The pressure to reduce the TCO of today’s SDI broadcast infrastructures makes an all IP infrastructure solution appealing. But to reach that goal, a facility needs to leverage existing technology with new software-based media processing applications on COTS servers. Here are some suggested steps.
The dedicated AV switcher represents more than a $2B market. Even so, the latest generation of IP technology can distribute video, audio, and control signals over long distances at much lower costs, signaling a clear threat to dedicated AV switcher solutions.
Not even a success yet, 4K video is now getting some enhancements and is being rebranded as Ultra HD Premium. Engineering experts have long said that 4K alone does not have the “wow” factor to jump out at consumers. Premium adds the visible attributes that manufacturers hope will make 4K a must-have for viewers.
There are some immutable laws for success in any consumer-oriented industry. Potential customers need to first know the product or service exists, and then they have to be persuaded that it’s desirable or necessary.
About the only thing broadcasters and production types can agree on is that there are too many formats. Unfortunately, it appears a battle is brewing over the next connectivity format/standard.
The TV industry is undergoing seismic change with the rapid increase in multiscreen viewing to the partial detriment of the big screen and the corresponding arrival of new threats and opportunities. Some of the threats are competitive but others are security related. Some of the latter are specific to TV, such as the rising specter of live stream piracy, while others are more part of a general diversification of the cyber threat landscape, as illustrated by high profile events such as the recent attack on UK broadband and pay TV operator TalkTalk.
Five traditional broadcasting equipment vendors have come together to form a trade association dedicated to accelerating and assisting the adoption of IP based workflows within existing ecosystems. Called the Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS), the new body founded by Grass Valley, Imagine Communications, Lawo, Snell Advanced Media (SAM) and Nevion, will encourage interoperability within emerging all-IP based infrastructures based on existing open standards.
Dutch media group, DutchView Infostrada, part of the NEP group since the summer, has announced a successful broadcast of a live, IP-based multi-camera show. Infostrada’s Cloud Production platform is based on SAM Sirius routers, Kahuna switchers and IQ Modular technology.
