Reuters deploys pioneering solutions for global HD broadcast of Oscar Pistorius Trial

Commercial partnership between Reuters, Avanti Communications, Sematron and BIPS

Global news agency, Thomson Reuters has successfully broadcast live HD coverage of the entire Oscar Pistorius court trial, via a partnership between: global satellite operator Avanti Communications, hardware supplier Sematron and Broadcast IP Systems (BIPS). Since March 2014, coverage of the high-profile trial has been beamed in HD to millions of viewers across the world by Reuters and its commercial partners.

Avanti’s Ka-band satellite technology has reliably provided the high throughput and coverage essential for delivering high-quality contribution for Reuters’ IP broadcast. The operator’s Ka-band technology is bi-directional and flexibly combines with 3G to give a resilient multi-path solution while broadcasting on-the-move.

Sematron’s TP100, a lightweight easy to deploy terminal and modem, powered directly from camera batteries. This removes the need for a heavyweight generator. Additionally, the modem has built-in WiFi for even more flexibility for SNG customers.

As the world’s largest news organisation, our reputation rests in the hand of our trusted suppliers. Reuters is proud to pioneer global SNG solutions and often, from the remotest of locations. Sharing the same vision as us for agile and reliable broadcast services, we are excited to deepen our commercial partnership with Avanti, Sematron and BIPS.”

George Johnson, Technical Coordinator at Reuters

Provision of seamless broadcast coverage for the duration of the Pistorius trial further demonstrates the flexibility of IP over Ka-band. Avanti is extremely proud to support the world’s largest broadcasters as we continue to redefine the SNG marketplace for the new generation of IP broadcasters.”

Matthew O’Connor, Chief Operating Officer of Avanti Communications

The Holkirk (a Sematron company) TP100 has proven itself as a truly versatile Ka-band terminal. It operates on Avanti’s satellite fleet to cover high-profile live events in Europe, the Middle East, Russia and Africa. Our product is the perfect combination of size, weight and performance to deliver high quality HD video, radio and internet to the bureau staff.”

Dave Nicoll, Business Manager at Sematron

Our partnership has been an overwhelming success. Working with a handful of trusted suppliers, we are able to support delivery of low-cost, fast and flexible global solutions for the SNG industry.”

Helen Brown, Director at BIPS