T-VIPS Provides JPEG2000 Video Transport Solution for A1 Telekom Austria’s Roving OB Units

The primary use of these OB Vans is to enable ORF, the state broadcaster, to transport high quality, JPEG2000 video, from 150 points of presence across Austria, over A1’s MPLS backbone, to ORF’s centralized production facilities. This video contribution project is designed to neatly integrate with A1’s fixed IP video transport network, which is also powered by T-VIPS’ JPEG2000 solutions. This combination of OB Vans linked via IP to ORF’s central editing studios means greater flexibility, easy access to editing and production skills and reduced costs.

“We are delighted with the flexibility, reliability and effectiveness of the IP-based OB Van solution operated by A1,” said DI Alexander Hetfleisch, Project Manager, Planning Dept., ORF. “In close cooperation with A1, we designed a solution for live event coverage that ensures robust video transport, low latency, and efficient use of our video equipment resources.”

The TVG450 is a member of the T-VIPS’ Video Gateway suite; a line of compact, powerful and cost-effective products designed for real-time contribution and distribution of broadcast quality video over IP networks. The TVG450 has increased density with up to 1 3G-SDI, 2 HD-SDI or 4 SDI channels in the same unit. The TVG450 takes advantage of the unmatched quality of JPEG2000 compression and when combined with the inherent flexibility of IP, provides A1 Telekom Austria and ORF with an efficient, affordable and scalable solution for studio quality high definition video contribution.

“The flexibility, reliability and ease of set-up of the T-VIPS TVG450 enabled us to equip our new OB Vans to provide ORF with JPEG2000 video transport rather than having to purchase a Video Gateway for every live event facility in Austria,” said Karl Heinz Klocker, Head of Multimedia and Broadcast Solutions, A1 Telekom Austria AG. “The roving video contribution service for scheduled events, that T-VIPS technology enables, provides all the functionality of a fixed contribution solution at the venue and additionally delivers increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness.”

The TVG450 enables A1 Telekom Austria to utilize readily available Ethernet links to provide ORF with a flexible and cost-effective IP-MPLS video contribution network. Built in Quality of Service functionality combined with Forward Error Correction and error concealment secures flawless operation from end to end even in the presence of IP impairments such as packet loss or heavy jitter.

“A1 Telekom Austria’s innovative mobile contribution approach would not be possible without the flexibility provided by our IP video transport solutions,” said Janne T. Morstøl, COO, T-VIPS. “The industry now knows and fully understands the cost benefits of IP transport. We’re very excited to be driving the next level of innovation, which focuses on increased flexibility and robustness in IP video transport, of which the TVG450 and the A1 Telekom Austria project is a prime example.”

The system was delivered in cooperation with T-VIPS' Austrian partner TV-Connect.