t n a s n - v 2 i 2 inside this issue: ibc h$30k for the basic flyaway antenna assembly, antenna...

A fter NAB, IBC revealed few surprises this year, but what was on show for the first

time was intriguing. Top of the list undoubtedly came the Nor-

sat GLOBETrekker - which I can only describe as a truly unique unit. It is a backpackable, broadband satellite system, capable of IP transmissions of up to 4 Mbps. It is described by Norsat as “an intelli-gent, ultra-portable satellite system that enables users to es-tablish a reliable broadband connection on short notice - any-where in the world even in harsh and hos-tile conditions … sleekly designed to be carried in a backpack, is airline checkable, fits in small vehicles, helicopter, and para-chute-friendly”[!]

Each of the back-pack pods weighs 17.5 kg, and no doubt there is some military signifi-cance to that weight figure.

As the pictures show, it’s a really neat package, with a fully motorized and auto-

pointing antenna, able to have an SSPA of up to 40W fitted to the rear of the reflector.

Its ergonomically designed backpack and overall ‘quick-connect’ design enables users to transport, assemble, operate and disas-semble quickly and discreetly, and in the broadcast market, this is particularly aimed at

journalists. With a 1.0m diameter reflec-tor, which is seg-mented into six pieces, and a full electronics package, this is going to be a serious com-petitor to the Swe-Dish IPT. The back-pod packaging is less than half the weight of the IPT, and looks to be in a form that is easier to transport (as those of you who have ever had to hump an IPT and its separate PSU around will know). There was no opportunity to try it in the back-pods at

IBC, but you get the idea. Although obviously primarily targeted at

the defence market, the media is clearly a (Continued on page 3)

IBC HI G H L I G H T S J O N A T H A N H I G G I N S

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I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

Sat-Comm Confounds 6

Close To The Flange 6

Industry News 7

Comms in SNG 8

Smallest SNG Mux 10

ISDN Codecs 11

Useful Resources 12

L I N E O F S I G H T — S U M M E R 2 0 0 5

T H E T R I M E S T R I A L N E W S L E T T E R A B O U T S A T E L L I T E N E W S G A T H E R I N G - V O L U M E 2 I S S U E 2

Norsat GLOBETrekker

GLOBETrekker - fits into two back-pods like this GLOBETrekker - rear view

Line Of S ight — Summer 2005

I n this issue we decided take a closer look at comms, as many of us know from bitter

experience that more live shots have come to grief because of a loss of IFB than failures of the main TX programme path.

It’s therefore an important subject, and there are changes looming, as you can read in articles from both Nick Cahill of Sematron and Julian Bashford of Vocality. The spread of the use of IP for voice connectivity, and the de-mand for extra connectivity back to the sta-tion, has meant that comms has had to move forward from just using a cellphone or an ad-ditional carrier on the bird.

My roundup of IBC 2005 shows it was a busy show, with a noticeable increase in activ-ity in the satellite hall compared to last year, and most exhibitors were smiling most of the time. There was perhaps too many new an-tenna systems, to the point it became bewil-dering to distinguish between the exhibit you were looking at and the one you’d last seen.

There was a lot of discussion around the various booths relating to SNG about MPEG-4 AVC and DVB-S2, and the impact they are likely to have on the SNG business. There seemed to be an almost universal acknowl-edgement that once product becomes widely available next year, there is likely to be a steady take up both for new services and as

operators replace existing equipment. Never-theless, everyone acknowledges that MPEG-2 ‘legacy’ equipment (for that is what your MPEG-2 encoders have now become!) will take some years to be completely replaced.

Our Prize Crossword in the last issue was a resounding, err, failure. We did not have a single response, so we’ve abandoned the idea. Ah well, at least we tried.

Just a comment on the fact that this issue is the Summer 2005 issue (yes, I know, it’s over a month late). I just hate magazines that are published with a date one or two months ahead of the actual publication date - I prefer to be honest and admit that this newsletter is a retrospective.

Thanks to all of those who continue to pass on the word about Line Of Sight - we had well over 500 downloads of the last issue. ◙

Jonathan Higgins

“ … more live shots have come to grief because of a loss of IFB than failures of the main programme path.”

CA N YO U HE A R ME?

“ With a satphone, it really seems to have everything you would need [with the GLOBETrekker] for a simple live shot from the middle of nowhere, just powering off a vehicle battery. “

“ Mechanically, the Cyclone is pretty impressive, with tight mechanics on the backlash-free antenna drive giving highly precise reliable and accurate pointing. “


secondary market. The package comprises a 1 metre carbon fibre antenna, RF electronics, motorized azimuth/elevation superstructure, motorized feed assembly, built-in inclinome-ter, compass, GPS and a baseband unit with a modem, PC-based spectrum analyzer, MPEG-2 encoder/receiver, Ethernet switch, DC-DC converter and shock protected chassis.

Used in conjunction with a satphone, it really seems to have everything you would need for a simple live shot from the middle of nowhere, just powering off a vehicle battery.

Norsat were not discussing prices publicly, but unquotable sources indicated a price tag in the region of US$ 80k - so very much price competitive with the Swe-Dish IPT.

After showing of its new LMT1200 flyaway at NAB, Holkirk Communications launched their latest product, the Cyclone 120, at IBC. The key to the Cyclone is its low mass, with a weight as shown in the photo of 37kg.

Like the LMT1200, it offers one-button deployment with satellite auto-acquisition making it ready to transmit in minutes - and also, as with the LMT1200, it is designed to be assembled without the use of any tools.

Mechanically, the Cyclone is pretty impres-sive, with tight mechanics on the backlash-free antenna drive giving highly precise reli-able and accurate pointing. Designed for mounting on a small MPV utilizing existing roof rails, it can offer traditional MPEG-2 transmission or high data rate IP with a typical size HPA. Alternatively, it can be used as a flyaway.

Holkirk plan an 80 cm version - the Cy-clone 80 - towards the end of this year, which using a compact SSPA, will offer IP-based video platforms such as MPEG-4 / Windows Media Video 9 (VC-9), VoIP, and general IP

(Continued from page 1)

data connectivity. As with the LMT1200, I was very im-

pressed with what Holkirk have achieved with the Cyclone, and for such a young company, they are becoming noticed in the business - as was evident from the significant interest at their booth right at the back corner of the hall.

Not seen around for a few years, UK com-pany Dawson were showing a couple of varia-tions on a low-cost product line.

The first was the Dawson Evolution pod antenna shown on a GMC Jeep, which con-sisted of a 1.0 metre roof-rail mounted an-tenna system, with full auto-pointing capabil-ity, along with a Tandberg video-conferencing system.

Aimed at entry level entrants into SNG and event coverage, this unit was named SNiG (Satellite News information Gathering), and Dawson demonstrated the quality of live video conferencing over a Telenor satellite link be-tween the SNiG Jeep parked outside and Telenor’s stand inside.

The other variation - the Evolution flyaway - available with Ku, Ka, C and X band capability, is designed for total portability and fast de-ployment. Fully integrated into two interlocking cases that are IATA compliant, the system is claimed to be deployable by just one person in under 2 minutes.

The Evolution 1.0 metre antenna incorpo-

IBC HI G H L I G H T S

GLOBETrekker - showing SSPA fitted snugly to back of the reflector

Holkirk Cyclone - carbon fibre construction throughout

rates a single button, fully motorized auto-mated satellite acquisition and lock facility, together with a simple tool-free build and break down system, with the whole system packing away into just three IATA-compliant cases.

Priced very competitively at just under $30k for the basic flyaway antenna assembly, antenna controller including auto-pointing capability, and a laptop PC for remote control, while a pod-mounted system is an additional $3.5k. Dawson should find a receptive poten-tial customer base who have the “me too” itch for SNG.

Finally - as far as antenna systems are concerned - another UK company GigaSat were showing their new Bantam 1.0 metre


What are these two scheming? - Jim Oliver (AvL) & Chris Lay (GigaSat) caught with their

heads together on Gigasat’s stand at IBC


Dawson Evolution flyaway antenna

Dawson Evolution in rooftop pod with, inset, close-up of chrome feed arm assembly

compact terminal. The Bantam is a fully motor-ized 1.0 metre system with - yes, you guessed it - full auto-pointing and remote antenna control. The antenna controller is available either as a hand-held unit or as a 2RU high controller.

The system breaks down into three soft bags for easy transportation, and can typically be used with up to a 40W SSPA for a comms system application. Alternatively, there is a ver-sion which include GigaSat’s ½ RU wide MPEG-2 encoder, which can deliver up to 4 Mbps with a suitably sized amplifier.

Moving away from antenna systems (you’ve had enough, haven’t you?), Scopus unveiled their new UE-9000 Universal Encoder, which

“ …which currently can offer one channel of

MPEG-2 and one channel of MPEG-4 AVC, but by next spring may offer

even more. ”


offers four (that’s right, 4!) independent chan-nels of 4:2:0 MPEG-2 compression in a 1 RU chassis, or two MPEG-4 AVC channels - and by the spring of next year the same chassis will include a DVB-S2 L-band modulator. Announced

at NAB, this was the first sighting of the DSNG version in the flesh,

Currently they can offer a DVB-S2 modulator in a separate chassis - a re-badged Newtec - but Scopus plan the release of a fully integrated unit in Q1/06. MPEG-2 4:2:2 compression is available as an option.

With IP and ASI outputs, the unit offers up to eight audio stereo pairs and power consump-tion of less then 30W per channel. Further cost saving can be achieved by cascading up to 16 channels through ASI input, eliminating the multiplexer cost and utilizing the passive ASI loop-through for cascading redundancy.

This is a really dramatic development for SNG, as Scopus say that they can also offer a hybrid unit, which currently can offer one chan-nel of MPEG-2 and one channel of MPEG-4 AVC, but by next spring may offer even more.

That just about rounds up all the most inter-esting exhibits in the SNG world. Like I said, it was a busy show, and it was good to feel the optimism in the industry after the last few years of doom and gloom. Now, we have NAB to look forward to - it’s less than six months away! ◙


GigaSat Bantam

Scopus UE 9000

“… signed a contract with France’s Canal+ to supply an 18 vehicle DSNG

fleet ...”

“I think we put the gas in the wrong hole

…. Do you think I’m going to have to pay

for all of this myself ?”


If you want to share your on-the-road experiences, please send an email to us at [email protected] — we really like to fea-ture individual stories about life out on the road ...

A story posted on a number of TV news boards / blogs in the US in July about an

incident in Portland, Oregon …. “We were on our way to our PM story in

Salem last night and on the way we stopped at the Shell/TA truck stop off the Donald exit. After giving the gas station attendant the card to gas up the live truck, we both headed inside to pick something up to eat.

On our way back out, the attendant was rushing in to get us with a white faced panic look.

"Ummm...we need you to come outside," he said. "I think we put the gas in the wrong hole."

Neither the photographer or I had any idea of what he was talking about. As we rounded the live truck there was an assistant manager on her hands and knees looking at the bottom of the van that's trickling gas from everywhere.

"I just hope we didn't damage anything," she says with the same panicked tone. We still have no idea what is going on.”

The attendant, who told us later it was his first day, then pointed to where he put the gas. Not in the gas tank opening.

He had unscrewed the silver cap that cov-ers the opening leading straight into the inte-rior of the live van - the opening that's used

from time to time to run cable from the inside of the truck to the outside.

When it finally hit us what he had done, we ran to the sliding door of the van, whipped it open and gas came dumping out as if it were a flooded basement.

The photographer quickly grabbed their camera bag that because of its position in the van was actually turned into a makeshift "gas tank". When the photographer began lifting the camera out. at least a gallon of gas splashed out with it.

In his first day jitters, this 16 year-old, managed to pump a little more than 10 gal-lons into the inside of unit 20.

The fire department was called, the truck became a HazMat [Hazardous Material] scene, thousands of dollars in damage to every piece of equipment inside, including one Jones of New York suit coat.

The poor kid sat with his head in his hands … looked up at (the photographer) and said, "Do you think I'm going to have to pay for all of this myself?"

But by far the best statement of the day came from the assistant manager when she asked the photographer "How much gas did he pump? Because I won't charge you for that. That gas is free." ◙

A t IBC, UK company Sat-Comm (to the chagrin of a

number of its competitors) announced that they have signed a contract with France’s Canal+ to supply an 18 vehicle DSNG fleet to ser-vice the French I>tele news channel.

The fleet is set to replace the channels existing vehicles over the next year and packed with a number of novel fea-tures, including the exclusive use of batteries to derive the technical power for each vehicle (based on their Cygnus model) and a central control and monitoring facility covering the whole system.

The fleet will feature DVB-S2 satellite modulators, and contribution links from each vehicle will be automated via a booking facility operated by the I>tele MCR staff. The Viper-sat hub-based system will simultaneously support up to five video transmissions to-gether with voice and data communications for the whole fleet.

Another MCR facility will be able to re-motely monitor a wide range of parameters of each vehicle, from the level of the engine oil to the condition of the batteries, allowing the

SAT-CO M M CO N F O U N D S AL L

The Cygnus - 18 units for Canal+

CL O S E TO TH E FL A N G E … E X P E R I E N C E S O N T H E R O A D

Sat-Comm’s funky IBC vehicle!

station to plan ahead in ser-vicing the vehicles.

The entire facility is due to go into service within the next 12 months, with I>tele due to take delivery of the first vehi-cle before Christmas.

Incidentally, on the left is shown Sat-Comm’s star at-traction at IBC - camouflage painted on one side, and a civilian paint job on the other - careful where you drive that! ◙

The Best Books On

Satellite Newsgathering


NE W S

Industry

B ritish Telecom - BT Media & Broadcast have put their entire SNG fleet of trucks

and flyaways up for sale - some 50 units de-ployed across the UK and Europe. Rumours of losses in the division have been rife for several years, but now BT have decided to cut their losses and are looking for buyers to take it as a going concern along with the existing staff. As yet no takers have been rumoured to be interested.

I nmarsat - are launching their I4 F2 satellite for the BGAN service on Friday 4 November,

amid rumours and speculation that the transi-tion of all existing Inmarsat traffic from the I3 satellites to the I4 F1, launched in March 2005, has been delayed due to technical prob-lems. The BGAN service potentially offers a 400 kbps+ service to newsgatherers, and the I4 satellites were built to offer this new service as well as carry legacy services over from the I3 series of satellites.

M 2Sat - at IBC the European and Asia satellite service provider for SNG an-

nounced the launch of their Ku-band service. Their 384 kbps service up until now has been

only on L-band, using capacity on the Thuraya satellites, but M2Sat are expanding into the Ku band to offer more flexibility to their cus-tomers. Based in Germany, M2Sat offer equipment in their Takeaway format, a com-pact SNG unit with now either an L-band or Ku-band antenna system.

Training

B eaconSeek - offers both bespoke courses for SNG manufacturers and op-

erators as well as a customized training pro-gramme for satellite operators to train their customers in SNG operations. Contact us for details.

B BC Training - their SNG course, Digital Satellite Communications, is running

November 21 - 25 in Evesham, UK. ◙

“With the move to IP gaining pace, the

humble comms channel is poised to make a

leap forward in versatility and

efficiency.”


CO M M S IN SNG N I C K C A H I L L — S E M A T R O N

E ver since the first uplink trucks and fly-aways were deployed, auxiliary comms

have become an increasingly important part of a remote setup.

With the move to IP gaining pace, the hum-ble comms channel is poised to make a leap forward in versatility and efficiency.

Traditionally, there were two ways of comms enabling a remote. The first was where the talkback unit was wired directly to the data interface of the satellite modem. This offered two ADPCM audio channels, which could be used for 4 wire talkback/IFB, in 64kbps. This was later augmented by an additional 64kbps data channel which could be used for remote M&C, data transfers etc.

The 4 wire direct method was simple and cost effective so long as no more than two channels of voice were required or large files needed to be transferred.

The second method was to connect the modem to a voice / data multiplexer; this of-fered a myriad of interfaces (FXS/FXO tele-phone, 4 wire, fax, sync/async data etc) but added space, weight, power and potential complexity. In more recent times, attempts have been made to integrate the multiplexer into both satellite modems and video encod-ers with varying levels of success and opera-tional convenience.

A couple of the larger fleet operators real-ized that having multiple outbound carriers (one to each remote) from the hub was a waste of bandwidth and turned to frame relay as an alternative. The architecture consists of a single broadcast carrier transmitted from the hub, which is listened to by all the remotes, each of which transmit individual SCPC return carriers back to the hub in the traditional way.

This method achieves space segment sav-ings, is an open standard, and allows the broadcast outbound carrier to be divided up allowing variable CIR’s (Committed Informa-tion Rates) for each remote. On the downside, there is the frame relay overhead to consider, a separate mux and modem are still required, and the system still operates within a serial data environment.

This broadcast outbound method has since been employed by one of the more popular mux manufacturers.

The latest systems on the market employ the use of IP enabled satellite modems. These systems have a single broadcast carrier from the hub (as with frame relay) and either individual SCPC returns or in the case of Com-tech EF Data’s Vipersat system (the basis for PanAmSat’s Quickspot system) a TDMA return channel where all the remotes occupy the same frequency slot on the satellite on a “time share” basis.

For those of you not familiar with Vipersat, Vipersat satellite IP networks rely on high-performance satellite modems with an embed-ded IP router to provide the interface between LAN traffic and the satellite links that connect

remote stations to the hub. Vipersat's network management software

allows intelligent management of satellite networks through port and system configura-tion and alarm management of the protocol, modem, RF equipment and IP broadband net-working.

The satellite modem used in a Vipersat network is Comtech EF Data’s CDM-570 mo-dem, which combines the latest Turbo codec, FEC and modulation schemes to produce high levels of spectral efficiency.

The Vipersat Management System (VMS). allows CDM-570 modems to share bandwidth, and when needed, based on application or data load, switch automatically to a dedicated

4 x 64 kbps from hub 4 x 64 kbps from remotes

Direct Modem ADPCMand Traditional Mux

4 x 64 kbps from remotes256 kbps Broadcast

Frame Relay, Mux alternativeand IP broadcast

256 kbps Broadcast

Vipersat TDM/TDMA withSCPC “pool”

“... video and comms will only truly

combine when they both fully migrate to IP and the delivery system is

able to provide the high throughput required by

video.”

Field personnel can instantly establish applications such as VoIP calls, VPN connec-tions and E-mail, and the remote can even be turned into a wireless hotspot to allow anyone in the immediate vicinity access to the inter-net (potentially a revenue earner).

More equipment is becoming available with an IP interface. Modems (as mentioned above), multiplexers which can be used to convert legacy interfaces (such as 4 wire) to IP, and video encoders can now all be con-nected to an Ethernet hub or switch and with the use of QoS, it is feasible that all their out-puts can all share the same TX carrier on the satellite.

However, video and comms will only truly combine when they both fully migrate to IP and the delivery system is able to provide the high throughput required by video. The mo-dems are increasing in data rate all the time and the increasing popularity of MPEG-4 is driving down the throughput requirements of the video, the two will cross in the not to dis-tant future.

At that point it will become possible to deploy a fully IP-centric remote terminal with power and versatility only dreamt of five years ago. ◙ Nick Cahill is Satcomms Product Support Manager, Sematron UK Ltd.


CO M M S IN SNG SCPC channel. This effectively enables the network to better handle connection oriented applications and reduce network congestion. The VMS also allows for dynamic point to point connections to be established between re-motes.

The result is an economical and flexible network with bandwidth shared and directed where it is needed for any mix of IP voice, video or data traffic.

Vipersat is unique in the fact that the re-mote terminal can dynamically switch to SCPC for large file transfers (video or data) or delay sensitive applications (voice, live video etc).

The latest generation of modems used by these systems have a large amount of router functionality built in – QoS (Quality of Service) enables the operator to prioritize delay sensi-tive applications such as Voice and Video whilst rate controlling bandwidth hungry appli-cations such as ftp.

Header and payload compression is also used to introduce more efficiency to the link - a 32 kbps VoIP call running on a LAN can be compressed to 11 kbps using header com-pression. Triple DES encryption is a feature which allows the operator to encrypt his data over the satellite link.

Moving over to an IP based network can extend the reach and capabilities of a remote SNG.

“The V25 will offer 2 telephone

circuits which will also operate as open, clear 4 wire circuits with voice compression down to

5.3 kbps.”

connectivity into small portable flyaway sys-tems.

Vocality will be offering a number of re-duced cost "Starter Kits" to partners in the satellite broadcasting industry who wish to develop solutions incorporating the V25 - in-cluding news fleet operators, truck and fly-away integrators and flyaway users. The V25

is full compatible with the V50, V100 and V200, also from Vocality International.

Incidentally, Vocality celebrated its 10th birthday in September 2005. 10 years ago, Vocality was established to supply multiplex-ers and routers to the satellite communica-tions markets in the UK. It soon achieved suc-cess in both the domestic and international satcoms markets. The flagship V100 Versatile

Multiplexer is the backbone multiplexer to many government networks, and nearly all satellite news gathering trucks in the UK are equipped with Vocality hardware. ◙ Julian Bashford , Sales Director, Vocality Inter-national


V ocality International is soon to release the smallest

mux/router in the world. Vocality supply news truck

and flyaway operators with multiplexers and routers for remote network, phone and comm-link circuits,

It is designed to interface directly with all satellite mo-dems, through the presentation of serial and TCP/IP link ports - with a USB port being designed for interface to certain Inmar-sat BGAN terminals.

The IP can interface to IP based terrestrial or satellite services, as well as 10/100 base-T connected BGAN terminals. The V25 will, on the tributary side, offer 2 telephone circuits (FXS) which will also oper-ate as open, clear 4 wire circuits with voice compression down to 5.3 kbps.

Remaining link bandwidth is dynamically assigned to one of the other tributary ports.

The first is a basic sync data circuit. The sec-ond is a fully TCP/IP Bridge/Router port incor-porating optional satellite acceleration.

In a typical set up, users who have been used to receiving 2 x order wire circuits over 64Kbps can now provide 2 x order wire or phone/faxes combined with full remote net-work access, with next to no increase in sys-tem weight.

The V25 will measure only 17.5cm x 8cm x 4cm and will come housed in a rugged metal case. The ‘less than 1U high’ case makes the V25 ideal for integration into third party hard-ware, whilst features such as the new Vocality locking supervisor interface make it ideal for

TH E SM A L L E S T SN G CO M M S MU X J U L I A N B A S H F O R D — V O C A L I T Y I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Vocality’s latest tiny multiplexer

Simple Point-to-Point Comms System

Multi-site Comms System

“All in all, the perfect solution when digital communications are restricted.”

ISDN over Satellite Finally, the ever popular ISDN over Satel-

lite converters - deployed worldwide by Vocal-ity for several years - extends ISDN over tradi-tional serial based satellite modems. These converters offer an S/T bus interface to the terrestrial ISDN network, with RS449 connect-ing to the satellite modem at the hub. At the remote site, the ISDN Extender connects again to the satellite modem with the full ISDN S/T interface extending the terrestrial ISDN network into the field. All in all, the perfect solution when digital communications are restricted.

So, whatever the medium, and whatever the requirement, there seems to be a solution on offer which can address this need. ◙ More information is available at www.vocality.com, or Julian can be contacted at [email protected]


V ocality is now offering a range of ISDN Extender solutions designed to allow

broadcasters with ISDN based broadcast au-dio codecs to extend their Basic Rate ISDN or Primary Rate ISDN over a wide range of medi-ums.

If, for example, a user wishes to present a radio journalist with an ISDN Basic Rate Inter-face, so he can dial his own radio station loca-tion to make a contribution, Vocality can make this happen. Whether using physical wire, the internet or satellite, there is a range of solu-tions now which addresses all aspects of this requirement. ISDN over Fibre

The ISDN over Fibre extender offers the ability to extend single or multiple ISDN Basic Rate Interfaces over single-mode or multi-mode fibre. Such a solution is perfect when quick deployment of a reel of fibre is possible, and when remoting an ISDN codec is essen-tial. Such an extension can be run up to 13 kilometres. ISDN over IP

Next in line is the ISDN over IP extender which uses Type of Service fields to ensure it can extend the Basic Rate Interface over IP based networks, satellite modems or terres-trial infrastructure.

ISDN CO D E C S VI A WH AT E V E R . . . J U L I A N B A S H F O R D — V O C A L I T Y I N T E R N A T I O N A L

BeaconSeek Ltd. Hithermailes, 212 Mancroft Road, Aley Green, Luton, Beds LU1 4DR United Kingdom

Phone: +44 (0)1582 842 717 Fax: +44 (0)1582 849 013 Email: [email protected]

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Web addresses for organizations/companies featured in this issue

AvL www.avltech.com BBC Training www.bbctraining.com BT Media & Broadcast www.bt.com/media-broadcast CPI www.cpii.com/satcomm Dawson www.dawson-dynamic.com GigaSat www.gigasat.com Holkirk www.holkirk.com IBC www.ibc.org Inmarsat www.inmarsat.com M2Sat www.m2sat.com Norsat www.norsat.com Sat-Comm www.sat-comm.com Scopus www.scopus.net Sematron www.sematron.com Wavestream www.wavestreamcorp.com Vipersat www.vipersat.com Vocality International www.vocality.com Xicom www.xicomtech.com


• Looking to rent an uplink? Then look at TVZ, which has both current and upcoming news events around the world, and contact details for who’s covering what — www.tvz.tv

• Not too many chat forums on SNG — but one that focuses on ABC’s ABSAT newsfeed participants and makes interesting reading — www.abcnewsabsat.com/inv_forum/index.php

• Want to keep up to date with latest industry news? Try our news page, updated monthly (usually!) — www.beaconseek.com/news/news.htm

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t n a s n - v 2 i 2 inside this issue: ibc h$30k for the basic flyaway antenna assembly, antenna...

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