SIS LIVE announces new SNG deal with ITV, ITN
SIS LIVE has signed new contracts with ITV and ITN for the supply of satellite newsgathering (SNG) services. The new seven-year agreement includes the provision of a highly-specified fleet of 18 HD SNG vehicles, downlinks, IP systems and satellite capacity, to facilitate ITV and ITN’s satellite news gathering requirements in the UK. SIS LIVE was awarded the contract after a highly competitive tender process which sought out the best operational, technical and most cost-efficient solution.
ITV and ITN led the way with SISLink back in 2004 with the provision of automated uPod antennas. For this new contract SIS LIVE has produced a high stability lightweight Ka band antenna that will be included in all of the SNG vehicles and will provide the core of the ITV/ITN service.
A new iDirect hub at MediaCityUK will work alongside existing SIS LIVE iDirect services from Milton Keynes, providing greater resilience and additional new functionality. This includes a SIS uBook system that dynamically allocates bandwidth between DVB and IP carriers, ensuring that the satellite capacity usage is maximised at all times.
The multi-satellite hub will provide iDirect-based IP services to well over 100 SIS LIVE uplink vehicles with 20 new Ka band uplink units to be delivered from 2014. The service will utilise SIS LIVE’s new 8.1m Ka band antenna at its MediaCityUK teleport, with smaller Ka band antennas installed at ITV’s regional bases and ITN’s headquarters on Grays Inn road, providing downlink of signals and local IP connectivity.
ITV and ITN will be the first customers to use this service, reinforcing their reputation of being early adopters of innovative new technology.
David Meynell, managing director, SIS LIVE, says: “Having been heavily involved with the first major automated service for ITV and ITN back in 2004 SIS has an in depth understanding of their need for high quality, efficient SNG services delivered by the latest innovative, cost-efficient technology. ITV and ITN are pioneers, changing the face of the SNG industry, and together we have pushed the boundaries further by committing to the first major SNG fleet operating to Ka Band capacity. I am immensely proud of the efforts of our technical, operational and commercial teams who have got us to this position and look forward to the roll out of the brand new fleet in 2014, and to continuing to deliver the excellence that has facilitated ITV and ITN’s award-winning news coverage.”