live news and sport feature


uses 2.1 GHz. This is likely to require technology specifically to address problems related to indoor coverage. Thirdly, since the maximum bandwidth is higher for 4G LTE, so is the bandwidth amplitude. This means that in the case of RF interference or other causes of change, for example a truck passing between the user and the tower or more subscribers sharing the capacity, a significant sudden bandwidth drop and/or latency increase may occur. To realise the potential LTE bandwidth increase, operators need to invest in strengthening the backhaul too and that seems to be happening in stages. In most countries, 4G LTE coverage is still very limited compared to 3G. Whereas 3G reach has grown significantly beyond city centres, LTE deployment is only beginning in city centres while suburban, let alone rural areas, will see much later deployment due to ROI issues, except if forced by regulation. Still, broadcasters need the peace of mind to be assured that broadcast-quality video will be delivered, regardless of whether there’s 4G network coverage or not. Initially, of course, there are very few users on any new LTE network but sharing the uplink capacity applies as much as it did previously. Even before an increase in users and a rise in bandwidth demand, 600 Kbit/s and lower sustained uplink speeds had been observed for entirely understandable reasons, representing a difference between theoretical, maximum, average or published speeds and what’s practically achieved in the field.


None of this is to underestimate the value of 4G LTE: if everything’s optimal then users will get lower latency and more bandwidth. For video transmission it’s not peak, or indeed average speeds that we’re interested in. While surfing the web a sudden drop may go unnoticed, for video it’s very different: what’s required is as high sustained ‘goodput’ (throughput that’s received okay) with as low sustained latency as possible. With inherent cellular behaviour, increased network loading and the other factors, performance fluctuations are inevitable.


Moving between networks


Multi-link solutions, such as LiveU, that use 4G LTE and other available networks, allow broadcasters and online video professionals to enjoy the benefits of both the 4G and 3G worlds.


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While harnessing the extra bandwidth and shorter delay provided by the LTE network, bonded solutions overcome LTE difficulties with 4G/3G technology switching. A properly-designed LTE- bonding system automatically switches a greater percentage of the transmitted video bandwidth over to the 3G networks in relevant areas without, for example, succumbing to broadcast breakdowns because of relying too much on any single LTE link. Indeed, for many years to come, multi-link backpacks and handheld uplink devices that simultaneously bond 3G and 4G technology will see the best results.


There are other developments too. April saw Panasonic and LiveU announce a new collaboration to deliver an integrated camcorder and live video uplink solution, utilising the LU40i video uplink device and the new AJ-HPX600 P2 camcorder with planned wireless integration features. The LU40i will be linked via the camera interface, giving camera operators a real-time indication of LiveU’s transmission status and video transmission quality. With the LU40i and HPX600, a camera operator will be able to manage the video uplink while shooting: a must for a one-person remote crew. At IBC 2012 the company announced the expansion of its live video portfolio to offer customers a complete end-to-end transmission solution, adding laptop and mobile apps to its flagship LU70 backpack and handheld LU40 uplink solutions. At the same time, LiveU unveiled LiveU Total,


With the increased deployment of 4G LTE and continued technological advancements, cellular


uplinking will have an even greater role going forward in international news and event coverage.


its unified management platform enabling control rooms to manage multiple video feeds from LiveU units operating in different locations. The LiveU Total platform seamlessly supports the full spectrum of LiveU’s product portfolio within a single ecosystem.


LiveU’s extended portfolio reflects the changing way live video is being acquired in the field. Customers now have an even wider range of options for their teams covering breaking news and events, at any time, using multiple devices to transmit video back to the studio. This can range from reporters and producers on news teams using their own smartphones and laptops to professional camera operators on location. All products are based on LiveU’s fourth generation high-quality and resilient bonded uplink technology.


The future is bright


Cellular uplinking has entered the mainstream, used for almost every major event around the world, including this year’s US presidential campaign. It’s even proven itself as the most effective transmission technology in the most extreme weather conditions, such as recent Hurricane Sandy coverage in the US. With the increased deployment of 4G LTE and continued technological


advancements, cellular uplinking will have an even greater role going forward in international news and event coverage.


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