Throw out the $100,000+ video production truck, it is now possible to use 3G/WiFi or, in the future, WiMAX as a low-cost video uplink.  At Streaming Media West, we caught up with LiveU, which has a pay as you go ($1,500 to $2,500 per month) solution to allow anyone with a video camera to transmit video in a portable manner. 

Unlike other solutions, the LiveU’s approach is a self-contained unit that accepts DV inputs or, optionally, composite or SDI.  Those inputs are compressed to between 64 Kbs to 2 Mbs using H.264 compression to provide quality level of QCIF to D1.  It contains between 6 and 9 3G modems, has batteries and fits in a backpack, allowing anyone with a camera to become a roving reporter. 

Used by NBC in the recent Olympics, this solution provides a much faster and lower cost alternative than the traditional broadcast production truck and opens up new applications for live video.