The Satellite Interference Reduction Group (sIRG) today announced a huge leap forward in the fight against satellite interference following a number of important developments at IBC.
One of the major initiatives being spearheaded by sIRG is the introduction of video carrier ID across the industry in time for the 2012 Olympics. At the sIRG and GVF conference on 8th September, hosted by Eutelsat, Eutelsat announced that from 30th June 2012 carrier ID will be integrated into transmission parameters for SNG transmissions and new DVB broadcasts for all Eutelsat customers.
“The announcement from Eutelsat is a huge breakthrough in the fight against interference and it will significantly impact our goal of getting the entire industry on board with video carrier ID in time for the 2012 Olympics,” commented Martin Coleman, Executive Director, sIRG. “Now that Eutelsat has made that first major step, we are working with other satellite operators to determine their strategy moving forward."
A further breakthrough was made at a meeting of manufacturers and organizations, hosted by sIRG, courtesy of Double D Electronics, Novella SatComs and Research Concepts at IBC. In particular, the meeting involved a number of leading modem manufacturers who have agreed to work together to formalize a standard for the insertion of new carrier ID technology within the DVB specification, leaning towards a technology based on an overlay channel. Comtech has recently proven that such a technology is a viable and robust solution. Those discussions have now begun and we hope to have this put in to the DVB process by 5th October, 2011. Martin Coleman, Executive Director, sIRG said, “The meeting of manufacturers was extremely positive, and I was particularly encouraged to see competing companies sitting around a table and agreeing to work together towards a common goal.”
Thomas Van Den Driessche, Director of Vertical Markets, Newtec, added: “It is great to see common goals that contribute to the reliability and competitiveness of the Satellite Industry. We have since had some positive feedback from the DVB about supporting this process. We fully expect to reach a standard backed up by leading manufacturers, operators and users in the short term.” Fred Morris, VP Global Sales Engineering, Comtech EF Data commented: “Interference is a problem which effects the entire industry and the only way we can solve it is by working together as an entire industry. We are pleased to be part of this initiative.”
Having made major advancements at IBC, the focus now has to be on defining the process of managing carrier ID, ensuring that it is workable throughout the chain.