Large media organizations pay millions of dollars for exclusive broadcasting rights of sporting events, celebrity appearances, major concerts and more. But today, given the affordability and accessibility of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as advancements in camera and video technology, any determined actor can dispatch a drone to record pirated footage and quickly upload it to the internet.
The ease of access for drones at sporting events was shown by multiple instances of drones disrupting MLB baseball games towards the end of the 2020 season – four separate game delays!
NEW SOLUTION IS NEEDED
Radars often have trouble during detection differentiating between small drones and other flying objects, and they are complicated to operate. Optic solutions generate false alarms and the problem with many acoustic solutions is that drones are becoming increasingly quiet.
Jamming-based solutions, or hybrid solutions featuring jammers for mitigation, emit large amounts of energy to block drones’ controller signals and render them largely unable to function properly. This is obviously not the optimal solution for media organizations, because jamming may affect other radio communications. Jamming technology could hamper a live broadcast, as well as a venue’s security staff and operations.
Also, many media organizations utilize drones to capture news events and live footage, but jamming-based solutions may be unable to distinguish between “friend and foe” and disable authorized drones along with the rogue ones.
Kinetic counter-drone solutions, which involve shooting down the UAV, are also too risky in crowded stadiums. The projectile, plummeting drone, or the metal debris that is created from shooting a drone, could injure players and fans.
BEST OF ALL WORLDS
EnforceAir, D-Fend Solutions’ flagship solution, features proven and future-proof technology that detects unauthorized or rogue drones, identifies them and then automatically takes control over the drones and lands them in a safe, designated area. An alert zone can be set on the outer perimeter of the stadium or area, with multiple protection zones blanketing the venue and surrounding places.
Unlike conventional counter-drone technologies, EnforceAir will protect media organization’s rights from rogue drones, while enabling them to continue using their own authorized drones for filming and live broadcasting. Continuity is ensured, with no need to interrupt a game or concert, disrupt communications, or inadvertently frighten the audience.
