As Pro AV productions get more complex, the industry has longed for a set of common, ubiquitous, standards-based protocols for interoperability on a managed video-over-IP network. In 2017, as the first set of SMPTE ST 2110 standards were published, AV professionals saw the framework of their dream become reality.
Most live remote outside broadcasts are thoroughly planned by producers and directors who are often too busy to consider potential equipment problems. Technology is an engineering responsibility. Engineers must be ready for any circumstances that threaten to take the show off-script or off-air, from dead wireless mic batteries to unexpected foul weather. In live TV, anything can happen and probably will, usually at the worst possible time.
Time base correction is an enabling technology that crops up everywhere; not just in broadcasting.
Digital audio interfaces were developed as a way of avoiding generation loss between devices.
As streaming platforms and viewership continues to grow, so too does the drive towards harvesting maximum ad dollars. With so many OTT services available, a growing number of consumers are willing to accept ad-supported programming in return for lower subscription rates or free offerings.
As broadcast facilities and other organizations that use media to educate and inform continue to carefully make the move to video over IP, they currently face two main options, with a range of others in the wings. They may opt for a full SMPTE ST 2110 design that leverages uncompressed pristine quality video for higher profile productions or lightly compressed NDI networking, which brings with it less costs and easy access to an expanding ecosystem of compliant products and systems.
Media streaming over the internet is unique. Packet switched networks were never designed to deliver continuous and long streams of media but instead were built to efficiently process transactional and short bursts of data. The long streams of video and audio data are relentless in their network demands and to distribute them effectively requires the adoption of specialist CDNs.
According to Parks Associates, more than 310 million connected households will have at least one OTT service by 2024. The recent explosion in video consumption on every screen has opened up new opportunities for service providers while also creating some challenges.
