January-February 2016 X-PLATFORM 37
NEP : The future is IP
NEP The Netherlands , part of the NEP Worldwide Network , recently broadcast its first live , IP-based remote productions . Peter Bruggink , CTO of NEP The Netherlands and member of the international NEP leadership team , shares the experience with APB .
Can you share with us how an IPbased workflow compares with traditional broadcast production and delivery platforms ? What are some of the key benefits or shortcomings that you have identified ?
Peter Bruggink : Today ’ s broadcast world moves extremely fast . The investment of today may be outdated tomorrow . Take 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ). Do you opt for an investment in a baseband 4K / UHD router and switcher ? Or should you wait
NEP The Netherlands believes that IP not only makes you ready for today ’ s technology , but for the future as well .
until 8K is available ?
Opting for IP not only makes you ready for today ’ s technology , but for the future as well . You can , relatively easily , expand bandwidth , without having to do major reinvestments . The trend of constantly adapting to change is not new in the TV landscape . By choosing IP , we created the flexibility to rapidly act on changes . Our centralised resources can be shared more effi ciently , and sustainably utilised across productions and can be assigned to a production with the click of a mouse .
What tips can you give broadcasters looking at integrating IP ? What are some of the specific details they should look out for ? Bruggink : Currently , don ’ t expect to buy a ready-made product . You ’ ll really have to partner with a manufacturer , and walk the path
to IP together — a path in which many obstacles must be overcome for both parties .
As a broadcaster , you ’ ll have to weigh the pros and cons — do you have the time , people and resources available for that purpose ? In many areas , you will have to choose a hybrid environment . Is this choice , considering the future , efficient for your company to invest in , or should you wait until standards crystallise further ?
How do you see the transition to IP taking shape in 2016 ? Are broadcasters and media companies truly ready to embrace IP ? Bruggink : SMPTE 2022-6 , AES67 and VSF TR-03 and TR-04 are now
❝ You ’ ll really have to partner with a manufacturer , and walk the path to IP together — a path in which many obstacles must be overcome for both parties .❞
— Peter Bruggink , CTO , NEP The Netherlands , and Member , International NEP Leadership Team
well-known standards in the IP world . But these standards don ’ t resolve everything and complementary and alternative standards will still be needed .
In current standards , there ’ s little mention on metadata and control parameters . In upcoming years , it is very important that agreements are made in this field , so that multiple manufacturers can connect reciprocally over IP . The current trend is that manufacturers seek alliances with one another in their quest for standards — like Aspen and AIMS .
As partnerships such as these are forged , the transition to IP will accelerate . Having said that , video-over-IP ( VoIP ) won ’ t be an off-the-shelf product in 2016 .
INNOVATING DIGITAL CONNECTIONS
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
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The symposium aims to stimulate thinking among delegates on the business and technology strategies that will safeguard and grow media services in this highly competitive and connected era , with the engaging theme “ Innovating Digital Connections ”. It provides a platform to share expertise and experiences , network with like-minded colleagues , showcase and embrace advancing technologies and today ’ s content approach . The event provides international and regional exposure to our members and the media industry alike .
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Some of the key areas of discussions at the symposium include ;
• Multiplatform delivery of media content in the future
• Workflow efficiency through cloud-based systems
• Integrated media and communication environment
• Making the best out of OTT and content delivery networks and services
• Immersive audio and video experiences – the next step
• Effective interaction and second screen experience through IBB technology
• Digitalisation of audio video archives – preserving the heritage
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