Chapter 1 - From the Beat Of The Distant Drum

This introductory scene-setter shows the reader how the history of newsgathering has evolved from news being passed by drum, fire and smoke to the latest use of satellite technology, via the development of the telegraph, telephone, radio and television. Overview of electronic newsgathering and its impact • Short history of newsgathering • History of SNG • Differences in early development between European & US markets • Significance of SNG for radio & TV news broadcasting   Download extract from Chapter 1

 

Chapter 2 - From Launch To Transmission

Satellite Communication Theory and SNG - Probably one of the two most technical chapters in the book, we look at the technical aspects of satellites and satellite communications relevant to newsgathering, including how the satellites are put into orbit and kept there. Overview of satellite communication • Geostationary orbits • Launching satellites and station-keeping • Communication theory • Uplinks • Space segment • Downlinks • Antennas • Amplifiers • Waveguides • Gain v. Bandwidth • Signal/noise ratios • Digital system principles •  Link budgets Download extract from Chapter 2

 

Chapter 3 - Boxes Or Wheels

How do you choose an SNG system? For new users, this can be a bewildering decision with a large array of specifications and features to consider. Some of the major defining parameters are whether it should be a transportable flyaway or vehicle-based, C-or Ku-band, digital or analogue. This chapter helps answer those questions. Matching systems to need • Transportables (‘flyaways’) v. Trucks • Analogue v. Digital • Frequency bands of operation • Inmarsat systems • Modes of operation • Redundancy • Provision of baseband supporting systems • Communications with the studio • Automation Download extract from Chapter 3

 

Chapter 4 - Squeezing Through The Pipe - Digital Compression

Digital compression is now an essential characteristic of the satellite newsgathering process - but compression of video and audio is a highly complex subject. So the aim of this chapter - the second technical chapter - is to give the reader an understanding sufficient to understand the relevance of its use in SNG. Principles of compression • Sampling • Redundancy • Quantisation • Compression schemes (JPEG, ETSI, MPEG etc.) • MPEG-2 • Profiles & Levels • Audio compression • Inter-operability of systems • Latency • Choosing an MPEG-2 Encoder for DSNG • Consequences of concatenation through differing systems

 

Chapter 5 - Have Phone, Will Travel - Inmarsat Services

The INMARSAT system was originally designed for maritime communication, but in the last decade, the INMARSAT system has become a vital tool for global newsgathering, used not only for person-to-person voice communication for ‘keeping-in-touch’, but for media material transfer as well. High-quality still pictures, studio-quality audio for radio reports, and even television pictures using Store & Forward video units can be sent from almost anywhere on the globe - and this chapter describes how it is done. Principles of use in newsgathering • Types of Inmarsat  systems & differences • Digital audio coding & transmission • Digital coding for TV transmissions

 

Chapter 6 - Across The Spectrum - Regulation & Standards

The technical practicalities of satellite newsgathering are difficult enough to master. To understand the administrative, regulatory and commercial aspects can be just as challenging, and so in this chapter, we look at these issues and put them into context. History & background of spectrum administration • Role of ITU and WARC • International and national regulatory bodies • Role of National PTTs • Type Approval • Regulation & Cross-border issues • Restrictions on Freedom of Movement • Obtaining permissions & licenses • Frequency allocation and clearances

 

Chapter 7 - Fitting The Pieces Together - Satellites & Operations

Having looked at the regulatory and administrative environment in which satellite newsgathering exists, we move on to examine the principal global and regional satellite systems, focusing on those that allow access for SNG, and how these can be accessed by SNG uplinks. History & background • Intelsat • Private Satellite System Operators • Regional Satellite System Operators • Types of capacity • Leases • Pre-emptible capacity • Ad-hoc / occasional capacity • Restoration • Uplink Operations •  Multi & unilateral operations • ISOG Download extract from Chapter 7

 

Chapter 8 - Get There Be Safe - Safety & Logistics

The operation of SNG uplinks unfortunately brings both the operator and occasionally the public into contact with a number of potential hazards. In this chapter, there is an examination of the range of hazards and the measures that can be taken to minimise the risks, along with the typical health and safety legislation covering these hazards. Outline of hazards • Non-ionising radiation • Operations near airport flight-paths and military installations • Manual handling issues • Electrical hazards • Driving SNG vehicles • Influence of time pressures • Costs • Logistics • Carriage of systems on aircraft and IATA regulations • Use of road transport • Operating in hostile environments and war zones

 

Chapter 9 - On The Horizon

We spend some time looking at how the existing means and methods of gathering news by satellite might develop in the future as both technical developments and working practices will inevitably change the current situation. The Development of GMPCS • Narrow & Broadband systems • LEO, MEO & GEO Systems • The use of Ka band for SNG • Cellphones & Third Generation Wireless Services • HSCSD • GPRPS • UMTS • The future of the transmission medium • Impact of ATM • Impact of the Internet • Challenges to traditional working practices • Do we send a truck or a laptop? • Outlook

 

Appendices

Frequency Bands for Operation • Sample link budgets - Analogue & Digital • Digital Video • INMARSAT Certificate for Transportation of equipment for SNG • ITU Emission Codes • Sample Uplink Registration Forms for Intelsat & Eutelsat • Sample Intelsat SSOG 600 Form (Space Segment Booking Request) • Typical service order for booking SNG space segment • Sample Information typically required for a Request for Permission to Operate in a Foreign Country • Formulae for calculating non-ionizing radiation levels • Useful contacts (Regulatory Authorities; Manufacturers; Space Segment Operators; Training)

 

Bibliography & Glossary of Terms

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