French TV channel TF1 has selected digital mobile newsgathering (DMNG) solutions from AVIWEST for the capture and delivery of user-generated content. Utilising AVIWEST’s DMNG APP and DMNG Manager, more than 300 journalists working for TF1 or its partners from the regional daily press will be able to use their smartphones or tablet devices to deliver live video transmissions as well as news and events from remote countryside.
By bonding together available IP networks, the DMNG APP gives TF1 access to wider bandwidth.
“AVIWEST’s DMNG solutions support multiple networks, video resolutions, and devices, allowing us to convert any Android- or iOS-based smartphone or tablet device into a broadcast camera,” said Yves Bouillon, head of technical outside broadcast productions at TF1. “The solution from AVIWEST will be beneficial to our journalists who cover news stories in remote locations. Essentially, the solution will allow TF1 to deliver high-quality video content anytime and from anywhere, transforming our digital mobile newsgathering operations.”
Designed to withstand harsh environmental and varying network conditions, the DMNG APP delivers live and recorded video files at the highest possible video quality based on the device camera’s capabilities and then forwards the files to the studio server.
The DMNG APP includes H.264 encoding capabilities, designed to allow for the delivery of high-quality video at the lowest possible bit rates. The mobile application automatically adapts the video parameters to the camera capabilities and the network conditions, and TF1’s journalists can instantly transfer live and recorded video files over 3G/4G cellular wireless and Wi-Fi networks.
The DMNG APP will be remotely controlled by TF1 using AVIWEST’s DMNG Manager. This server application allows web-based remote configuration and control of any AVIWEST transmitter, enabling news organisations to manage a large fleet of smartphones and tablet devices. DMNG Manager will allow TF1 to allocate resources and route live video content for transmission over multiple networks.
“When a breaking news story happens, journalists need to be on the scene immediately. AVIWEST’s mobile newsgathering technology will assure that TF1 has competitive edge by broadcasting recorded video content in a matter of seconds,” said Erwan Gasc, CEO, AVIWEST. “Additionally, by eliminating the need for extra broadcast cameras and transmitters in the field, TF1 will be able to reduce technical complexities while significantly reducing capital and operational costs.”
