It’s the key enabler for the EBU’s Dynamic Media Facility (DMF) concept, which envisions moving media processing from individual hardware boxes into virtual containers running on local servers or the Cloud. Simply put, MXL represents the virtualized cabling in this new, hardware-agnostic paradigm.

Media companies desire the flexibility this concept provides. Production environments that leave the ties to specialized hardware behind are easily scaled to the required size, allowing producers to use on-premise or rented computing resources, when and as required. This changes how decision makers think about infrastructure investments, as agility becomes an option. For suppliers, the model creates agility, new opportunities and business models.

“We see software-based production along the lines of our Dynamic Media Facility concept as a key enabler for future media operations”, says EBU CTO Antonio Arcidiacono. “By making the Dynamic Media eXchange layer open source, in collaboration with the Linux Foundation and NABA, we think we will see accelerated innovation in this space, with benefits for both media organizations and vendors.”

The project is already receiving support from a wide range of organizations. Participating media companies include the BBC, CBC/Radio-Canada, Bell Media (Canada), Dome Productions (Canada), France TV, Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), RTÉ (Ireland), SRG SSR (Switzerland), SVT (Sweden), SWR/ARD (Germany), and VRT (Belgium). From the implementers side there is already support from a diverse set of leading companies, including Appear, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Grass Valley, Intel, Lawo, NVIDIA, Riedel Communications, and Telos Alliance.

The MXL Concept
MXL is designed to become an open framework for real-time ‘in memory’ media exchange that allows seamless integration across compute nodes, production clusters, and broadcast platforms. In essence, it is the rails for an ecosystem, and their use is free of charge.

“MXL leverages the capabilities of the broader IT industry. It becomes the underpinning service that enables interoperable media exchange between media functions. What may seem like a small step is a significant undertaking, requiring collaboration with IT industry partners, broadcast vendors, industry bodies and the user community. I'm truly excited for this project to kick off!”, says Willem Vermost, Design and Engineering Manager at EBU.

Making It Real
Managing open source developments of this kind is a regular activity for The Linux Foundation, which has an excellent track record in this space.

“The Linux Foundation is committed to fostering open collaboration across industries, and the Media eXchange Layer Project is a testament to that mission," said Jim Zemlin, Executive Director of the Linux Foundation. "By bringing together key players in the professional media and IT sectors, we are enabling the development of open, interoperable solutions that will drive the future of real-time media exchange."

The MXL Project invites media industry leaders to get involved and participate as an end-user or solution provider of MXL-based next-generation media production software.