
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 17
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 18
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 19
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 20
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 21
In Broadcast - June 2013 - InForm: Istreamplanet Live-Video Workflow
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 23
In Broadcast - June 2013 - InReply: BSI Wireless Camera Captures the Action
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 25
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 26
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 27
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 28
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 29
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 30
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 31
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 32
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 33
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 34
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 35
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 36
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 37
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 38
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 39
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 40
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 41
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 42
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 43
In Broadcast - June 2013 - InFocus: Sound Devices Pix 240 Sprints Ahead
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 45
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 46
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 47
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 48
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 49
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 50
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 51
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 52
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 53
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 54
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 55
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 56
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 57
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 58
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 59
In Broadcast - June 2013 - InView: Bradley Engineering Focuses on Remote Camera Control Systems
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 61
In Broadcast - June 2013 - InView: Government Tax Breaks: The Devil Is in the Detail
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 63
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 64
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 65
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 66
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 67
In Broadcast - June 2013 - InMedia: In Demand Uses Aja to Create Promotional Content
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 69
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 70
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 71
In Broadcast - June 2013 - InMedia: Ihse Draco Kvm-Matrix Switchers Support Broadcast It Workflow
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 73
In Broadcast - June 2013 - InMedia: Media Production - the Next Generation
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 75
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 76
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 77
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 78
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 79
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 80
In Broadcast - June 2013 - 81
In Broadcast - June 2013 - Cover3
In Broadcast - June 2013 - Cover4
In Broadcast - June 2013 - S1
In Broadcast - June 2013 - S2
In Broadcast - June 2013 - S3
In Broadcast - June 2013 - S4
In Broadcast - June 2013 - S5
In Broadcast - June 2013 - S6
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202403
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202402
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202401
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202312
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202311
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202310
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202309
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202308
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202307
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202306
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202305
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202304
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202303
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202302
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202301
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202212
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202211
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202210
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202209
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202208
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202207
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202206
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202205
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202204
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202203
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202202
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202201
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202112
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202111
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202110
https://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202109
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202108
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202107
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202106
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202105
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_PTZ
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202104
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202103
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202102
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202101
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202012
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202011
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202010
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202009
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202008
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202007
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202006
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202005
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202004
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202003
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202002
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_202001
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_INREVIEW2019
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201912
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201911
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_NewYork2019
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201910
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201909
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_inshowguide2019
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201908
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/CTA-DAY3
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/CTA-DAY2
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/CTA-DAY1
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/CTA-VISITOR
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201906
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/CTA-PREVIEW
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201905
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201904
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_NABSHOW2019
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201903
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_cabsat2019
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201902
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201901
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_INREVIEW2018
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201812
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201811
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_NewYork2018
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201810
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_inshowguide2018
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201809
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201808
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201806
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201805
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201804
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_NABSHOW2018
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201803
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201802
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_cabsat2018
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201801
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201712
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201711
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201710
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_NABSHOWNYexpo2017
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201709
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_inshowguide2017
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201708
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201707
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201705
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_NABSHOW2017
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201704
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_cabsat2017
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201703
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201702
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201701
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_INREVIEW2016
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201612
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201611
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_NABSHOWNYexpo
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_20110708_DEMO
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201610
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_inshowguide2016
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201609
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201608
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201607
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201606
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/lesommet/inbroadcast_APAC03
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201605
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_NABSHOW2016
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201604
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201603
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_cabsat2016
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201602
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201601
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/lesommet/inbroadcast_APAC02
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201512
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201511
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_CCW15expo
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201510
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/lesommet/inbroadcast_APAC01
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201509
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_IBC2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201508
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201507
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201506
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_BROADCASTASIA2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201505
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201504
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_NABSHOW2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201503
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_cabsat2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201502
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201501
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201412
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201411
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201410
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201409
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcastIBCPRINTEDGUIDE_201409
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201408
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201407
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201406
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201405
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201404
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201403
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201402
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201401
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201312
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201311
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201310
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201309
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201308
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201307
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201306
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201305
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201304
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201303
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201302
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201301
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201211
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201210
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201209
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201208
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201207
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201206
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201205
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201204
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201203
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_201202
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_20121201
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_20111011
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_20110708
http://europe.nxtbook.com/nxteu/lesommet/inbroadcast_20110506
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com