LiveU is launching its new Smart Grip device in a handheld monopod for its LU-Smart live video mobile app at NAB 2013. The new Smart Grip device holds a MiFi channel that bonds together with the smartphone’s internal 3G/4G connection to create two combined cellular connections beyond the smartphone, boosting the phone’s live video transmission quality, reliability and performance, without any need for Wi-Fi connectivity. Supporting all iPhone and Android devices, the LU-Smart software-based app represents the next level in mobile app newsgathering. Without requiring any set-up time, LU-Smart can be used for rapid news coverage. Reporters can simply take out their personal smartphone and transmit high quality live video back to the studio, whenever and wherever they may be. Live reporting capabilities can be extended to any person in the news organisation. Samuel Wasserman, LiveU’s CEO, said, “LiveU is again pushing the boundaries of innovation in the cellular uplink space, this time with a new smartphone jacket. LU-Smart enables any person with a smartphone to be a bona fide video journalist by simply downloading the software. We’ve had tremendous positive feedback for our smartphone app from broadcasters, complementing other LiveU units in the workflow and extending their newsgathering capabilities. It’s an ideal solution for breaking news coverage, especially in locations far from urban centres, and the new Smart Grip boosts its capabilities even further.” The LU-Smart app includes other new features, such as: virtual matrix for simple workflow management, enabling newsroom operators to monitor and switch between content from different devices for live broadcasts; and ad hoc usage, which can be code-activated for 24 hours by the newsroom when a reporter or dedicated freelancer arrives at the scene. LU-Smart is incorporated into the LiveU ecosystem by LiveU’s unified management platform, LiveU Total, enabling control rooms easily and effectively to manage multiple video feeds from LiveU units operating in diverse locations. SU5511
