Broadcast Players Successfully Test Live Ultra-HD Delivery Chain
Ericsson, Eutelsat Communications, Globecast, Newtec and Sky Italia confirmed they have successfully completed a series of live tests of an end-to-end satellite-based delivery chain for contribution of live images in 4k (ultra-HD). The test served to demonstrate that the full satellite delivery chain is able to feed ultra-HD television channels live, bringing positive implications for the quality of experience for viewers around the world who expect live coverage of news, sports and cultural events with the highest quality.

The 4k feed was produced by Sky Italia in Quad HD format (3480×2160) at 60 progressive frames per second (fps) using different camera brands and video mixers.

The live sequences from the mixers were then delivered in the form of a quadruple 3G-SDI signal to Ericsson’s Content Acquisition solution. The signal was then modulated by the Newtec AZ110 satellite modulator, using DVB-S2 16APSK modulation, making 89 Mbit/s of throughput available over a conventional 36MHz Ku transponder on board the Eutelsat 5 West A satellite located at 5 degrees west. The satellite uplink was performed and monitored by Globecast from one of its HD SNG trucks.

Arianespace, Astrium to Produce 18 Additional Ariane 5 ECA Launchers

An Ariane 5 ECA launcher
Photo: European
Space Agency

Arianespace and Astrium signed an initial agreement to begin the production of 18 additional Ariane 5 ECA launchers.

As part of this agreement, Arianespace has ordered from Astrium long-lead items and the start of production activities for the 18 additional launchers. These items and the first production activities are valued at more than €400 million ($542 million). The companies plan to sign the full production contract for the additional launchers before the end of 2013.

These extra 18 Ariane 5’s should be launched from 2017 onwards, following on from the 35 launchers ordered in 2009. This order takes the number of Ariane 5 launchers in production for Arianespace to 38.

SES to Use Supplementary Satellite Spectrum at the 28.2/28.5 Degrees East Orbital Arc
SES has been granted rights to use German Ku-band orbital frequencies at the 28.5 degrees east orbital position. The rights became effective from Oct. 4, 2013 onwards pursuant to a 2005 agreement with German media service provider, Media Broadcast (MB), as successor to T-Systems Business Services. MB holds a license for these frequencies issued by the Bundesnetzagentur, the German regulator, on the basis of German filings that have priority under the rules of the ITU.

Inmarsat, Telespazio Join to Develop Offerings for Energy and M2M
Inmarsat and Telespazio are teaming up to develop joint offerings for energy and machine-to-machine (M2M) customers in Europe. With Inmarsat’s Global Xpress services set to launch in the next two years, the M2M market will be a key target for the company.

MSS has been an established part of the communications mix in the energy sector. Both companies will look to collaborate on specific projects to enhance their services and product offerings for this industry, particularly in the high growth area of M2M and remote applications.

France Télévisions Secures Ka-Band Solution

Eutelsat’s Ka-Sat satellite
Photo: Astrium

Astrium has signed a contract with France Télévisions, a French broadcasting group, for its Ka-News service. The new Ka-News service, which uses Eutelsat‘s Ka-Sat satellite, will enable France Télévisions teams to transmit high-speed data and broadcast live HD via Ka-band terminals with automatic deployment antennas, even in the most remote locations, without having to worry about the technical aspects of the connection.

The Ka-News service, developed in-house by Astrium Services, modernizes journalists’ user experience. The Drive Away antenna chosen by France Télévisions is a 360-degrees self-pointing motorized antenna, ready for use in just a few minutes. The antenna enables journalists to connect extremely quickly – saving the time it would normally take for a satellite operator to prepare for operation.