Eusanet, a German provider of satellite-based broadband services, is enabling satellite-based IP streaming for ARD at the German public broadcaster’s distribution centre in Frankfurt using Eutelsat’s NewsSpotter Pro system.
ARD’s Sternpunkt hub in Frankfurt is the central interface for content distribution and exchange between all regional broadcasters under the ARD umbrella. An initial 3-year contract has been signed between Eusanet and ARD affiliate Hessischer Rundfunk, the ARD Sternpunkt operator.
By using the NewsSpotter Pro system, ARD Sternpunkt broadcasters and content producers are able to feed IP streams into the ARD network in real-time via satellite. The new solution replaces the old system of data transmissions via the public internet and significantly increases the quality of the IP streams, according to Eusanet.
NewsSpotter Pro enables content streaming using compact satellite dishes, for example mounted on SNG vehicles. This allows the IP-based transmission of live AV data streams in real-time from the field without any need for a fibre-optic or other network connection.
The system uses capacity on Eutelsat’s KA-SAT at 9° East. The ARD Sternpunkt is connected to the satellite through a dedicated fibre line from the Eusanet data centre. Eusanet monitors the complete signal transmission chain via satellite and the connection to the ARD Sternpunkt. The company also operates a booking portal managing the bandwidth required for IP transmissions.
More than 40 mobile NewsSpotter Pro systems are currently in operation by several regional ARD broadcasters for satellite-based IP streaming to the ARD Sternpunkt.
The new solution will make production and signal contribution options more efficient, economical and flexible for ARD, according to Stephan Schott, managing director of Eusanet. “From now on broadcasters will have boundless mobility, thanks to the widespread availability of KA-SAT-enabled SNG vehicles.”
