Media Security? What Security?

Media security is top of the list for broadcast executives. And the recent Sony Pictures hack illustrates that everyone is a potential target. John Watkinson looks at why cyber-attacks have become common, and what broadcasters, Hollywood and TV show makers can do to try and protect their investments. …

Video ingest – a case to be made for professional tools

With the continued drive within the broadcast environment for keeping costs down, better productivity and improved efficiencies, ensuring that the workforce has the tools to do their jobs properly is critical. As with other industries, broadcast finds itself in a state of flux, with several trends and changes impacting on

Applied Technology: The Hidden Limitations of FEC

Packet loss is part of the “normal” behavior of packet networks and in particular of unmanaged networks like the Internet. Even so, there are effective ways in which to resolve the missing data. …

What is a video server and why do I need one?

Let’s start with two interesting and, maybe, surprising facts: “TV advertising remains the most effective form of advertising and creates the most profit for businesses…. Television commercials have yielded an average profit return of £1.79 for every £1 invested during 2011-14.” …

Using KPI for Media Workflows

Determining the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) required in order to measure media workflows is no different than for other workflows. Attempting to set standards and measure these without a thorough understanding of the process will result in incorrect results regardless of whether your workflow is for a doctor’s office o

How Satellites Will Fuel the Next Wave of Journalism

In recent years, major events such as the Arab Spring and the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake have brought the role of citizen journalists into global prominence. As mainstream news outlets adapt to this emerging trend, professional journalists and average citizens alike can explore the use of satellite technology as a key

To GoPro where nobody has GoPro’ed before

In the same way that Red Bull has successfully shifted attention to its brand as a lifestyle and not about shifting cans of drink, so GoPro’s business model has achieved lift-off as a media phenomenon. Perhaps it had to, with basic hardware costing around $100 it would have had to

Converging Broadcast Distribution into ‘The Cloud’

Digital…..the word has such broad connotations. Digital ‘gadgets’ are now affecting nearly every person on the planet today, in one form or another. …

In Today’s Audio and Video Marketplace, Social Media is Essential to Success

In order to be successful in marketing audio, video or multimedia program material in today’s complex marketplace, the seller must be Internet savvy. He or she should be capable of spreading a targeted story not only about the program being sold, but the production company or band’s brand ide

Breaking the Old Habits of Breaking News

The new normal for producing stories outside of the newsroom walls. Over the past few years, advancements in technology and Internet connectivity have impacted nearly every facet of our lives—from how we gather and store information to how we communicate with others. And the news industry is no exception. I