Custom encoding system powers 14-channel mux via satellite and fiber for BlizzCon coverage
VAN NUYS, Calif. (Nov. 27, 2017) – PSSI Global Services, the industry leader in worldwide broadcast engineering and event management solutions, developed a custom encoding and multiplexing kit to deliver 14 paths via both fiber and satellite for simultaneous redundant distribution of primary and backup transmissions during BlizzCon 2017, a major videogame conference in Anaheim that attracted more than 35,000 attendees. Known as Goliath, the encoding system is capable of transmitting up to an 18-channel mux.
“When we asked the PSSI team to design a custom transmission rack, I knew it would be a thing of beauty,” said Mark East, CEO of 090 Media, the company contracted by Blizzard Entertainment to provide coverage of BlizzCon. “When you’re encoding 14 concurrent feeds, inserting captioning on five of them, and then multiplexing for transmission on both satellite and fiber, it’s difficult to maintain full redundancy, but this system did just that. We couldn’t have been happier with the result, and the folks at Blizzard were very pleased as well.”
Along with offering a single solution for simultaneous, multipath satellite transmissions, Goliath leverages IP data transmission — in addition to ASI — to provide a more flexible, user-friendly platform. The use of IP routing allows for a single Ethernet connection that can carry a virtually limitless amount of data, versus the more limited connectivity of traditional ASI transmission. IP also offers a means of making adjustments to service channels remotely, whereas ASI requires someone to go to the equipment and physically move the cables if adjustments are necessary.
“The system’s IP capabilities and capacity for extensive multichannel transmissions make it a truly transformative innovation in broadcast engineering technology,” said Tracy Michaels, PSSI Global Services’ director of project engineering.
In addition to engineering custom solutions like Goliath, PSSI Global Services offers an expansive fleet of more than 70 uplink trucks, international flyaway systems, fiber facilities, the PSSI International Teleport (PIT) and PIT Studio. The company provides 24/7 service across the globe. For more information, visit http://www.pssiglobal.com.
About PSSI Global Services LLC
Since 1979, PSSI Global Services, along with Strategic Television, has specialized in the coordination, production and distribution of domestic and international programming. As the world’s leading provider of mobile satellite transmission, production and streaming services, PSSI Global Services offers a full range of fixed, mobile and international flyaway satellite systems that provide live video, audio, IP and data services worldwide. The company currently owns and operates more than 70 Ku-Band and C-Band satellite uplink/production trucks — more than any other transmission services provider — based throughout North America, as well as the PSSI International Teleport and international and domestic C/Ku flyaway uplink systems. For more information, visit http://www.pssiglobal.com.