14 May-June 2017
NEWS & VIEWS
Blending IP networks next step to extending workflows to the field
The uptake of IP-based infrastructure and workflows in the broadcast industry has been one of , if not , the hottest topic over the past few years . Right now , its ascent is gaining more momentum than ever as the standards for IP encapsulation reach a more common consensus , particularly with SMPTE ST 2110 and 2022-7 , which have been supported by the Alliance for IP Media Solutions ( AIMS ). However , while many areas in the broadcast chain have become ubiquitous , there still remain others where IP implementation is less coherent , both from an economical and technical perspective .
At Dejero , we have seen the acceptance of IP in newsgathering , sports broadcasting , and live event coverage grow tremendously in all regions of the world — particularly in Asia , where the flexibility and reliability of our patented network blending technology makes it a straight-forward choice when considering the SNG truck alternative .
Facilitating an IP workflow has been at the core of our technology since our inception almost a decade ago , and has allowed our customers to leverage all available IP connections — whether cellular , Wi-Fi , portable satellite , or a blended combination of these networks . What broadcasters are ultimately looking for is reliable delivery of high-quality content from remote locations and the management of field equipment and routing of that content in a simple and cost-effective manner .
It is safe to say that bonded cellular technology has very much matured in our industry and can only get better as infrastructure improves . Because of this , we can better leverage this technology in more ways than just content acquisition .
But we are not limited to just cellular infrastructure . Using network blending technology , we can create a virtual network that dynamically and intelligently manages the routing of packets across multiple IP connections to minimise the impact of fluctuating bandwidth , packet loss , and varying latency within individual IP connections . The blended network provides
Mark Moore , Vice-President International Sales , Dejero
the necessary bandwidth to transfer real-time video and data with increased speed and even greater reliability .
It means that broadcasters can extend their workflows to the field and use systems and tools as if they were back at base . Today , our customers can connect a laptop in the field and reliably share and transfer large files or securely connect to the station ’ s network via a VPN client .
They can access news and MAM systems or directly access a NAS or archive system to retrieve and submit footage . They can also view assignments , edit , collaborate and share data across multiple platforms , all using network blending technology .
The real attraction to IP in broadcast is that it enables us to do more with less . Although its uptake in areas such as live production has been gradual , the uptake for cameras , switches , and infrastructure has been relatively slower than that of IP network connectivity . This is because of interoperability issues , cost and complex SLAs that service the IT technology . If you do the math over time , investment in IP infrastructure is beginning to make sense and will bring with it more revenue opportunities .
In the meantime , we are delivering on our IP promise today so that our customers achieve more workflow flexibility in the field , as well as a better cost model for the delivery of content across multiple platforms .
If you would like to learn more , we will be taking part in the Broadcast IP Inter-Op Lab at BroadcastAsia this year . The goal is to show what is working in IP today and highlight interoperability between different manufacturers . The IP Inter-Op Lab will include a live broadcast studio , content editing and distribution to over-the-top ( OTT ) platforms , all in real-time IP . �
Unleash your imagination at BroadcastAsia2017
SINGAPORE – Themed
‘ Imagination Unbound ’, BroadcastAsia2017 is returning to the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibiton Centre from May 23- 25 . As the latest technologies continue to expand the broadcast ecosystem and bring forth exciting new possibilities to create and consume content , especially within Asia-Pacific , some of the world ’ s leading broadcast equipment manufacturers are highlighting a range of products and solutions designed to support the region ’ s digital transformation , and beyond .
For the first time ,
BroadcastAsia is presented as a three-day event , and is re-locating from the
Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre to the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre .
Imagine Communications highlighting software-centric , IP-connected solutions
As live production continues to embrace IP connectivity , Imagine Communications is demonstrating hybrid SDI-IP solutions for production architectures .
These , says the company , highlight how broadcasters can move into new architectures without putting current investments at risk , while still maximising performance advantages . These include ultra-low latency encoding for IP-based production in 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) and high dynamic range ( HDR ) image quality .
At booth 4L2-01 , Imagine Communications is also highlighting content management , branding and playout for both HD and 4K / UHD in the cloud , as well as in on-premises solutions . Broadcasters in Asia-Pacific can see , for the first time , the new user interface and advanced automation for the company ’ s Versio playout system , as well as the new Landmark sales and scheduling solution .
Built to help manage , connect , deliver and optimise advertising reve-
nue , Landmark is an open , modular platform designed to ensure that media companies can build precisely tailored solutions for sales , scheduling and analytics , both for linear and non-linear content delivery .
Imagine Communications ’ multi-screen delivery capabilities are also on show through its line-up of transcoding and output devices , which can be deployed in the machine room , data centre or in the cloud . Underlining the drive for quality , as well as high efficiency , these devices are demonstrated with the latest implementation of the HEVC / H . 265 codec .
Imagine Communications ' Version playout system now comes with a new user interface and advanced automation .