News and Updates

Broadcast Networks Takes The Hassle Out Of Remote Location Shooting

Winchester, UK – September 2006    Television production companies wanting to shoot programmes in out of the way locations can now access tailor-made satellite solutions thanks to a new service launched by UK system integration specialist, Broadcast Networks.

Broadcast Networks’ Satellite Communications division has already provided broadcast uplink facilities for a number of programmes including ‘the farm 2’, The National Lottery’s Millionaire Manor and Space Cadets.

“We can install everything production companies need, from fully redundant standard or High Definition broadcast uplinks and data communication links through to live streaming onto Internet and mobile platforms,” explains Broadcast Networks Managing Director Jan Haye. “Our service even extends to the provision of multiple telephone lines in remote locations where these facilities would normally prove too costly and difficult to install.”

At the heart of Broadcast Networks’ Satellite Communications division are four transportable Earth Stations. These incorporate 2.4 metre satellite dishes that can either be installed at the location on transportable control rooms, or supplemented by mobile SNG vehicles.

“We realised there was a definite need within the broadcast industry for reliable, yet versatile, high quality mobile satellite communications, particularly for productions that were being filmed in out of the way places where it isn’t easy or possible to access normal broadcast and telecomm infrastructures,” Haye adds.

“Once we had acquired the Earth Stations, they were immediately put through their paces by Endemol UK, which was filming ‘the farm 2’ on MOD land in Wiltshire. Endemol UK needed multiple telephone lines, Internet connection and a redundant broadcast uplink, which we routed through Siemens Teleport at the BBC Television Centre in London for the downlink.”

The installation proved a great success and solved Endemol UK’s broadcast and communications issues by giving production staff full access to the outside world at this remote location.

Richard Thomson, head of production at Endemol UK, says: “We were very happy and impressed with the service provided by Broadcast Networks for ‘the farm 2’ and consider the company to be one of the key partners in the success of this quite complex and challenging venture.”

Broadcast Networks is now in discussion with a number of production companies that are planning remote shoots for later in the year.

“There is certainly a lot of interest in this service and we are delighted that our turnkey approach is generating such positive feedback,” Haye adds.