A Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) vehicle, or satellite broadcast vehicle, is akin to a mobile ground station. Everything inside the DSNG vehicle is essentially the same as what you would find in a terrestrial satellite station, albeit on a smaller scale. This enables the transmission of live broadcasts from virtually any location. Many people might wonder what a DSNG vehicle is and how it operates. Let’s explore the operations of the DSNG team under NT Satellite Solutions.
Every time the DSNG team heads out to provide satellite broadcast services, the first consideration is the satellite’s signal reception and transmission angle, as well as the parking location specified by the client. The satellite dish must be precisely aligned with the geostationary satellite, and the DSNG vehicle’s stabilizing legs must be deployed to ensure the dish remains steady. This is crucial to avoid interference with other satellite transponders. Another key factor is the power system. The team connects to a generator provided by the client to ensure a stable power supply. When the production team sends the video and audio signals, the DSNG team connects these signals to both the main and backup inputs, preventing any disruptions during transmission. The rear of the DSNG vehicle is equipped with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and a generator to ensure signal stability and prevent outages, even if external power sources fail.
To establish video and audio signal transmission via the DSNG vehicle, the first step is to check the satellite signal using a Spectrum Analyzer, and the satellite dish angle is adjusted using an antenna control for finer accuracy. This prevents cross-polarization or interference from other signals during reception. Once the Spectrum Analyzer shows the highest signal frequency, it indicates that the satellite is aligned with the dish, allowing the uplink process to commence. The DSNG team receives signals from the OB (Outside Broadcasting) unit through both the main and backup channels, which are then processed by the Encoder within the DSNG vehicle to compress the video and audio data, reducing the satellite bandwidth required. The team also checks the video for flickering and performs a preliminary audio signal check.
After receiving the necessary parameters from the satellite’s CNS (Control Network System), these values are set in the system for signal reception and transmission. The signals are converted to Intermediate Frequency (IF) and then passed through the Modulator and Up Converter before being sent to the High Power Amplifier and transmitted through the satellite dish to the geostationary satellite. A Biz Key is used between the sending and receiving ends to secure the signals and data. The entire system undergoes a final test before going live.
DSNG vehicles are capable of providing live satellite broadcast services for significant events, sports competitions, and various other occasions worldwide. Examples include the APEC Leaders’ Meeting, national sports events such as the Sea Games and Asian Games, and emergency disaster news reporting, ensuring that viewers in Thailand and beyond can access news and information quickly.
