LTE technology is known for its ultrafast mobile broadband capabilities. Now it is helping deliver better quality live-TV coverage from events on the move, improving the experience for both broadcasters and viewers.
Most TV viewers are familiar with the irritation of picture interference or pixelation during live broadcasts – particularly if the camera shooting the images is not in a fixed location. This is simply due to the communication between the camera, the broadcaster’s satellite truck and the satellite itself.
The development of LTE technology means that, given sufficient coverage, broadcasters can bypass satellite communication and use the bandwidth of the wireless technology instead to stream HD-quality television live and free from interference, regardless of where the cameraman moves. This means high-speed mobile broadband can provide broadcasters with more flexibility for camera coverage options during live events, free from the large-scale physical support of satellite trucks and other equipment vehicles.
This is what happened in Shenzhen, China, on August 7 during the torch relay for Universiade 2011, the World University Games. In partnership with China Mobile, Ericsson began installing a trial network of 110 TD-LTE sites in March 2011. The cameras covering the torch relay were able to connect to that network, providing unsurpassed live coverage.
Mats H Olsson, President of Ericsson’s China & North East Asia region, says the broadcast showed the real potential of the technology. "Such use of mobile broadband gives broadcasters a new alternative when covering large live events, particularly when they want to get to the thick of the action without losing picture quality," he says.
"It really does have a huge impact on the quality of the television experience, both for broadcasters and viewers. The fact that the camera team can move flexibly in crowded areas makes a big difference.
"Together with our strategic partner China Mobile, we are making TD-LTE a reality in Shenzhen. I look forward to the day when people, not only in China but around the world, get to enjoy a richer and more convenient life empowered by the superior mobile networks."
The world’s first live-TV broadcast using LTE technology was in Sweden in June 2010, during the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria to Daniel Westling.
