Scopus Video Networks’ CODICO E-1720 digital satellite newsgathering (DSNG) encoder is being used at FOX Network affiliate KTBC FOX 7 in Austin, Texas, to enable complete coverage of central Texas for local and national FOX news programming. Installed in the station’s new DSNG truck in August and operated by a crew of two KTBC news photographers, the E-1720 was used to support live coverage of Hurricane Rita from the Corpus Christi area. The new mobile unit was built and designed by Shook Mobile Technology.
“With the E-1720 incorporated into our new satellite truck, it has become easy for us to capture and distribute footage from across central Texas, bringing more complete news reports to our viewers and to FOX network viewers nationwide,” said Ken Smith, chief engineer at KTBC FOX 7. “The Scopus encoder is a compact and easy-to-use system with intuitive, menu-driven controls, so it integrated well into our truck and our operations. We’re very pleased with how it’s performing for us.”
Since delivery, the new truck equipped with the Scopus CODICO E-1720 encoder has been used to contribute live shots for FOX as Rita moved through Texas. KTBC FOX 7 also has used its new satellite newsgathering capability to launch a high school football program that brings viewers coverage of a different game each week. As the Texas state legislative session gets into swing, KTBC FOX 7 intends to use the E-1720 to support coverage of key political events in the Texas capital.
“The unit we built for KTBC is the station’s first satellite truck, and the E-1720 proved to be a cost-effective choice that met our standards for quality and helped us meet our budget,” said Ron Crockett, president and director of sales and marketing at Shook Mobile Technology. “The Scopus E-1720 encoder is a compact, lightweight, and extremely power-efficient system that offers a significant number of features and very good functionality within the base model.”
The E-1720 from Scopus is an affordable solution that allows newsgathering teams like KTBC to relay footage from almost anywhere. Integrated state-of-the-art telemetry simplifies operation so that journalists can manage operation without the assistance of a satellite newsgathering operator on location. With the L-band output and MPEG-2 codec, it enables transmission of audio and video converted for satellite transmission.
Because the Scopus E-1720 combines MPEG-2 encoding, modulation, and upconversion in 1RU, it provides a maximum of functionality within the limited rack space of a truck such as the KTBC truck. The E-1720 comes embedded with L-band output as well as L-band monitoring to provide various satellite modulation schemes, and includes ultra-low-latency mode, variable GOP, BISS-CA, DVB scrambling, and built-in multiplexing capabilities—all in a rugged, reliable user-friendly unit to ensure the highest picture quality with steady low-power consumption.
