Broadcaster FAQs
Who is your Newsspotter service most suitable for?
NewsSpotter is perfect for any type of production or broadcast team deployment. Our customers use it for remote location work, temporary press centres, production on location both in the UK and overseas, live event coverage and photography. The system is also deployed by Military, Police and Emergency Services.
What size is the Newsspotter system?
It’s extremely light and compact and can be carried in a backpack for Fly-Away use and rooftop mounted on a small car. NewsSpotter can instantly connect mobile news crews to studios for transmission of live recordings, images and data. Providing native IP connectivity, NewsSpotter is perfectly integrated for the workflows of modern newsgathering operations. It is available across KA-SAT’s footprint that covers Europe, North Africa and the UAE.
What if I’m relatively new to this sort of broadcast equipment?
No problem. We offer free training to our new broadcast customers at our Bicester headquarters. The service has been designed to be as simple as possible, and in two hours you’ll know all that you need to. This will include finding the satellite and using the booking portal, so you can set up the system and get the best from it.
How do I book, change, or cancel a session on Newspotter?
Via a self-booking portal or simply by calling our European HQ in the UK. You’ll only pay for time and GB’s transmitted. The ‘Always On’ service is billed monthly as used, also charged by the GB. There are NO monthly fees or pre-purchase bandwidth requirement unless additional services are demanded. See our Newspotter booking instructions for full details.
Does bad weather affect the system?
In extreme cases this is possible. When it happens, the signal slows down, so the risk of falling off air is minimal. The overall performance of the KA-Sat NewsSpotter is typically > 99.5%, which is better than fixed-line services.
How far does the cable reach from the antenna?
The standard coax cable (WF100) will provide a connection up to 30 metres from the antenna. For longer distances, we recommend a WF125 cable, which can be used up to a distance of 70 metres.
Do you offer BT Tower feeds?
We don’t offer a direct line to BT Tower. Instead, we have developed infrastructure that offers a more cost-effective solution for broadcasters requiring only a few hours per week or month. This service is delivered in partnership with Auriga.
Who is the BT Tower feeds designed for?
The feeds are ideal for production companies wanting to get content from their studio or location, large broadcasters, sports broadcasters, and webcasters.
Can bigblu supply permanent video links?
Yes, examples of this service include:
- The porting of 3 channels 24/7 landed in the Middle East from an Arab satellite and ported to London for inclusion for UK programming.
- A sports customer running 5 video channels from Canary Wharf to their Playout Centre in London 24/7.
KA-Sat Flyaway
What size does the Fly-Away pack down to?
The stand is quickly dismantled and packs into two flight cases along with all other modules. The case complies with ‘In-Hold’ weights and dimensions.
What are the dimensions?
Equipment case (loaded) weight 34.8Kg; dimensions are: 540 x 410 x 1105 mm approx.
Dish / Antenna Case (loaded) 24.6 Kg, 860 x 260 x 880 mm approx.
How long does deployment take?
Deployment (classified as from unpacking to ‘live’) typically takes less than 15 minutes.
What is the Shoot & Scoot coverage like?
It covers the whole of Europe, subject to any local licence restrictions. Our satellite partner, Eutelsat, has a licence which covers 100% of Western Europe and sections of North Africa.
Dawson GC-Zero 70 KA-SAT
Who is the GC-Zero 70K for?
As a high-quality antenna system solution, it’s perfect for communications professionals. The compact antenna means it can be transported easily in most road vehicles, by helicopter or by commercial flight. It is much easier to assemble than many competitors, typically deploying in just four minutes.
Is it easy to use?
Our Dawson embedded software is pre-programmed to search for KA-SAT with the touch of a button. So, like our standard antenna, you don’t need to be a satellite engineer to operate it.
Does it meet broadcasters’ high-demand specifications?
The SC-Zero 70K can transmit IP radio, SD and HD broadcast video signals as well as providing mobile broadband.
Cobham Explorer
What are the extra features of the Cobham 8100?
It’s designed for heavy duty deployment on difficult terrain in unwelcome conditions. The 1M Carbon Fibre Antenna gives improved signal and the resilience to better withstand high winds and conditions that might compromise other equipment.
Its offers ‘Dynamic Pointing Correction’ (DPS) from its stabilised Maritime Antennas on this new series of Land Comms-On-The-Pause VSAT antennas. DPS ensures uninterrupted transmission when similar antennas would experience a complete loss of signal.
How complicated is operation?
It comes with built-in Wi-Fi for easy access to the terminal and the same web-based user-interface developed for Cobham’s cutting-edge Inmarsat GX series of antennas. The Explorer 8100 provides high performance, continuous connectivity in the field, optimally supporting high definition video streaming, high throughput data transfer and tactical and emergency communication.
AKD Sat-comm Flyaway Karbon-75
Who is the AKD Karbon-75 most suitable for?
Its size, weight and speed of set-up (no tools are necessary) make it ideal for satellite newsgathering teams, exploration teams, disaster relief teams or first responders.
How quick is deployment?
A single person, without tools, can deploy the Karbon-75 in just a minute.
How do I acquire satellite signal?
Use the Ka-Sat Pointer app to connect to the modem and put it into “Install” mode. Then scan azimuth searching for telephone “beep”. Once discovered you can make fine adjustments to achieve peak signal. The terminal will complete the automatic log-in process and then you’re ready for live transmission.
What is the size and weight of it?
The reflector segments, ETRIA, tripod mount and modem backpack all pack into a single padded case. Total weight is less than 23kg limit for checked baggage and complies with current IATA airline luggage regulations.