AFP photo journalists to deliver real time coverage of 2018 Tour De France with Aviwest transmitter

Aviwest, a global provider of video contribution systems, has announced that starting with the 2018 Tour de France, Agence France-Presse (AFP) will provide real time pictures of the event using Aviwest’s PRO180 video transmitter.

Aviwest’s system features a unique, compact design that fits into a backpack or motorcycle saddlebag and leverages up to eight 3G/4G modems simultaneously to allow automated push transmission of photos.

“For the past two years, AFP and Aviwest have been working together to adapt the PRO180 video technology to instant professional photo transmission,” said Yves Tassel and Karim Menasria, IT managers at AFP. “The first large scale test was successfully conducted during the Tour de France in 2017, with thousands of photos sent in real time. With this technological innovation, AFP photographers can now use 3G/4G mobile networks in the field to send real-time images of the race, while riding on a motorcycle. This greatly enhances the live coverage we are able to provide to our customers.”

Useful for photo coverage of any public event, the PRO180 will be used by AFP during every stage of the 2018 Tour de France. On top of eight 3G/4G modems, the transmitter features a high-efficiency custom antenna array and built-in Wi-Fi modem that ensures quick network acquisition and improved resilience in the field.

The system also offers up to two USB ports and Dual Gigabit Ethernet for streaming over LAN/WAN, BGAN, or Ka-band satellite networks. Through the PRO180’s user-friendly intuitive interface, AFP can automatically transmit live videos and photos instantly without any action required by journalists.

“Real time and secured photo coverage are a strategic priority for AFP, and the PRO180 is enhanced to enable fast coverage for both photo and video users,” said Cyril Hamelin, area sales manager at Aviwest. “We look forward to working with AFP on the Tour de France 2018 and other major public events that attract a large number of viewers.”