WDR Plots Path To The Future With Newtec

One of the largest European public broadcasters, Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) has equipped its fleet with Newtec Satellite Modulators and is equipping its crucial DSNG broadcast truck, FÜ5 (Bocklemünd Fernsehübertragungswagen 5), with Newtec's DualFlow technology to provide support for both ASI and IP-based operations.
WDR's installation of Newtec's DualFlow-enabled Azimuth Broadcast Modulators guarantees flexibility in its outside broadcast operations and simplifies the transition to full IP-based contribution.
WDR's FÜ5 is primarily used for sports news gathering and the popular early morning "Morgenmagazin"programme on ARD and Zweltes Deutches Fernsehen (ZDF). With Newtec's DualFlow and Newtec's Azimuth Broadcast Satellite Modulators installed, the capabilities of FÜ5 increase from dual DVB-5 transport streams to dual DVB-S2 streams.
FÜ5 will maintain compatibility with existing ASI infrastructure while providing support for IP-based operations, guaranteeing 100 percent tapeless workflow support including VoIP links to the studio and broadband web-surfing while on the road.
Eric Sollbach, Head of SNG and Satellite Technology, WDR, said: "Whether it is the traditional ASI or an IP infrastructure, for both scenarios we require high-quality pictures at high bit rates. By installing the Newtec modulator with the future-proof DualFlow option, we greatly increase the quality, reliability and redundancy of our mobile broadcast operations."
Newtec's DualFlow technology enables a progressive migration from a traditional ASI video satellite transmission network to an IP infrastructure, allowing WDR to migrate from DVB-S to DVB-S2 in the future without changing the infrastructure and equipment configuration. Newtec Azimuth equipment enabled with DualFlow technology delivers a compact and highly versatile solution for broadcasters seeking lower operational costs through highly efficiency bandwidth use, together with backward compatibility and a future-proof design combining video and IP technologies.
The Azimuth Broadcast Satellite Modulator (AZ110) with DualFlow is capable of transmitting two transport streams simultaneously in DVB-S2 Multistream mode, and it can interface with equipment or networks that carry transport streams over IP with the RTP or UDP protocols. DualFlow also provides the ability to transmit IP services (eg: file transfers, VoIP, TCP services) and transport streams simultaneously, making mobile broadcast trucks and vans much more versatile and productive as online production units.
Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec, said: "By embracing Newtec DualFlow technology on top of the existing Newtec modulators, WDR has chosen the most cost-effective and versatile path to IP-based operation. Broadcasters with DualFlow are able to have the best of both worlds - ASI and IP - for as long as they went and they can choose the time to switch to full IP operation whenever it suits, without further expenditure."
(KMcA)