dB Broadcast Ltd was approached by ITV Studios to help them realise the opportunity they had to make Starlink a truly viable production tool, allowing live content to be streamed back for contribution, and giving production teams access to tools, email and file transfer workflows whilst in the field.
One of the major challenges was powering the kit in ad hoc locations and providing resilient data links, so dB Broadcast designed a single case solution that allows a Starlink terminal to be powered from batteries, mains, external 12v DC (such as a vehicle) or solar. In good sunshine, the kit is entirely self-sustaining making it extremely environmentally friendly. The system also includes a bonded 4/5G access point to provide resilient connectivity if available.
The kits have been used to support ITV Studios teams on location by providing much needed data connectivity on both lives and pre-records from Australia to Alaska, and they continue to be in constant demand.
Tim Guilder, Head of Technology ITV Studios commented: “We gave dB the challenge of coming up with a robust workable solution, and they haven’t disappointed. These kits have the potential to allow our production team to work effectively everywhere and anywhere, and are totally green as well!”.
The project’s success has been recognised by the Broadcast Tech Innovation Awards 2023, where ITV Studios and dB Broadcast won the Best Innovation Project category at a ceremony on 29th November 2023.
