Following the recent establishment of its cloud based contribution network using
VidyoCast encoders, decoders and management systems, LaserNet is rolling out fibre
from Collective Dream Studios in Cape Town to the South African Broadcasting
Corporation (SABC) in Johannesburg.
Says LaserNet’s Ivan Bridgens: “This fibre network will be rolled out to all the
broadcasters as well as to our main data centres in Sunninghill, Johannesburg and
Cape Town. We have already done live crossings for the production Hectic 9 to
Collective Dream Studios.
“LaserNet uses various technologies to transmit data across our network. This
includes laser technology for short distances and radio technology for quick
deployment of anything from 10mbps up to 300mbps. We use fibre for high
availability, low latency, big bandwidth deployments for our real time service. Fibre is
also used as a primary connection with radio as a redundant connection if the fibre
fails for any reason.’
According to Bridgens, the VidyoCast technology improves live television production
by delivering and managing broadcast quality feeds over virtually any network. “With
unprecedented ease, bureaus, reporters, guests and newsmakers are brought on air
with VidyoCast’s new low latency H.264-SVC encoder.
“New production tools bring multiple parties on screen live, on air and during story
production. Reporters get to the heart of issues faster and produce more visually
interesting stories. In addition producers see their own multi-views on desktops or
laptops.’
Bandwidth and video quality are optimised by VidyoRouter, which also manages point-
to-multipoint distribution across many areas of operations.
The primary benefits of the cloud-based approach are cost-savings and more
operational flexibility, without sacrificing quality, says Bridgens. “We believes that by
using IP networks instead of typical satellite transmission, broadcasters can save up
to 90% of their typical costs. VidyoCast is also being positioned as a backup solution,
particularly in situations where typical broadcast backup isn’t feasible or is cost
prohibitive. VidyoCast is meant to easily integrate into incumbent broadcast
infrastructure.
“VidyoCast is a technology leader in remote production, in software/hardware
encoders/decoders using H.264 Scalable Video Coding (SVC), in desktop online
production tools, in post-production collaboration and in IP-based remote multi-view
monitoring.’
He points out that the roll out of fibre throughout the country is confined to the main
cities. “Fibre is expensive to lay and not always affordable. Telkom probably has the
most advanced fibre network and offers a real time service which is important for live
contribution feeds. LaserNet has chosen to deploy Telkom fibre for this reason as the
SLA offered is important for live feeds.’
