January-February 2016 DISTRIBUTION 33

The Barnfind solutions , part of a multifunctional , signal-neutral transport platform , are fully integrated into AMV ’ s workflow and include BarnOne ( 1RU ) frames , BarnMini devices , and Small Form Factor Pluggables ( SFPs ).

All Mobile Video ( AMV ), a provider of end-to-end video and audio solutions , has deployed Barnfind solutions as a core component of all its fibre operations .

The Barnfind solutions , part of a multifunctional , signal-neutral transport platform , are fully integrated into AMV ’ s workflow and include BarnOne ( 1RU ) frames , BarnMini devices , and Small Form Factor Pluggables ( SFPs ).

According to Lee Blanco , director of engineering at AMV , the compact Barnfind solution has proven more reliable than comparative devices previously employed by the company , which took up “ too much ” rack space .

He continued : “ The Barnfind solution is the staple of our inventory for all of our fibre requirements . It not only handles all of our signal format needs , but also allows operators to monitor both ends of the system over the network fibre , regardless of location . Whether it ’ s HD-SDI , HDMI , MADI , Ethernet , ASI — it ’ s now wrapped around everything we do .”

AMV found that the 32x32 electrical and optical routing system adds a valuable element by allowing the more efficient and effective utilisation of the fibre in place . Blanco explained : “ In addition to being able to troubleshoot and monitor signals from opposite ends , receive alarms and reports , AMV also can now route point-topoint , or multiplex many different signal types into the fibre bidirectionally and add , drop or repeat signals as needed .”

Some high-profile events where AMV utilised Barnfind gear included the Pope ’ s visit to New York ’ s 9 / 11 Memorial Museum , St Patrick ’ s Cathedral and Philadelphia ’ s Citizens Bank Park ; the Miss Universe Pageant ; and tennis ’ US Open .

At several of these events , the Barnfind system linked all of the fibre connectivity between the host broadcaster and international broadcasters situated outside the venue . Many BarnMini devices were also used at various edge locations to bring back signal channels from camera locations , or MADI , or HDMI signals to the BarnOne hub frames for distribution and transmission .

by deepak mathur

Change has always been a constant in the broadcast industry . Having been in satellite services for the past two decades , I have had the unique opportunity , through our customers , to understand how the video and data industries are likely to evolve in the coming years . It is important to be in a position to differentiate between a “ fad ” and a trend , in order to guide our investment decisions in new satellites and new satellite architectures .

The past few years have seen a number of key technological developments come together , which has led to four enduring themes or trends that we will see impact the industry in the coming few years .

HD cements its popularity

While much of the conversation has centred around 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) of late , its predecessor , HDTV , may very well be entering its prime in Asia .

The HDTV segment in emerging markets in South Asia is expected to boom over the next two years . HDTV penetration in this region has been seeing steady increase over the years , particularly in India .

Besides India , the number of HD channels and subscribers have increased substantially in the past half-decade in Malaysia and the Philippines , and 2016 is likely to see an acceleration of this trend . For pay-TV operators and broadcasters , the central value proposition has traditionally been around their SD offerings ; however , going forward , HD offerings will be the driver for consumption .

With more 4K / UHD TV sets being sold , SES believes that 2016 will continue to see 4K / UHD coming closer to becoming a reality .

In my view , 2016 will see HDTV further cement its foothold in emerging markets , and demand for HD will be a key driver of pay- TV growth .

4K / UHD comes even closer to reality

More consumers are catching on to 4K / UHD . From April 2014 to March 2015 , 4K / UHD TV sales values in various South-east Asian countries surged in the range of 20 % -77 %. Even in Singapore , one out of 10 TV sets sold is a 4K / UHD TV . With 4K / UHD ’ s share of the TV market on an upward trend and 4K / UHD TV prices correspondingly plummeting , there is no mistaking that consumer demand for 4K / UHD will continue to rise .

Elsewhere in Asia , the broadcast industry is taking strides towards making 4K / UHD a reality . South Korean 4K / UHD TV panel makers such as LG and Samsung now lead the 4K / UHD TV panel market . Last October , Airtel Digital TV , the direct-to-home ( DTH ) arm of Bharti Airtel , launched its very first 4K / UHD channel .

We may still be some years away from full-fledged 4K / UHD adoption , but as each part of the 4K / UHD value chain falls into place , it would not be too long before the wheels start turning . In 2016 we will see a continuation of the key pieces of the 4K / UHD ecosystem comingn together , with high value content such as the Olympics being broadcast in 4K / UHD , and 4K / UHD sets becoming more commonplace in many homes across Asia .

For more analysis from Deepak Mathur , Senior Vice-President , Commercial , Asia-Pacific and the Middle East , SES , on trends for Asia ’ s broadcast industry in 2016 , be sure to grab your copy of APB March 2016 issue .