Author: Wang Yuhuwangyuhu@onebandsys.com 2013-10
1. How did 3G live streaming come about?
Answer: With the continuous popularization of 3G networks today, their technology has matured, costs have gradually decreased, and they offer excellent portability while meeting audio and video transmission requirements. As a result, there has been a growing demand for audio and video transmission over 3G networks, including live broadcasting. 3G live broadcasting equipment has emerged in response to this demand. 3G live broadcasting equipment not only inherits many advantages brought by 3G network transmission but also achieves picture quality comparable to that of satellite and microwave transmission. Therefore, 3G live broadcasting has gradually become a new method of live broadcasting and has been widely accepted and used by many users.
2. What are the uses of 3G live streaming?
Answer: It can be used in the absence of satellite or microwave uplinks, or as an auxiliary tool to assist satellite and microwave transmissions. It can be operated by a single person and has many advantages such as ease of operation, high mobility, and minimal additional equipment.
3. 3G Live Streaming Process?
Answer: First, insert the 3G live broadcasting device into the 3G internet card. Next, connect the video source that needs to be transmitted back. After encoding through the device, the data will be segmented according to the available bandwidth of each 3G card before being sent back to the receiving server. (The receiving server only requires two points: 1. It must be able to connect to the public network, and 2. It must have the appropriate live broadcasting software installed.) The server will merge the returned information and then output it through the corresponding interface.
4. What are the advantages of 3G live streaming over other transmission devices?
Answer: Main advantages of 3G devices (1) They can be used for live broadcasting by a single person, saving manpower while ensuring recording and transmission. (2) They are portable, easily carried in a backpack or shoulder bag, and can also be attached to a belt. (3) They can record data even when large transmission equipment is unavailable and there are no other transmission networks, and can transmit news immediately upon entering a 3G network.
5. If the 3G network environment is poor, are there other solutions?
Answer: In addition to 3G, wireless and wired transmission methods can also be used, as long as the appropriate settings are made. For example, for wireless connections, simply connect to the wireless access point, while for wired connections, just connect the cable to obtain an IP address for internet access. The operation is essentially the same as that of a regular computer.
6. Is the 3G signal stable?
Answer: Currently, most areas across the country are covered by 3G networks, so it can be used wherever there is a 3G signal. However, due to factors such as signal obstruction and shielding in different regions, wireless or wired transmission methods can also be utilized.
7. With 4G on the horizon, will it be superior to 3G, and will it support a smooth upgrade?
Answer: The download speed of 4G can reach up to 100M, while the download speed of 3G is only a few megabits, with a maximum of just over ten megabits. Therefore, once 4G arrives, it can be smoothly upgraded to 4G transmission, which will definitely be better than 3G.
8. What is the current transmission rate of 3G in the country?
Answer: W-CDMA: Upload 5.76Mb/s, Download 14.4Mb/s
CDMA2000: Upload 1.8Mb/s, Download 3.1Mb/s
TD-SCDMA: Upload 0.384Mb/s, Download 2.8Mb/s
9. Is using multiple 3G cards for transmission better than using a single 3G card?
Answer: Multiple SIM cards are definitely better than a single one, and you can use multiple carriers. This way, if the signal from one carrier is poor, you can rely on the network of another carrier for primary transmission. During transmission, the device will allocate data according to the actual bandwidth of each card.
Below, you can rely on the network environment of another company for primary transmission. During transmission, the device will allocate data according to the actual bandwidth of each card.
10. Does the transmission only require support from the current signal base station, and will the transmission be affected during base station switching?
Answer: First, when switching between base stations or approaching the edge of a base station, signal quality may decline. However, there are two methods to address this issue: (1) You can simultaneously use multiple 3G operators for transmission, selecting the operator with the better bandwidth environment during the transfer. (2) Each 3G card can be allocated to utilize the bandwidth available from the current base station while also searching for nearby base stations to connect to. This way, when at the edge of a base station, you can use the service confidently without worrying about transmission disruptions.
11. When using 3G devices for transmission, can the operator view the overall bandwidth and latency of the current backhaul?
Answer: The operators at the front can see the overall bandwidth and latency being reported back.
12. Currently, smartphones all have hotspot functionality in a 3G environment. Do 3G live broadcasting devices also have this feature?
Answer: The 3G hotspot feature is a very practical function based on the 3G network environment. Therefore, devices that also support 3G transmission naturally come equipped with this feature.
13. What is the transmission bandwidth for 3G live streaming?
Answer: In a normal 3G network environment with 6 cards and ensuring proper bandwidth usage for the return transmission server, the total bandwidth can reach around 1000kb/s to 3000kb/s. If the network environment is better, the bandwidth can be even higher.
14. Which carriers support 3G live broadcasting?
Answer: It supports the 3G standards of Unicom WCDMA, Telecom CDMA2000, and Mobile TD-SCDMA. However, based on the current domestic network environment, Unicom is the best, followed by Telecom, and then Mobile.
15. Can 3G live broadcasting be used on mobile phones?
Answer: Yes, it can currently be used on iPhone 4s and above, as well as New iPad and above.
16. If using a mobile phone for 3G live broadcasting with only one 3G card, will there be instability or freezing of the image?
Answer: In a normal environment, the iPhone 4s can achieve an upload speed of over 1M. Additionally, to prevent issues such as signal blind spots from a single carrier, we will provide corresponding auxiliary measures to resolve this, such as offering support for Wi-Fi from other carriers.
17. Besides using 3G networks for live broadcasting, are there other applications?
Answer: There are many applications, such as (1) transmitting files recorded on 3G devices. (2) Transmitting files from USB devices like U-disks through the 3G network. (3) Using it as a 3G internet hotspot. (4) Supporting IFB voice transmission.
18. Will there be signal interruptions due to 3G network disconnections during transmission, or will there be audio and video desynchronization due to poor 3G network quality?
Answer: The issue of frozen frames or interruptions caused by poor 3G network connectivity is unavoidable; however, the video can resume once the network is restored. Additionally, the problem of audio and video synchronization will not occur even with extremely low transmission bandwidth.
19. 3G live broadcasting is affected by signal quality, and its performance can sometimes be inferior to older broadcasting methods like OB vans. So what advantages does it offer?
Answer: The advantages are as follows:
(1) Due to its lightweight and high mobility, it can reach live broadcast locations that traditional broadcast vehicles cannot access.
(2) It is more flexible than older broadcasting methods, making it easier to track breaking news.
(3) It enhances the timeliness of news; when shooting in environments where data transmission is not possible, it can be transmitted immediately once transmission is available. For example, coming down from a mountain, there is no need to return to the hotel or station; data can be transmitted directly on the way back, allowing for the latest news to be obtained in real time.
(4) Mobile phones can be conveniently used at any moment to capture events happening around us.
(5) There are no distance limitations, allowing for real-time transmission anytime and anywhere.
20. How does the receiving end receive the information that has been encoded and transmitted back via 3G?
Answer: The receiving end can use a dedicated server for acceptance, connecting to any network, but it is best to connect directly to the public network without any conversion. Otherwise, excessive conversion may lead to corresponding port blocking. Additionally, due to the high number of nodes within the network, bandwidth cannot be guaranteed.
21. With many users using 3G phones indoors or in stadiums, will this affect the signal for 3G live broadcasts?
Answer: There is an impact, but indoor venues can support either wireless or wired connections.
22. How to handle poor signal situations during indoor live streaming?
Answer: You can appropriately lay network cables or wireless devices indoors, allowing the equipment to simultaneously use 3G networks and Wi-Fi networks, and even wired networks.
23. How long does it take to recover after the screen freezes due to low 3G signal?
Answer: When the 3G signal is too weak to function properly during movement, we should quickly move to a location with relatively better and more stable signal. Once the bandwidth is restored to above 400kb/s, the signal can resume transmission.
24. How long does it take to reach a bandwidth that ensures normal transmission from below 100kb/s?
Answer: When transitioning from a poor network environment to a better one, the machine will quickly detect the current network conditions and recover at the fastest speed possible.
25. Will multiple 3G live broadcasting devices used at the same point interfere with each other?
Answer: Using multiple devices simultaneously at one point may have some impact, but if the network environment is not too poor, it will not affect the feedback between them. Additionally, if the 3G device is equipped with a signal search function, it can search and utilize excess bandwidth when other 3G cards release it.
26. Can each 3G card be directly inserted into the device for use?
Answer: Since 3G cards come from different operators, the 3G wireless data terminals also vary. Additionally, the internal configuration of the devices needs to be adjusted accordingly. Therefore, when changing the card, a simple modification operation is required for it to be usable.
27. Can 3G cards from around the world be used after configuration changes?
Answer: Yes.
28. Will the 3G data usage be excessive?
Answer: It is related to usage frequency and the current network bandwidth.
29. Is it possible for a 3G SIM card that works normally in one region to not function in another area?
Answer: Currently, all cards in the country can be used universally in various locations.
30. After inserting multiple 3G cards and being too close to people, will there be any radiation effects?
Answer: There will be no impact; it meets the European standard range. The test results must be lower than those of the iPhone.
31. Does the current 3G network support zero latency?
Answer: Even networks with better bandwidth cannot achieve zero latency. Additionally, 3G live broadcasting equipment requires encoding and transmission operations, with the minimum latency being around 1.5 seconds.
32. Since it is a 3G network transmission, can the video be directly pushed to the internet?
Answer: The video can be directly pushed to the internet by the receiving server.
33. Can the server also receive data via 3G wireless internet?
Answer: 3G live broadcasting equipment needs to connect to the server via IP. Additionally, using a 3G card for the server is much more wasteful compared to using a wired connection. Furthermore, since most servers are located in indoor data centers, the stability of the bandwidth cannot be guaranteed.
34. Can a 3G network transmit high-definition video?
Answer: Absolutely, the clarity can reach 1080i.
35. Is there a way to ensure the same latency time when the 3G network is unstable?
Answer: Yes. It is possible to lock in a delay time so that the delay does not change with variations in the 3G network.
36. What is the model of 3G live streaming?
Answer:
1. This is the lowest latency mode, but the picture quality is average. In a good network environment, the latency can range from 1.3 to 6 seconds (automatically adjustable), with an automatic setting of around 2 seconds.
2. This is the intermediate mode, with slightly higher latency, but better picture quality. In a good network environment, the latency can range from 3 to 8 seconds (automatically adjustable), with an automatic setting of around 3 to 4 seconds.
3. This is the optimal picture quality mode, but the latency is also slightly higher. In a good network environment, the latency can range from 6 to 12 seconds (automatically adjustable), with an automatic setting of around 8 to 10 seconds.
37. During the live broadcast, if there is a sudden drop in bandwidth, how can it be resolved?
Answer: Check the usage status of each 3G card and its usage rate. If the usage rate is too low, the card should be reactivated. If none of them are high, attempts should be made to reconnect.
38. During the live broadcast, if the machine's built-in power runs out, are there any other solutions?
Answer: External power can be connected, supporting V-mount and AntonBauer batteries. When an external power source is connected, it simultaneously powers the device and charges the built-in battery (in addition to usage time).
39. How can the director communicate with the camera operator during a live broadcast?
Answer: To avoid adding burden to the frontline camera operator, the 3G live broadcast equipment is equipped with an IFB communication function.
40. During an intermittent live broadcast, how should one operate to switch between high and standard definition?
Answer: The device automatically adapts to high and standard definition; adjustments only need to be made to the camera.
41. What should be done if the monitoring equipment in the HD live broadcast room does not support HD monitoring?
Answer: It supports down-conversion to monitor the video in standard definition.
42. Is it possible to conduct multi-point 3G live broadcasts simultaneously?
Answer: Yes.
43. What is the maximum number of points that can simultaneously conduct 3G live broadcasts?
Answer: Currently, one receiver can support simultaneous transmission from 5 3G devices.
44. Can it support a single 3G device to transmit to multiple points simultaneously?
Answer: Not supported.
45. Why is it not possible for a 3G device to transmit to multiple points simultaneously?
Answer: 3G devices require corresponding IPs for transmission, and a single device cannot correspond to multiple IPs at the same time, so it cannot transmit to multiple points simultaneously.
46. What type of interface does the 3G live broadcasting equipment support for camera output signals?
Answer: Supports analog three-color lines and component lines, as well as digital SDI lines. Additionally, it supports 1394 interfaces and HDMI interfaces.
47. Can the delay be controlled during a live broadcast?
Answer: The delay can be set automatically, but in cases of poor bandwidth, setting it too low may affect video quality. Additionally, making adjustments during a live broadcast can cause signal interruptions.
48. Is the delay related to the shooting mode?
Answer: Regarding this, different delay modes are suitable for different environments.
49. What are the returnable resolution formats for 3G live broadcasting?
Answer: D1, half D1, AVC, and in HD mode, it also supports 1/4 D1.
50. What is the selectable bandwidth range for 3G live broadcasting?
Answer: Between 0 and 4500 kb/s.
51. What about the heat dissipation issue of 3G live broadcasting equipment?
Answer: Both the live broadcasting equipment and the backpack are produced by the manufacturer and have undergone multiple improvements. Each heat dissipation port has been rigorously designed to ensure good heat dissipation functionality, allowing the machine to operate normally even at high temperatures close to 30 degrees.
52. If there has been no transmission for a long time on a 3G connection, and the device automatically reconnects when transmission starts, is this a problem?
Answer: This is normal. If the device has not performed any transmission operations for an extended period, the bandwidth is in an idle state. Once there is a signal for transmission, it needs to reconnect to check the current connection status. Therefore, it is recommended to manually connect before transmission after a period of inactivity.
53. What is the weight of the machine?
Answer: Maximum 5 kg, minimum 700 g (including battery).
54. Does the 3G device require three steps from power on to live broadcast, or can it be completed with one button?
Answer: Yes, after pressing the power button, there are three startup methods: power on + connect + transmit, power on + connect, and standalone power on.
55. Is it possible to optimize the network for the 3G card with 3G operators?
Answer: Communication with various operators is possible, and any network optimization will benefit the upstream transmission.
56. What is the encoding format and bitrate for the transmission during the live broadcast?
Answer: The encoding format is H.264, with a maximum encoding bitrate of 4M.
57. Can the connection and disconnection of the 3G live broadcast be controlled by the director?
Answer: With the live broadcast device powered on, some devices and mobile phones can be connected and disconnected by the director.
58. What environments support live broadcasting?
Answer: The 3G device is equipped with a rain cover, allowing for shooting in rain or snow. The 3G backpack is also designed for heat dissipation, so it operates well under normal temperatures. Therefore, the 3G device essentially supports all-weather use. Additionally, it can be used in vehicles such as cars and helicopters.
59. During the live broadcast, can the program being transmitted back be recorded for future use?
Answer: Yes, it can be recorded, and the storage location can be set.
60. Can there be a switch between high definition and standard definition or a delay during the live broadcast?
Answer: Yes, but the return feed needs to be temporarily paused first; after adjustments, transmission can continue.
61. How to handle urgent issues encountered during use?
Answer: Remote connection operations can be performed to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
62. What are the disadvantages of 3G?
Answer: The transmission relies on the 3G network, so if there is no 3G network available, such as in mountainous areas, live broadcasting cannot be conducted.
63. What are the typical application areas?
Answer: The live broadcast of television programs, online TV video streaming, news interviews on portal websites, real-time transmission of major emergency events and key accident scenes, high-definition image monitoring in special situations such as firefighting, medical rescue, and cash transport vehicles, as well as the development of telecom value-added services, such as live broadcasting of wedding ceremonies and other personal or corporate celebration events, and in the field of national defense and military.
64. Will the encoding bandwidth increase with the 4G network, and can it be adjusted automatically? Additionally, will the upgrade involve changing any hardware?
Answer: With the increase in bandwidth of the 4G network, the encoding bandwidth will also increase accordingly. The upgrade only requires software updates.
65. All 3G device internet cards are connected normally, and the 3G network at the location is good, but why is the returned program bandwidth consistently low?
Answer: The returned bandwidth is not only related to the network environment at the location of the 3G device but also to the receiving end. If the receiving end is in a network group and there are terminals occupying a large bandwidth within the network, it will also affect the returned bandwidth.
66. What methods are available to test the SDI output link at the receiving end?
Answer: You can use the 3G transmitter for real-time return transmission, or you can use the receiving end to play the uploaded shooting information.
67. Some foreign 3G devices have been introduced into the domestic market; do they support Chinese?
Answer: As the usage in the domestic market increases, this issue has also attracted attention from abroad, leading to the release of trial versions, which will be widely launched once they mature.
68. What operating system do the 3G devices use, and is it user-friendly?
Answer: The 3G device is based on an improved version of Windows XP, featuring user-friendly initial setup options as well as other enhanced functionalities. As users become more skilled in operation, their familiarity with the device will increase, making it easier to use.
69. If there is a problem with the camera used by the 3G device, are there alternative solutions?
Answer: You can find an SDI digital output signal (for 3G devices that support analog signals, you will need to find an analog output) from the director's position and connect it to the 3G device for transmission.
70. Is there a record of the bandwidth used during 3G live broadcasts?
Answer: There is no record; it can only display the actual bandwidth during transmission.
71. The latency displayed by the 3G device seems to differ from the actual value?
Answer: The latency time displayed by the 3G device is generally accurate, as it is calculated based on the current encoding and transmission conditions.
72. Is it possible to control the latency to within 3 seconds?
Answer: Yes, it can be controlled, with a minimum latency of under 2 seconds. However, it is not recommended to use this in areas with poor bandwidth, as it may affect video quality.
73. Currently, are there 3G devices that encode before transmission and others that transmit after encoding? What is the difference?
Answer: There are indeed differences. Encoding before transmission reduces the loss of program images caused by the transmission process, and after encoding, the data can be segmented for easier transmission.
74. Does the 3G device check the transmission channel before each transmission?
Answer: A check is performed every time there is a transition from interruption to transmission to ensure the link is functioning properly.
75. What should be done with news footage that does not need to be broadcast immediately after filming?
Answer: The footage can be uploaded to the server using the 3G device. The upload location can be set to a unified FTP location, allowing the relevant department to download it as needed.
76. How can uploaded files be queried?
Answer: Uploaded files are composed of the upload date + time + file extension, which can be used to search for them based on time.
77. How to use 3G in cities where the network is still not fully developed?
Answer: Currently, major cities in the country have 3G networks, but the number of base stations may not be ideal. Therefore, it is advisable to find a better location nearby before filming and adjust the shooting mode to minimize large movements of the camera.
78. Can the application of 3G phones completely replace 3G devices?
Answer: 3G phones cannot replace 3G devices. Firstly, in terms of the number of connection points, phones cannot compare to backpack devices. Additionally, when it comes to photography, the camera on a phone cannot match that of a professional camera. Thirdly, backpack devices have other functionalities that phones do not possess. Therefore, phones can only serve as a supplement to 3G backpack devices, not a replacement.
79. Is it true that as long as the system is above IOS 5.0, it can be used just by installing the software?
Answer: After installing the software, it needs to be bound to the server, which requires backend operations.
80. Currently, live broadcast vehicles are still the most commonly used. Will they be replaced by 3G devices in the future?
Answer: Live broadcast vehicles still have many advantages and characteristics, making them the preferred choice for large-scale events. On the other hand, 3G devices, with their portability and ease of use, can serve as auxiliary tools and can also be used for live broadcasting at sub-venues if the network is stable.
81. Compared to transmission methods like microwave and satellite, there are still some areas where 3G devices cannot be received. How can this be improved?
Answer: Since we are accustomed to using microwave and satellite transmission methods, we will need to adapt again to 3G as a new transmission method. Additionally, 3G devices are indeed limited by their small size and fewer operators, which makes it difficult to achieve the effects of large live broadcast equipment. However, with continuous exploration, the live broadcast format of 3G devices will reach a level that satisfies local users.
82. Will filming in a moving car affect the image quality?
Answer: We have conducted tests, and at speeds of nearly 80 kilometers per hour, the image remained clear throughout.
83. Is there a possibility of poor contact with the inserted 3G card?
Answer: The device supports two types of SIM card insertion modes: one is to directly insert the SIM card into the device, while the other is to connect via a USB terminal. Both methods involve inserting into the internal machine, and normal usage will not result in poor contact issues.
84. Is the image quality of still photography better than that of moving photography?
Answer: The image quality of still photography and moving photography is generally consistent; as long as bandwidth is guaranteed, the images will be presented clearly.
85. To ensure that the receiving end and the location of the 3G device use the same optimal 3G operator, we are preparing to configure access points for two operators. However, the 3G device cannot transmit to both points. How can this be resolved?
Answer: For security reasons, the 3G device will not transmit to more than one receiving point. Therefore, we recommend that upon arriving at an interview location, a test should be conducted to determine which operator has a better signal, and then connect to that operator's public IP.
86. What is the difference between operating at the 3G device end and the receiving end?
Answer: Operating at the receiving end may be more convenient for the director, but the director may not be aware of the front-end situation. It requires the front-end reporter to make corresponding adjustments during preparation, which increases the workload for the director if their cooperation is needed.
87. Does the local operation of the 3G device have measures to prevent accidental screen touches during shooting?
Answer: The lock screen feature can be used to prevent accidental screen touches.
88. After passing through a 3G network dead zone, will there be a delay in automatic reconnection for the card?
Answer: This situation may occur because the 3G card has not yet established an automatic connection after passing through a signal blind spot.
89. Will there be a corresponding prompt when the 3G card is not connected?
Answer: When the 3G card is not connected, there will be a prompt indicating a connection failure. Additionally, you can check the current status of the card in the card status section.
90. Generally, what bandwidth is required to maintain normal program transmission?
Answer: Generally, when the bandwidth exceeds 1 M, the return quality of standard definition programs can be guaranteed.
91. The maximum encoding bandwidth is 4M. Is there a place in the country where this can be achieved?
Answer: Currently, based on testing in certain regions, there are still some areas where it can exceed 3M.
92. What are the basic conditions for the operation of 3G devices?
Answer: First, the environment must have a 3G network; second, the 3G transmitter should have a 3G internet card, preferably with at least six 3G cards from more than two different operators; third, the receiving end should be able to access the public network, and it is best if it has a dedicated public IP address. If not, ensure that there is sufficient bandwidth availability on the internal network to avoid congestion. Fourth, it is advisable to have monitoring equipment to test the signal quality at the output point in advance.
93. If you are driving in an outdoor area without a power source and the external power supply is also out of battery, do you have to wait until you reach a place with power?
Answer: The 3G device can support charging through the car cigarette lighter, allowing for outdoor power replenishment.
94. After the 3G device completes the transmission of files stored internally, how are the stored files handled?
Answer: The stored files can be automatically deleted or selected for manual deletion.
95. Is there a need for shooting when using the 3G device for transmission?
Answer: Since the 3G device relies on the 3G network for transmission, and different locations have different 3G network conditions, it is important to maintain stability while shooting to minimize human-induced shaking.
96. For example, during a news chase, shaking is inevitable. How can this be resolved?
Answer: You can use high-quality mode, but this will increase the delay.
97. The signal of the iPhone is not very strong; will this have an impact?
Answer: In a normal 3G network environment, the iPhone can maintain normal transmission. Additionally, if there are concerns about signal strength, a 3G wireless router can be used as an auxiliary.
98. In the case of multiple cards, is it possible that one of them may not connect?
Answer: It may occur; you can manually reconnect, and it should connect successfully.
99. What should I do if I still can't connect after multiple reconnections?
Answer: Assuming there are no issues with the operation, you can remotely connect to the 3G device to check if there is a problem with the device itself.
100. Do 3G devices frequently encounter issues?
Answer: 3G devices are already a mature product abroad, having undergone countless practical applications, and generally do not have major issues. Most of the problems that arise are due to misunderstandings about the device leading to user errors.
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