SIS Live has delivered six new Satellite Newsgathering (SNG) vehicles to Sky News,
as the company further enhances its fast, reliable coverage of breaking news
stories across the UK. SIS Live offers broadcast connectivity solutions including
global distribution via teleport and fibre, satellite internet and IP provision, and
broadcast systems integration services.
The compact HD trucks, equipped with the latest satellite technology, are part of a
series of satellite uplink systems commissioned by Sky News. SIS Live’s support
team will maintain the six Mercedes Benz Vito vehicles and provide uplink/downlink
services, adding these services to those already supplied to Sky, including camera
operators, satellite engineers and satellite capacity.
Each truck carries SIS Live’s DriveForce antenna, the lightest high power, vehicle
mounted satellite uplink system in the world. DriveForce’s reduced weight allows it
to be installed on a smaller 3.2T vehicle, avoiding large vehicle speed restrictions
and so enabling faster travel to the breaking news event.
On board equipment includes HD, SDI, fibre and wireless camera inputs, and the
infrastructure for the installation of future IP solutions. The design and careful
selection of technology enables a lone operator to manage the whole broadcast and
transmission process, including driving, satellite transmission and camera
operation.
David Meynell, managing director, SIS Live said, “This bespoke fleet of SNG trucks
is the result of another successful collaboration with Sky News. One of the main
priorities was that, as a first response news vehicle, the technology not only had to
be cutting edge, but also reliable and simple for a lone operator to use.’
Jackie Faulkner, head of operations, Sky News added, “As a rolling, 24-hour multi-
media news operation, it’s essential we have reliable SNG vehicles which can reach
the scene of breaking stories first and send back footage of the highest broadcast
quality for inclusion on our multi platforms.’
