Frontline Communications

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.

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.