The broadcast industry is constantly evolving technologically. In recent years, the technology for transmitting video signals over IP has shown significant improvements both in terms of performance and image quality, and in terms of reliability. TVU is at the forefront of this evolution and SIC has decided to invest in the MLink equipment to integrate into its operation. Francisco Leão, Head of SIC's Transmission Media Department, describes the reasons and the return of this bet.
“The objective was, and continues to be (because the project remains ongoing), to provide SIC's fleet of DSNG vehicles with an alternative, complementary, agile and Low-Cost communication / transmission.
In this context, the idea was to find a new technology that would respond to needs already identified:
Alternative - Based on new technologies that were robust enough to be an effective alternative to classic satellite transmission; that considered the impossibility of technical connection due to obstruction (a limitation, frequent in urban space) and meteorological phenomena.
Agile - Able to offer a transmission system that does not require complex and time-consuming technical, operational or production procedures.
Complementary - In order to allow the use of two simultaneous communication channels (Satellite and Bonding 3G/4G) doubling the transmission capacity of the medium.
Low-Cost - The monthly cost is fixed and the use of the entire 3G/4G service for different operators is less than 300 euros/month per installed unit. The number of hours of transmission does not determine an increase in the price so it can be used almost like a classic link.
During the consultation phase, Dr. Raul Carvalho das Neves, CTO of SIC, suggested TVU MLink. Pantalha as a representative of the brand in Portugal, presented the solution that was later analyzed by the Direction and Department of Transmission Media of the channel. At the time of the decision, competing systems were not yet known. The pre-sale was decisive to know the potential and advantages of the system, and Pantalha's after-sales assistance has been essential, as we started with equipment almost in prototype mode.
The cost of the MLink equipment is not, at the outset, the best of arguments, however, the ease of use and the cost per transmission is evident. About 70% of the billing regarding the space usage of HardNews has been removed.
Approximately 82.3% of the time for news reports made with mobile stations, started to be made with TVU equipment.
Some events and programs have already benefited from the broadcast with TVU MLink such as congresses (political parties), television debates (Ex: António Costa vs Passos Coelho) and entertainment programs (“Portugal em Festa”, “Manhãs da RFM” at SIC Caras) , etc.
The adaptation and installation costs are minimal / residual and did not interfere with the previously installed equipment. ”
Francisco Leão
Head of SIC's Transmission Media Department
2016