SIS LIVE Implements iDirect's Evolution Platform

Enhances IP Satellite News Gathering Capabilities

Updated: April 07, 2011

HERNDON, Va., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems Inc. (VT Systems), today announced that SIS LIVE, Europe's largest outside broadcast and uplink supplier, is upgrading its satellite news gathering (SNG) network to iDirect's Evolution platform. The upgrade allows SIS LIVE to more efficiently allocate and segment bandwidth for its leading UK broadcast customers who use the network to transmit live video and audio feeds from vehicles in the field. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

SIS LIVE's network provides major UK news agencies with broadband access via satellite connectivity to help them meet the growing demand for live news coverage. Field journalists use the network to establish live broadcasts and transmit high-quality video and audio content. The network also enables 'store-and-forward,' in which large video files are captured and edited locally, before being transmitted over the network.

iDirect's Evolution platform reliably supports these bandwidth-intense applications as well as Internet connectivity and Voice over IP (VoIP). Built on the next-generation DVB-S2 broadcasting standard with Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM), Evolution enables SiS LIVE to share bandwidth efficiently across multiple customer networks and maximize capacity from a limited satellite space segment. In addition, iDirect's built-in Group Quality of Service feature makes it possible to designate bandwidth priorities at the application level. This is critical for broadcasters with multiple vehicles in the field, some of which are transmitting live video or audio.

"The public counts on our broadcast customers to deliver up-to-the-minute coverage from virtually any location, so it's absolutely vital that we provide the most cost-effective, efficient transmission network possible that won't ever fail or even stall. iDirect's Evolution platform delivers that reliability and equips us with advanced features to ensure that we are getting the maximum efficiency from our space segment." ~ Daniel COOPER New Business Manager, SIS LIVE

"Evolution was designed to handle the most bandwidth-intense applications without any compromises in quality. As the leading satellite service provider to broadcasters in the UK, SIS LIVE is taking advantage of the platform's full capabilities in providing a very demanding customer base with the exceptional service they require." ~ Steve TUNNICLIFFE Regional Vice President, Europe, iDirect

SIS is one of the world's leading companies in the television broadcasting industry. It is the foremost supplier of television programming and data services to the UK and Ireland betting industry. The company's broadcast business, SIS LIVE, has the largest satellite uplink fleet in Europe and is the largest outside broadcast provider in the UK. It offers a complete broadcasting solution from onsite outside broadcast facilities through to global distribution and IP provision. The company covers 100,000 hours of live events worldwide each year, including Formula One, The Wimbledon Championships, UEFA Champions League football and European Tour Golf, and delivers approximately 80% of live news feeds across the UK.

iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is transforming the way the world gets and stays connected. The company's satellite-based IP communications technology enables constant connectivity for voice, video and data applications in diverse and challenging environments. The iDirect Intelligent Platform™ integrates advanced technology into iDirect's portfolio of hubs, routers and network management software to address the growing complexity of deploying and managing global IP networks. With more than 15 years of global satellite communications experience, iDirect serves customers in over 50 countries through a diverse network of service provider partners, including seven of the World Teleport Association's Global Top Ten operators. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, iDirect has offices in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. In 2007, iDirect Government Technologies (iGT) was set up to drive adoption of its IP-based solutions in the US Government market. In 2008, iDirect Asia Pte Ltd was established in Singapore to enhance its value-add and responsiveness to customers in the Asia Pacific region. Please visit www.idirect.net.

VT Systems is a diversified company providing integrated engineering solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. VT Systems' innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering. Please visit www.vt-systems.com.

SOURCE iDirect