Bonded cellular can be a major money saver. BAS units (the big vans that station news departments send out) are bulky and expensive. A bonded unit fits in a backpack. So with that line of thinking, Hearst Television has signed an exclusive deal to deploy TVU Networks’ TVUPack mobile cellular uplink solutions across its network of 29 television stations for live mobile electronic news gathering (ENG).
TVU’s Dan Sorensen tells RBR-TVBR there are a number of TVUPack customers in the US, including stations from large broadcast groups also including Gray Television, Scripps, Hoak Media and others.
After evaluating a number of cellular uplink transmission products, Hearst selected TVUPack because of its resilient, stable and reliable transmission capabilities, superior picture quality, and ease of use in the field. In the coming months, the station group plans to deploy the complete suite of TVUPack solutions across its network of affiliates to dramatically expand the group’s ENG capabilities and deliver live video from more locations.
“Hearst Television stations are nationally recognized news leaders, and we actively seek out innovative new technologies such as TVUPack to help our stations extend that leadership. TVUPack is a powerful, proven technology that will enable all Hearst stations to expand the way they broadcast news and deliver more compelling live video to viewers than ever before. TVU is a valued technology partner for Hearst and we look forward to using TVU solutions to push the boundaries of what is possible with live newsgathering and IP video distribution,” said Edward Martin Faubell, vice president of engineering, Hearst Television.
“TVUPack is relied upon by hundreds of the largest and most important newsgathering organizations in the world on a daily basis to provide live video of the news and events that shape our lives. Hearst is one of the most respected and innovative broadcast groups in the United States, and we will work closely with Hearst stations to continue to evolve with them in order to deliver more innovation and create new technologies to meet their needs,” said Paul Shen, CEO, TVU Networks.
The TVUPack family of products gives broadcasters satellite and microwave TV truck functionality in a lightweight, portable and untethered form. TVUPack is the original one button operation backpack, is simple to use and provides broadcasters with low-latency, HD-quality signal that enables them to broadcast live at any time and from any location.
