Broadcasters tap into 'no touch' video services

AIRSPEED TELECOM has launched a video service which makes it easier and cheaper for television presenters to talk live with out-of-studio experts. Livelinx can stream video from a remote site to a studio and uses Internet Protocol (IP) to transfer the information; a cheaper alternative to a satellite link.

The service is run along with broadcast communications company Digital Space and as it uses a permanently installed, automated camera it does not need a crew to operate it. Livelinx is currently used in the offices of NCB, Davy and Merrion Stockbrokers and the feeds have already been utilised by RTÉ in some of its financial coverage. “We have created a ‘no touch’ scenario where the broadcaster does not have to do anything other than take in the feed,” said Liam O’Kelly, managing director of AirSpeed Telecom.

“The fundamental thing is that business has featured in the top three news stories lately and there is a huge advantage in getting immediate reaction from experts.”

In order to use the service, the participating stockbrokers have a camera configured in-house which is complemented by a clip-on microphone and ear-piece. This allows the interviewee to hear and respond to the studio presenter live on air if the broadcaster so wishes. Staff are also given some basic training to ensure they can operate the set-up without any assistance.

In the past, IP was not a reliable or cost-effective means of supplying a live video connection between two points, although it has been used in radio for some time. However the development of the better MPEG-4 encoding standard – as well as the ability to use a dedicated high-bandwidth connection – has changed this.

According to Mr O’Kelly, a number of international broadcasters have expressed an interest in Livelinx. He also said he saw potential for Livelinx to be used by organisations outside of the financial services sector at some stage.

“There is a lot of international interest in tapping into the content coming from Irish stockbrokers, especially for discussions on stories about Irish companies,” he said. “But this could be used for talking to experts in any field on a regular basis – be it in weather, security or even in a political party’s offices.”