13 September 2018 2018

Africa’s Largets State Broadcaster – South African Broadcasting Corporation, SABC Settles On ND SATCOM “Satcom-On-The-Move”–Technology

SABC Settles On ND SATCOM “Satcom-On-The-Move”–Technology for Its New Fleet of Ten News Gathering Vehicles

Johannesburg, South Africa / Friedrichshafen, Germany, September 12, 2018 – Subsequent to an enduring technology evaluation for its needs for contribution of news and other, from any corner of South Africa, SABC has settled on the latest Satcom-On-The-Move (SOTM) technology for its Satellite News Gathering (SNG) Vehicles available on the market.

These vehicles have the ability to transmit Video (SD or HD), Voice and Data, all while on the move. The vehicle no longer need to park, unfold the dish on the roof, point, go through the “align-the-dish” procedure with the satellite provider and then commence with transmission. Now it’s simply “Point the Camera” and transmit, no matter if the vehicle is driving down a busy “highway” or is at standstill at some event. “Simultaneously” while this video is transmitted the user has telephone contact with MCR via SABC own PABX telephone network, making the vehicle independent of a possible overloaded GSM network. As if this was not enough the SNG user has access to the Internet or Intranet and e-mail at the same time.

To monitor the vehicles and limit wasteful use of satellite capacity, the whole fleet will be controlled from the headquarters in Auckland Park - Johannesburg. From here the Management System – Media Fleet Manager (MFM), an ND SATCOM developed system, informs the manager where each vehicles are, if it’s travelling or standstill, transmission is scheduled up to the “Second” automatically, reducing the time and effort to a minimum. Key for the used smart technology in the vehicles is the ND SATCOM SKYWAN modem integrated with the SOTM antenna allowing the MFM to dynamically grant transmission capacity to camera teams when and where needed.

The solution is based on the proven ND SATCOM SKYWAN modem technology that ensures uninterruptible transmissions. The SNG vehicles were built in South Africa by NIC - New Installation Company (Pty) Ltd. to assist in the future support of the vehicles.

About SABC
The SABC is South Africa’s public broadcaster. Its public service mandate is to provide a comprehensive range of distinctive programs, news and services with the view to inform, educate, entertain, support and develop culture in all 11 official languages. Its principal activities comprise of television and radio broadcasting utilizing 18 radio stations and 5 television channels. The SABC strives to maintain a leading role in the broadcasting industry and as such keep abreast with the constantly changing technology.
For additional information on the SABC and its offering please visit www.sabc.co.za

About ND SATCOM
With over three decades of experience, ND SATCOM is the premier supplier of and integrator for innovative satellite communication equipment systems and solutions to support customers with critical operations anywhere in the world. Customers in more than 130 countries have chosen ND SATCOM as a trusted and reliable source of high-quality and secure turnkey and custom system-engineered communication solutions. The company’s products and solutions are used in more than 200 transnational networks in government, military, telecom and broadcast environments.
ND SATCOM's flagship product, the SKYWAN platform, enables international users to communicate securely, effectively and quickly over satellite.

You will find us – ND SATCOM – at IBC 2018 in Amsterdam, Booth 5.A60 (14 – 18 September) and also at the AAD 2018 – Africa Aerospace and Defence 2018 – in South Africa (19 – 23 September) where we will demonstrate with our partners Paramount Group, Live, an Integrated Telecommunications Solutions that encumbers Land, Air, Naval and other tactical forces, all based on our latest innovations in satellite communications especially, on the move (SOTM).

For further information how the ND SATCOM “HUBLESS” networks can assist in your requirements, please visit www.ndsatcom.com

 

About NIC
NIC offers a highly efficient and cost effective turnkey integration package for any professional Audio-visual requirement. We specialize in the design, installation and commissioning of professional audio, video and broadcast delivering a product to the highest Broadcast Specification and Standards, Resulting in a robust integration that delivers Mission Critical reliability.
NIC has built in excess of 27x Outside Broadcast Vehicles and 5 x New and Refurbished DSNG vehicles that form part of OB Facilities fleet for amongst others the SABC.
For further information please visit www.newco.co.za

 

Contact

SABC
Tseliso Ralitabo, Group Executive: Media Technology Infrastructure
E-mail: ralitabt@sabc.co.za
Mobile: +27 (0)82 673 8858

ND SATCOM
Michael Weixler, Head of Product Management & Marketing
E-Mail: michael.weixler@ndsatcom.com
Mobile: +49 7545 939 8198
Tom Synodinos, ND SATCOM Sales Agent South Africa
E-Mail: toms@hicalibre.co.za
Mobile: + 27 82 574 574 3

NIC
Karl Britz, Director
E-Mail: karl@newco.co.za / richelb@newco.co.za
Mobile: +27 (0) 82-851-9744