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NAB
and SBE Team to Offer Satellite Uplink Operators Training Workshop
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NAB has joined
with the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) to present the NAB/SBE
Satellite Uplink Operators Training Workshop. Held at NAB headquarters
September 30 – October 3, 2013, the Workshop will provide instruction
on how to comply with FCC satellite regulations through formal training
on the technical and operational practices that ensure safe, interference-free
satellite transmissions.
"The SBE is dedicated to providing quality educational opportunities
for its members, and is very pleased to be the co-sponsor of the
NAB/SBE Satellite Uplink Operators Training Workshop in October,"
said Ralph Hogan, SBE president.
 Sidney
Skjei, P.E. of Skjei Telecom conducts the workshop. Mr. Skjei has
over 35 years of experience in engineering and developing a wide
range of hardware and software telecommunications products, systems
and services. He is highly knowledgeable in all major satellite
communications market areas – global, domestic U.S., and military.
The workshop, which has been regularly offered since 1989, provides
in-depth information on the theory of satellite communications,
regulatory requirements, and all operational aspects of ground equipment
for uplink and downlink facilities. The workshop content is applicable
to distribution of signals for both analog and digital television
services. With broadcasters specifically in mind, Mr. Skjei covers
satellite news gathering topics, including vehicle design and safety
considerations. He also feels it is useful for satellite operators
to have a basic understanding of other parts of the broadcast system.
Digital television (DTV) and, in particular, high-definition television
(HDTV), of course, have increasing importance through all parts
of the broadcast television chain, from production to distribution
to the home, so the workshop provides significant background information
on these topics. The Compressed Digital Television and Transmission
section of the workshop covers the theory of digital video, with
an introduction to compression techniques and systems; it concentrates
on the MPEG-2 video compression format, but also covers newer technologies
such as MPEG-4 Part 10 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC) and JPEG 2000, all of
which are planned or in use today for digital video backhaul and
distribution. The various standard-definition (SDTV) and HDTV formats
used in DTV are also discussed, with detailed analysis of how these
are carried in satellite transmission systems. The increased bandwidth
requirements of HDTV can lead to higher satellite transmission costs.
Mr. Skjei discusses how these can be reduced using new techniques
enabled by advanced systems such as MPEG-4 AVC and the recently
introduced DVB-S2 second-generation satellite transmission standard.
The four-day workshop provides operational training that minimizes
the risk of satellite transmission interference. This is important
because FCC rules require that “a trained operator be present
at all times during transmissions, at either an earth station site
or designated remote control point” [CFR 47 Section 25.271
(b)].
 In
addition to classroom instruction, participants will receive hands-on
training in a satellite newsgathering (SNG) truck, as well as a
field trip to a nearby, large satellite teleport and operations
center.
“The course offers many features that other satellite operators
courses do not, such as a variety of hands-on training sessions,
more hours of personal instruction, and a general satellite systems
and television focus, as opposed to just training on a specific
type of terminal – for example, a flyaway SNG terminal,”
commented Mr. Skjei. “We also cover specific operations of
SNG truck terminals, including a practical session that affords
students a shirtsleeves experience in uplinking from an SNG truck.”
The workshop fee is $1,250 for NAB and SBE members, and $1,550 for
all others. The fee includes a Satellite Uplink Handbook, continental
breakfasts and lunches. Space is limited, so if you want to take
advantage of this important training opportunity, visit the Satellite
workshop Web page, or call NAB Technology at (202) 429-5346. If
you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for this event,
contact NAB Advertising and Sponsorship at (202) 429-5426 or advertising@nab.org.
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