But even this is just a hint of the capabilities provided by broadband technologies. Many broadcasters, especially multiple station owners and networks, also need to transport their signals between multiple locations. These can include remote studios, cable headends, transmitter facilities, production houses, and sports remotes. In much the same way that LAN data networks revolutionized efficiencies and economies for corporate businesses, today's broadband fiber transport technologies are enabling broadcasters to exchange full bandwidth, contribution-quality video resources for maximum throughput, creative efficiency, and cost effectiveness. Obviously, the availability of fiber lines in your area is critical to your choices.
Some broadcasters own fiber from the studio to the transmitter site.
In fact, some stations have pooled their resources and installed co-op fiber lines up mountain sides, a strategy that makes fiber lines much more economical. The more common situation is to work with a service provider, such as a telephone company, cable operator, or public utility company. While going it alone can be expensive, fiber does offer a high level of capability that may more than justify the cost. Once a fiber-optic system is in place or leased, the next logical step is to consider how your station can network information that may actually add new and intriguing profit possibilities. Rich Schwartz is marketing manager of ADC Broadcast Systems.