Mobile Viewpoint Chose Our 5G Module for the Next Generation of Live Broadcasting

Quick Facts

Company

Mobile Viewpoint
www.mobileviewpoint.com

Customer Profile

Mobile Viewpoint produces wireless mobile encoders for livestreaming video over bonded 4G and 5G networks.

Objectives

Mobile Viewpoint was looking for an embedded 5G module to integrate into its new Agile Ultra 5G mobile encoder that would ensure secure, ultra-low latency connectivity on a global basis and at the highest speeds.

Results

Encoder supports the transmission of 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) broadcasting and paves the way for the next generation of live event coverage
Best-in-class physical security, data network security and information security
Reliable, consistent global 4G and 5G connectivity
Reduced integration complexity, removed development obstacles and faster timeto-market

Sierra Wireless Products & Services

Sierra Wireless EM9190 5G New Radio (NR) module.

Introduction

Despite huge advances in technology over the past five years, livestreaming events, such as sports or outside news production, can be challenging. Typical problems include latency, with livestream broadcasting sometimes up to 20-30 seconds behind real time. There can also be quality issues due to connectivity, with the stream being paused or disrupted or the frames becoming blurry. Although using bonded cellular networks for video transmission can cut costs by up to 50% compared with traditional satellite broadcasting,¹ there is still the bandwidth expense, which can run into thousands of dollars, especially if transmitting 4K video.

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Mobile Encoders – Lightweight, Flexible and Cost-Effective

Using encoding technology, it is possible to compress the video stream and remove redundant elements. This reduces the bandwidth required for livestreaming, cutting costs, while also improving speed and latency. Mobile encoders can also be remotely managed and controlled using a cloud-based management platform. As a result, there is no need to send production personnel and outside broadcast (OB) vehicles into the field alongside the camera operators and broadcast team. This greatly reduces costs, while improving quality. Armed with just a camera, a light-weight encoder and a cellular connection, broadcasters can start covering live events, with real-time streaming of 4K content.

Agile Ultra 5G

Mobile Viewpoint has recently developed and launched its Agile Ultra 5G mobile encoder. This is among the first 5G mobile encoders on the market and allows TV production crews to transmit 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) video from sporting, news and other events, using 5G networks. For this product, Mobile Viewpoint needed, a high-performance, cost-effective embedded module that would provide reliable connectivity to 5G networks.

A fast and secure 5G module that could be easily integrated into the Agile Ultra 5G was a key component of our go-to-market strategy for the encoder. As our trusted partner, Sierra Wireless provided us with a secure, high-performance module, the integration support and global carrier relationships we needed to realize this strategy.

Michel Bais,
Managing Director, Mobile Viewpoint

Solution

Mobile Viewpoint opted for Sierra Wireless’ EM9190 5G NR embedded module for the integration. One of the advantages of the module is that it connects to 5G NR networks, which is the best option for ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). The latency floor for 5G NR, can go as low as 1/8th of millisecond, which makes it the perfect solution for 4K UHD broadcasting. This next-gen cellular technology has the potential to transform the coverage of live events. Multiple 4K cameras can be used, capturing every angle, with each utilizing a cellular connection rather than fixed wired connections (which are only available at certain locations.) There will also be the possibility to overlay augmented reality and other immersive experiences. The cameras can even be remotely controlled using visual tracking and artificial intelligence, offering more creative potential and lowering production costs further.

The EM9190 also provides Mobile Viewpoint with unrivalled flexibility. It can support multiple technologies, including low and high-power mmWave, so OEMs do not have to integrate multiple module types depending on customer requirements. The multipurpose nature of the module also helps to streamline and simplify production and delivery, reducing time-to-market. The EM9190 can also be deployed anywhere in the world, so there is no need to have different versions for different regions.

Sierra Wireless helped us meet our aggressive launch timeline for the Agile Ultra 5G, and deliver our broadcasting and other customers a secure 5G mobile video encoder that they can start using today.

Michel Bais,
Managing Director, Mobile Viewpoint

Benefits

By partnering with Sierra Wireless, Mobile Viewpoint was able to realize many advantages, including:

Reliable, consistent global 4G and 5G connectivity for its mobile encoders. This is perfect for livestreaming sporting or outside events, which may be in remote locations or in areas with poor cellular coverage.
Sierra Wireless’ EM9190 5G NR module offers the highest possible speeds with ultra-low latency. It can deliver an uplink speed of 330 Mbps as well as a download speed of 5.5 Gbps. This supports the transmission of 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) broadcasting and paves the way for the next generation of live event coverage.
Sierra Wireless offers end-to-end security from the device-to-the-cloud. This includes best-in-class physical security, data network security and information security. Security is designed in from the start of module development to reduce security risks and additional time and delays in certification requirements. Sierra has been a key influencer in helping to establish and develop the key security standards and protocols for the IoT and we are active participants in key technology working groups such as GSMA and CTIA.
Sierra has over twenty seven years’ experience with industrial IoT deployments. Our track record of innovation in the IoT space makes us a trusted partner for Mobile Viewpoint and all OEMs that want to launch products based on new technologies but are concerned about the obstacles that may come with it. We are able to reduce complexity, remove development obstacles and speed-up their time-to-market.
Our comprehensive and easy-to-use set of APIs also helped to simplify integration and further improve development time. We support multiple modes/architectures/protocols (HTTP, HTTPS, DTLS, etc.) to enable flexibility in designs.

For more information on Sierra Wireless’ range of embedded modules please our website or contact us by email at connect@sierrawireless.com.