PANELLISTS
20
December 2016
NSR : Satellite capacity pricing in free fall
Satellite capacity pricing is in a prolonged freefall for most applications as more supply comes online and high throughput satellite ( HTS ) offerings proliferate . According to the Satellite Capacity Pricing Index , 2nd Edition ( Q4 2016 ) report by Northern Sky Research ( NSR ), data-centric applications saw the largest declines across all regions and frequency bands , while video-centric capacity remained slightly more resilient amid “ challenging market conditions .” The report also found that operator business models are evolving quickly , although disagreement remains over the best way to evolve . This , said NSR , has led to a higher degree of price volatility , particularly for GEO-HTS capacity , and to more aggressive pricing in order to win market share .
ACMA to auction unsold 700MHz spectrum
The Australian Communications and Media Authority ( ACMA ) has released a consultation paper proposing to allocate , by auction , spectrum that remained unsold after the 700MHz digital dividend auction held in the country in 2013 . The 30MHz of unsold 700MHz spectrum band will go for auction early next year . Richard Bean , acting chairman of the AMCA , explained : “ 700MHz band spectrum is highly valued for 4G LTE mobile broadband . The 700MHz band unsold lots are available under spectrum licences , which will be attractive to any participant interested in offering nationwide mobile broadband services .”
Next Month @ Distribution
Fibre Connectivity
PANELLISTS
Dr Ali R Ebadi
Senior Vice-President Space Systems Development Measat Satellite Systems
Lim Kian Soon
Head , Satellite Singtel
Martin Coleman
Executive Director Satellite Interference Reduction Group
The theory of cabling and what lies beneath
The broadcast industry ’ s transition to IP is coinciding with broadcasters ’ need to deliver high-bandwidth video signals and to feed multiple channels over long distances . This , in turn , is fuelling the rise and rise of fibre as a cabling backbone , as Josephine Tan finds out .
T
raditionally , cabling has been one of the most fundamental techniques used in getting equipment connected to one another . While cabling may remain one of the last things that operators consider when outfitting event infrastructures , for instance , cable suppliers have continued to place a focus on providing high-quality solutions , so that operators can enjoy a higher return on investment ( ROI ).
For many years , copper was the dominant component for cabling solutions . However , the rise of fibre optics has now arguably surpassed copper with its capabilities to support the transition to IP , and the need to deliver high-bandwidth video signals over long distances .
Serge Buechli , marketing manager at Lemo , tells APB that although major TV stations have mostly replaced copper with fibre , some countries are still gearing up to equip broadcast facilities with fibre-optic capability . One domain that can act as a key driver for fibre cabling , Buechli believes , is during major sporting events such as football tournaments and the Olympic Games , which requires the delivery of high-quality images with minimal latency .
Higher-bandwidth demand , he adds , is placing greater emphasis on the performance of the connector , and to meet the demand for higher bandwidth , cable shielding can be enhanced . Alternatively , switch to fibre , which offers higher data capacity , Buechli recommends .
Claiming copper can no longer handle high-bandwidth video signals over distances , Josh Simons , technical director at Argosy , envisions a future where broadcast infrastructure and truck cabling will be “ primarily made up of fibre for the transportation of video and audio , and of copper twisted
pair for the delivery of IP and control signals ”, alongside some legacy , and perhaps dwindling coaxial cabling .
Simons recalls how fibre first raised its head in post-production environments , which was followed by its adoption in HD video extension / distribution equipment and audio MADI equipment , before a wider integration into SMPTE camera cables commenced .
Particularly for outside broadcast ( OB ) applications such as sports cover-
Higher bandwidth demand is placing greater emphasis on the performance of the connector . To meet the demand for higher bandwidth , cable shielding can be enhanced . Alternatively , switch to fibre , which offers higher data capacity , says Serge Buechli , marketing manager at Lemo .
Designed for HDTV applications , the Lemo 3K . 93C series hybrid electrical fibreoptic self-latching connector complies with SMPTE 304 / SMPTE 311 , ARIB and EBU standards for both signal and cable . age that takes place at fixed venues , he highlights how operators are increasingly under pressure to feed multiple channels with ever higher quality images over long distances .
“ Until recently , when it comes to choosing a fibre solution , many OB companies have been improvising , which has led to a rise in splicing ,” he explains . “ This has now become a common practice due to the wide availability of low-cost distribution cables and fusion splicers , combined with the high cost of military tactical cable assemblies with expanded beam connectors , which dictated to some extent this early direction .”
As costs went down , the practice of tactical fibre assemblies grew in prominence , primarily because this type of cabling was better suited to deployments in harsh environments . This , in turn , saw OB companies invest in bulk tactical cable , albeit at a low count — at typically four channels , Simons points out .
Today , Argosy ’ s tactical fibre assembly and pulling sock solution comes along with Argosy ’ s tactical breakout cable and captive pulling sock , and is available in four to 24 channels . It is also designed to “ withstand the most demanding environmental and applications ” in the broadcast and touring industries .
As for installations at temporary venues for live events , cables are frequently damaged due to common mishandling of individual connectors . This can occur when patch panels are incorrectly removed , or where cable protection is not adequately replaced . Under such circumstances where the cable is spliced , the cable could be reduced by 1m-2m at each splicing , thereby reducing the cable run to an unusable length over time , Simons notes .
There are solutions to prevent cable mishandling , including training , stock management of these shorter assets and re-investment in cable stock .