FTV elects 4g/wireless transmission in Taiwanese first
Published: ASIA
TAIWAN: As it provided the Taiwanese populace with coverage of the recent general election, Formosa TV (FTV) became the first broadcaster to utilise 4G/wireless transmission in its production workflow. FTV employed two Sony PWS-100RX1 network stations to deliver election results instantly to viewers.
The PWS-100RX1 enables live streaming from Sony’s XDCam range of camcorders over a single 4G/LTE channel or via a Wi-Fi network, receiving up to 30 live streams simultaneously with an output of up to two SDIs. FTV utilised the network station units alongside its existing roster of PXW-X500 and X200 XDCam camcorders.
‘The PWS-100RX1 provides a very simple way of 4G network transmission,’ explained Bryan Lee of Formosa Television’s news department. ‘It improves our news workflow; as long as a camcorder is being used, we can receive live images or files anytime. And most important of all, we did not have to invest in additional SNG vans or 4G backpacks. If we had used our usual six SNG vans and six 4G backpacks, we could achieve only 12 live signals. With the PWS-100RX1, we achieved over 60 live signals, reaching places other stations could not. The PWS-100RX1 makes a big difference.’
The broadcaster worked closely with Sony Taiwan to ensure a seamless workflow during the elections, with the manufacturer providing training to camera operators and journalists for setting up the network function on camcorders and mobile phones. ‘When combined with the X500 and X200 camcorders, our crew did not need any extra adaptors for the PWS-100RX1,’ added Mr Lee. ‘This also translates into a cost-effective way to stream video content.
‘The PWS-100RX1 has really improved our workflow,’ Mr Lee continued. ‘Camera operators can use the 4G dongle or mobile phone wireless sharing function to transfer the streaming video back to the station with the X500 and X200. The GUI of the PWS-100RX1 is controlled at sub-control rooms, where our producers have full control to decide which streaming video it is going to use for the live news feed. The PWS-100RX1 was extremely stable and we are now using it in our daily news feeds.’
Taiwan reportedly has the highest monthly 4G data transmissions in the world. ‘Formosa Television is delighted to be Taiwan’s first TV station to use 4G/wireless transmission in its workflow,’ concluded Mr Lee. ‘I am sure other channels will be adopting this application very soon.’