DSNG-'virtually a reality'

The paper gives a perspective on the introduction of the use of DSNG (digital satellite news gathering) by the major international news broadcaster BBC News over the last two years, and compare its use with that of analogue SNG. The differences between analogue SNG and DSNG, and including 'C' and 'Ku' band operations, are discussed along with considerations deciding the selection of a system. Satellite capacity issues and costs are examined. Finally, the future of DSNG is considered in the context of developments both in the new generation of satellites and the digitisation of other parts of the broadcast chain-particularly studio systems. The paper is intended to appeal as much to the non-technical reader as the technical.