Accelerated Media Technologies

Dejero has made it possible for NBCU-owned KNSD and KUAN-LD (Telemundo) San Diego to turn their new broadcast truck into a self-contained, end-to-end mobile TV studio. The Dejero equipment on […]

Fox News Channel will launch its Quick Response Vehicle Program during the NAB Show next week in Las Vegas. In partnership with LiveU and Accelerated Media Technologies, the program centers around a Nissan NV 3500, which Fox News said is “a one-stop shop for a photographer and crew covering and chasing down a breaking news story.”

New streaming encoders in cameras are delivering HD picture quality good enough to go directly to air. That gives stations new options for IP contribution besides the common bonded cellular workflow. Above, KOAA Colorado Springs uses a JVCKenwood ProHD portable bridge in the field. Click here to access TVNewsCheck’s NAB 2018 Resource Guide listing of field operations vendors and products or here to download it as a PDF.

IP-based vehicles with on-air appeal are big sellers to stations. Many use a combination of point-of-view cameras and bonded cellular transmission to deliver “live and drive” pictures as they move down the road, both of the surrounding area and the on-air talent in the cabin. Many also feature heavy station branding and integrated pop-up flat panel displays, allowing them to serve as a studio in the field for live shots. Above, NBC Boston’s Weather Warrior from Accelerated Media Technologies.

The bonded cellular technology at the heart of today’s IP newsgathering systems has achieved such a level of maturity that many vendors have begun addressing the finer points, such as how to more closely integrate the workflow of reporters in the field with the newsroom and maintaining network speeds even when working within the confines of a VPN. At the same time, frenemy and outright competitors have arisen and are looking to make headway with stations by offering systems they say will reduce or eliminate ever-rising wireless data bills. Photo: LiveU. Click here to access TVNewsCheck’s NAB 2017 Resource Guide listing of ENG/IP Newsgathering vendors and products or here to download it as a PDF.

NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations broke new ground in TV weather with the introduction of the first in a fleet of StormRanger dual-polarization Doppler radar trucks that make it possible for stations to get a look at storms in gaps left uncovered by fixed tower-mounted weather radar systems.

With the news that Ford is discontinuing production of its E-350 vans (above), the workhorse of ENG vehicles, suppliers are looking for replacements. Among the options are Chevy’s HD-3500, Nissan’s NV and Ford’s new full-size Transit.

While bonded cellular technology looks to be the future of ENG transmission, the ubiquitious live truck is still alive, but changing — to smaller, less expensive vehicles like this Frontline hybrid. And some are featuring new antennas to strengthen cellular signals.