36 DISTRIBUTION
April 2016
Using big data to solve interference
by martin coleman
I believe [ big data ] can have a big role to play in solving satellite interference too , by reducing the labour intensive role of expert engineers to pinpoint the source and resolve issues quickly which , in turn , will decrease the pressure and costs on operations .
Big data is a “ BIG ” topic right now . It is an enormous concept , as the name denotes , but we can learn how to use it properly , collect and ask the right questions of that data , then use it to make decisions , solve problems and educate .
In the broadcast world , it means services are being tailored to meet the exact needs and desires of customers . I believe it can have a big role to play in solving satellite interference too , by reducing the labour-intensive role of expert engineers to pinpoint the source and resolve issues quickly which , in turn , will decrease the pressure and costs on operations .
Big data is a broad term for data sets so complex that traditional data processing applications are inadequate . The term refers simply to the use of predictive analytics or advanced methods , such as “ Deep Learning ”, to extract value from that data . Accuracy in big data leads to a confident decision-making process , greater operational efficiency , cost reduction and gives us the ability to manage and reduce risk .
For interference , we simply have not extracted enough to be useful as yet . To get value from it , we need to really begin collecting relevant data . I am sure the industry has this data locked away , probably in different formats and data types but it is there and relevant to transmission interference . The collection of data will be a continuous process and automation will no doubt play its part here to achieve this goal .
Eutelsat hits new milestone of 6,000 TV channels
Eutelsat Communications has crossed the threshold of 6,000 TV channels broadcasting via its fleet , the satellite operator has announced .
This new record reflects three key trends Eutelsat continues to outperform : Strong channel growth in fast-growing markets ; continued deployment of pay-TV platforms ; and a diversified offer of free-to-air ( FTA ) channels .
Eutelsat continues to register strong channel growth in fastgrowing markets , notably in the Middle East and Africa , with one out of three channels on its satellites targeting these fast-growing regions . In sub-Saharan Africa , half of the 1,136 satellite channels broadcast today are transmitted by Eutelsat , while two out of three channels choose Eutelsat in the Middle East and North Africa .
Eutelsat is also a strong partner of pay and free-to-view platforms , supporting an inventory of region
Eutelsat has crossed the threshold of 6,000 TV channels broadcasting via its fleet .
al video neighbourhoods hosting high power satellites . A total of 50 platforms have selected a Eutelsat video neighbourhood , with Africa showing the most pronounced regional dynamic as the continent accelerates the transition to digital , Eutelsat reported .
With more than 2,200 FTA channels available , Eutelsat added that it is the satellite company
If the broadcast model allows services to be exactly what a customer wants , then by collating our own specialised big data , we will be able to address interference more effectively .
If we retain every statistic , incident and detail of satellite interference , the types and characterisation , how it was fixed , and so on , eventually as that data store grows , we can apply deep learning methods leading to the extraction of “ data signatures ” that allow auto-classification of interference types and the auto-build of solution sets .
This will help operations staff globally to resolve future incidents and potentially help stop them occurring in the first place by adding predictive , analytic methods
erate partnerships in fast-growing regions .
Renewed capacity across Eutelsat ’ s global footprint will also answer viewer demand for higher signal quality . HDTV already accounts for more than 12 % of the total channel count and continues to rise , while Eutelsat sees 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) as the next step-up in image quality , representing a future driver for growth .
Michel Azibert , commercial and development director at Eutelsat , said : “ Broadcasting is at the heart of Eutelsat ’ s DNA . We have invested in and developed video neighbourhoods across the globe , spearheaded the transition to new formats and compression rates , partnered with anchor pay and FTA platforms , and are developing solutions in step with changing viewing patterns .
“ In the fast-evolving world of video content distribution , we are continually focused on support
to the toolset .
IRG has begun building a repository of the basics such as articles , metrics and presentations that inform us about satellite interference . It is a very small start , but it is growing and is now in one place . Take a look at the IRG website ( www . satirg . org ) or directly at http :// data . satirg . org .
This is just the beginning . If , additionally , data is collected from broadcasters and other satellite users , as well as all satellite operators , the sooner we will be able to spot trends and patterns that will ultimately help us stop interference before it happens .
Martin Coleman is executive director , Satellite Interference Reduction Group ( IRG ). broadcasting the highest numbers of subscription-free channels . New features to be introduced this year will give channels higher visibility and offer viewers more information on the line-up of free content .
Through continued investment in advanced broadcasting infrastructure , Eutelsat will continue to develop its offering in mature video markets and acceling broadcasters to enhance their relationship with their viewers and expand their reach . The milestone of 6,000 channels sets a new record for Eutelsat and reflects our resolve to be the satellite company of choice for the broadcasting community .”
Hiltron starts transatlantic DBS satellite link
Core elements of Hiltron ’ s new transatlantic DSB satellite link include a 3.6m diameter satellite dish on a Hiltron HMAM motorised antenna mount .
Hiltron has commenced a satellite link that will be used to carry broadcast TV content from South America to viewers in Europe . The new link will be live by the end of June this year , in time for the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro , Brazil .
Jan Molter , managing director , Hiltron ’ s managing director , said : “ The new link will be a complete turnkey solution with five active channels and is designed to operate as a complete backup system that can be switched into action if the primary feed fails .”
Core elements of the new system include a 3.6m diameter satellite dish on a Hiltron HMAM motorised antenna mount . HMAM is a high-precision motorised satellite antenna mount designed for two-way VSAT communication or receive-only downlink applications . The combined head and drives form a three-axis motorised mount with 180 degrees of azimuth adjustment , 90 degrees of elevation adjustment range and fully adjustable polarisation .
Also integral to the system is a Hiltron HDCU-E combined ice-sensing and dish heating controller . The HDCU- E ’ s modular control design permits easy configuration of parameters such as antenna size , number of heater pads and the power requirement of each pad .
Snow detection is via a reflective sensor with a polarising filter . Each heater circuit is individually supervised and controlled via user-adjustable minimum and maximum thresholds . Sequential switch-on is performed within the controller to prevent rapid changes in current load when the antenna heating process is activated or deactivated . Sequence timing is also user-configurable .