PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Simplifying broadcast workflows
The world of broadcasting has changed dramatically over the last decade or so . Broadcasters are expected to handle more and more channels ; to offer HD as well as standard definition , and to at least consider new formats such as 3D and Ultra HD ; and to deliver to multiple platforms for catch-up and video-ondemand .
The pace of this change has led to many broadcasters having to be responsive , introducing quick fixes to allow each development to take place rather than being able to take a long-term view of what is really required . The result is that systems tend to be fragmented , forming operational islands , which increase the risk of errors and certainly reduce productivity .
Now , with the drive towards file-based content architectures becoming the norm , broadcasters are seizing the opportunity to look at completely new ways of working . Once content can be moved as files over IP networks between processes running as software on standard computers , broadcasters can take a fresh approach .
Software-defined architectures allow broadcasters to state what is required in terms of outputs , with the underlying technology modifying itself to achieve it . There is no need for broadcast workflows to be defined by sequential processing by discrete pieces of equipment : for the first time the user is in charge , not the hardware .
When making plans for such a new architecture , the broadcaster should be looking at a range of objectives , which are likely to include :
Improving operational productivity , through automating repetitive tasks and thereby releasing staff to perform creative and fulfilling work , allowing the software to request operator intervention only when required . Allowing complete flexibility in workflows today and in the future , through the ability to edit their own workflow processes via a simple GUI and not be dependent upon specialist development resources . Through the workflow flexibility , providing the capability to deliver more channels and VoD content quickly , using the existing level of staffing for increased commercial effectiveness . Ingesting content once to be repurposed as necessary across the whole organisation servicing both linear and non-linear distribution . Removing all bottlenecks in content flows , providing reporting to give staff insight into pinch points and inefficiencies , and adding business analytics which inform board-level management information . Achieving these key deliverables by providing seamless integration between systems from multiple vendors , creating a single entity with a common orchestration and management layer .
This is not a wish list : this is
Software-defined architectures should allow broadcasters to look at the operations at the enterprise level , with a consistent , end-to-end approach to all services .
By Paul Wilkins , director of solutions and marketing , TMD
all achievable today , and indeed broadcasters around the world are benefiting from huge efficiency improvements by implementing this sort of highly automated , metadata-driven , software-defined environments . In South-east Asia , leading satellite broadcaster Astro has recently completed the implementation of just such a system , with TMD Mediaflex- UMS as the asset and workflow management core .
Perhaps the most important of the requirements detailed by Astro is the ability to provide seamless integration between systems from multiple vendors . A genuine greenfield development is very rare : most broadcasters have both legacy equipment , business systems and work practices .
The capitalisation of legacy equipment should be respected . It is hard to justify dispensing with hardware which is not lifeexpired . The project plan will need to address the transfer and rationalisation of data into a single , coherent metadata schema . This is far from a simple issue , although TMD has much experience in planning and executing data takeon .
There will be legacy workflows alongside the legacy equipment . Many ways of working have grown up because they were the only way that the hardware architecture would support them . In a new , software-defined architecture there may be much better ways of setting out the work , encouraging people to focus where they can make a real difference and automating dull , repetitive tasks . Modern systems allow users to design and implement their own workflows .
As the project at Astro shows , the result should be much more than a new , modern technology platform . It should be a fresh approach to the whole organisation . Software-defined architectures should allow broadcasters to look at the operations at the enterprise level , with a consistent , end-to-end approach to all services . Ultimately , it should make broadcasters more responsive to the demands of their audiences , more creative , and more financially secure .
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