National 7 (Spotlight Weekly)

Information about SWE - DISH

Bal Krishna Prasad

Prasad obersing the machine

At a time when the world at large is using newer technologies everyday in satellite and digital broadcasting, we continue to depend on old ones. It is, therefore, appropriate to discuss about a new technology called SWE-DISH, which can revolutionize satellite broadcasting in countries like Nepal. It was in November 2003 when I first observed this technology in Tokyo, Japan. The system seems relevant and useful to television broadcasting. The SWE-DISH* IPT Suitcases satellite system is the world's most compact and quickest-to-air satellite system combining the benefits of simple, one-person operation with exceptional technical performance to allow like, 2 Mbps broadband transmission with external encoding unite from virtually anywhere in the world.

SWE-DISH* IPT Suitcase Satellite System for:

· Live video/audio streaming of news and sports

· Broadcast quality transmission from remote and hostile locations

· Disaster relief applications

· Corporate broadcasts

· Temporary ISP nodes for remote workers.

· Internet browsing, email and file transfer

BROADCAST QUALITY -WITHIN MINUTES

Using IP technology, the system provides broadcast quality video already encoded for digital distribution through internet, intranet or via your TV distribution network. The antenna positioning is motorized and fully controlled via the unique Graphical User Interface (GUI). The GUI operates on any PC connected to the IPT Suitcase via the inbuilt GPS receiver and an electronic compass for the task in hand. Typically, the set up can be achieved in field conditions in less than five minutes. Wherever the action, the IPT Suitcase gets your pictures to air without much fuss.

COMPACT, RUGGED AND DEPENDABLE

Measuring just 66 X 47 X 29 cm the SWE-DISH*

IPT Suitcase Satellite System is scarcely bigger than hand baggage and is fully enclosed in a tough carbon fiber and aluminum carry case. The IPT Suitcase system includes a stand alone power supply unit for both AC and DC input. The entire system is robust enough for the toughest assignment.

KEY BENEFITS

· Live, broadcast-quality, IP-based, 2 Mbps broadband transmission.

· Compact, hand-portable and rugged.

· Fast, one-person operation with unique, user-friendly graphical user interface.

· Motorized antenna positioning.

· Different IPT versions meeting demands for various application.

· Allows broadband content to be generated anywhere anytime.

SPECIFICATIONS SWE-DISH IPT SUITCASE

ANTENNA PERFORMANCE

· Antenna Type Gregorian offset in 4 pcs

· Antenna Aperture 0.9* 0.66,

· Polarization Linear

· Rx Frequency 10.95 - 12.75 GHz

· G/T 18.2 dB/K @ 20 elevation

· Tx Frequency 14.0 - 14.5 GHz (Ku-band)

· Extended Tx Frequency 13.75 - 14.5 GHz (Optional)

· Crosspolar Rejection > 35 dB

· EIRP Up to 51.7 d BW, at - 1 dB

MODULATION

· Transmit mode: SCPC

· Modulation type: QPSK

· Date rate: 64 kbps - 2 Mbps

· Code Types: Viterbi FEC, RS

VIDEO INPUTS AND PROCESSING

· Depending on used encoder

DATA INPUTS AND PROCESSING

· LAN interconnectivity 10/100 base MIL - C - 26482 connector

· L-band external input (optional)

· EIA 530 data interface (optional)

· Video streaming over IP, internet connection, email and ftp file transfer

ENCODING UNIT

· Stand alone unit for MPEG2 encoding over IP or DVB optional.

IR ROUTING

· Bi-directional and uni-directional operation supported.

· Support transmission of live video stream, internet connection, email (SMTP/POP) and ftp.

· Accept simultaneous data streams of different kinds.

ANTENNA ALIGNMENT

· Motorized alignment through GPS and electronic compass

· Azimuth range: + 300 0.10 step size

· Elevation range: 100 - 700, 0.10 step size

· Polarization: 1500, 0.10 step size

CONTROL UNIT

· Embedded PC platform with memory, disk and network connection.

· Graphical use interface (GUI) via an embedded http server.

· The GUI controls antenna positioning. RF parts encoder and transmission parameters.

MECHANICS & DESIGN

· Compact: The communication unit is packed in one case with the encoder unit (optional) in a separate enclosure.

· Total weight, encoder excluded is less than 40 kg and size 47 X 29 cm.

EASE OF USE

· Fast set-up Less than 5 minutes

· Fast, one-person operation with unique, user-friendly graphical user interface.

· Through the operator terminal all functions can be remotely controlled and monitored.

· Worldwide support and diagnostics from SWE- DISH global support center 24 hours / day.

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS

· Operating temperature: - 20 to + 400C

· Operational humidity: 95 % non-condensing

· Storage temperature range: - 40 to + 700

· Sustain 100 mm rain per hour

· Power requirements: 24 V DC (700) from battery or external AC (110-240V) to DC converter.

(The author is Senior News Editor, Nepal Television)