ProSiebenSat.1 expanded its use of LiveU's IP-video gear to increase its international and local newsgathering capabilities, adding LiveU Mobile Data and LiveU Matrix cloud distribution.
ProSiebenSat.1, independent media provider in Europe’s German-speaking region, operates three major free TV channels (ProSieben, SAT.1 and Kabel Eins) and its digital streaming platform Joyn, to deliver their distinctive :newstime news programming brand. :newstime has been centrally produced at its newly built Munich headquarters since September 2024 and distributed across the channels.
Successful establishment and launch of its own newsroom and :newstime format was significant for ProSiebenSat.1, including the move to a new, modernised studio. The studio complex was a milestone in itself as the first area of company’s new headquarters to go into operation. All :newstime programs from SAT.1, ProSieben, Kabel Eins and Joyn are produced in the new studio, and are broadcast from there.
Expanded Newsgathering
ProSiebenSat.1 has substantially expanded its deployment of LiveU IP-video software and devices to increase its international and local newsgathering capabilities. Already a LiveU customer for several years, the broadcaster has added LiveU Mobile Data and the LiveU Matrix cloud distribution platform to its existing LiveU workflow, aiming to increase efficiency while controlling operational costs. The new deployment runs across ProSiebenSat.1's operations, including the three channels described here, implemented in collaboration with LiveU's German partner netorium.
Data is the basis of cellular bonding. Therefore, LiveU has developed expertise in optimising data connections to support video broadcasts. LiveU Mobile Data-embedded SIM cards are prepared for local use in Europe, the USA, Canada and Israel, with roaming plans available where needed.
LiveU Mobile Data runs LiveU’s IP connectivity system LiveU IQ (LIQ), an extension of LiveU Reliable Transport (LRT), which bonds multiple IP links for maximum bandwidth. LiveU IQ uses eSIMs and local or cloud-based algorithms to determine and take advantage of a range of network operators by automatically swapping to higher performing ones, especially in rural or congested network areas.
Remote Control and Optimisation
Multiple LiveU units, including LU800 multi-cam units, are positioned across Germany to cover domestic news events such as the recent federal election. Dedicated units are also permanently stationed in Washington DC and Tel Aviv for international stories. Besides this, ProSiebenSat.1 receives hundreds of live feeds from its network of production companies and freelancers that also use LiveU equipment. The team controls and optimises the transmission parameters remotely from Munich via the LiveU Central management platform. Consequently, camera operators in the field only need to focus on capturing shots from the scene.
All of these LiveU units now run on LiveU Mobile Data packages that maintain cellular connectivity from all locations, and support roaming capabilities activated on demand for overseas reporting. The service is optimised for IP-video transport and, due to LiveU's ability to buy data globally, the delivered video quality is cost-effective for ProSiebenSat.1.
Cloud-Based Distribution
The LiveU Matrix IP cloud-based distribution platform is also being used to exchange live feeds from news events with other stations. ProSiebenSat.1 has formed a Matrix news pool comprising all major private and public broadcasters in Germany. When a national or federal election occurs, for example, the broadcasters can split up the work by assigning their camera crews to different party headquarters and other election hot spots. The various feeds are shared over the LiveU Matrix cloud platform, replacing traditional fibre-based distribution with more cost-effective techniques.
Christoph Heise, Head of Production Factual at Seven.One Entertainment Group GmbH (ProSiebenSat.1's Entertainment division), said, "From elections to sports and cultural events, LiveU gives us the flexibility to cover news stories around the world as they happen. We can remotely control all LiveU field units from our Munich premises, receive the camera feeds instantly and start processing them from the moment they are shot. Time-critical news broadcasting is integral to our day-to-day operations, and as we expand our LiveU deployment, we're able to increase our production pace and output significantly."
For global events such as the Paris Summer Games in 2024, ProSiebenSat.1 uses LiveU's rental service, limiting dependence on roaming teams to travel with transmission equipment. It reduces the set-up time for planned events and also helps when reporting on breaking news at short notice. The rental units are supplied at the event location, equipped with preconfigured SIM cards.
"We can integrate LiveU’s solutions into our existing in-house workflows with little disruption," said Klaus Geiger, Business Architect at ProSiebenSat.1 Tech & Services GmbH. "Instead of relying on an SNG truck, LiveU helps us to reduce logistics work and production costs while maintaining the expected viewing quality. As we continue to innovate in the news domain, we're currently exploring new cloud-centric production approaches together with LiveU." www.liveu.tv
