As an alternative to traditional geostationary satellites, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations have shown a lot of promise.
Vislink, BT Media and Broadcast, and other companies are among the first to look into the possibilities of these LEO satellites, especially the ones made by OneWeb and Starlink.
They want to change Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) by making solutions that are cheaper and more flexible.
Why LEO Satellites Are Gaining Attention
With their creative ways to connect to the internet, LEO satellite networks, like Elon Musk’s Starlink and OneWeb, have gotten a lot of attention.
Broadcasters like these systems for more than one reason.
- They provide low-cost subscription plans that are much more affordable than traditional geostationary services.
- The terminals used in these systems are highly portable, they are convenient for on-the-go broadcasting.
- Their fast data rates and two-way IP connectivity are next, something early adopters have praised. It is now possible for more people to use Starlink, which was originally made for consumers, and OneWeb, which was made for business applications, is also becoming more popular.
Comparing LEO Satellites to Traditional Geostationary Systems
LEO satellite systems could be especially useful in situations where using regular DSNG uplink trucks is not possible or would cost too much.
Because of this growing interest, people are working together to see if it is possible to use LEO satellites for broadcasting.
Combining LEO Satellite Systems for Reliability
Both Vislink and BT Media and Broadcast are leaders in their fields, and they have joined forces to look into how combining multiple LEO satellite systems could improve the reliability of broadcasts.
They carried out a test of the technology to see what OneWeb and Starlink could do on their own and when used together.
The results showed that combining the two LEO systems had clear benefits, even though some satellite networks had short service outages.
- Increased Uplink Data Rate: The combination of OneWeb and Starlink remarkably shot up the available uplink data rate, reaching an average of over 18 Mbps at the test site. This speed is enough for most HEVC-encoded broadcast services.
- Continuous Service: Even during brief interruptions in individual LEO satellite connections, the combined network ensured continuous service, even in the event of a total network failure.
- Stable Video Connection: Even when one network went down for a short time, the video connection stayed stable thanks to adaptive bitrate encoding and spreading the data across both networks. This approach allowed a smooth video presentation.
Implications of the Trial and Future Prospects
The successful trial conducted by Vislink and BT Media and Broadcast demonstrates that:
- Combining Starlink and OneWeb services can deliver reliable, high-bitrate transmission suitable for various broadcast applications.
- The test results also showed that end-to-end latency and bitrate connections are acceptable for many broadcasts. LEO satellite systems are a likely alternative to traditional satellite trucks.
As LEO satellite constellations expand and improve – broadcasters will get access to more affordable, dependable, and portable connectivity solutions that meet the demands of modern broadcasting.
Vislink’s Role in the Future of Broadcasting
Vislink is important for shaping the future of broadcast connectivity.
Specializing in live video communications for news, sports, entertainment, and public safety, Vislink provides a range of products, such as wireless camera systems, AI video production tools, and satellite communication technologies.
As the broadcast industry grows, Vislink’s new ideas will help make LEO satellite systems more popular, which will change how broadcasters connect with their audiences in the long run.
LEO satellites open up a new era of affordable, reliable, and adaptable broadcast solutions that could change the way broadcasters connect to the internet in the future.
