Contrary to widespread belief, the bandwidth required for streaming live or VOD content at quality does not need to be in the multi-megabit domain. Research from content delivery network Akamai and test body Eurofins, suggests that 6-8Mbps is optimal for connected TVs with just 2-3Mbps needed for smartphones. This was for HD content only, which for mobile may well be good enough regardless of the arrival of 4K. The flip side is that viewers are used to a minimum of HD TV delivery via broadcast and expect similar or better quality video streams from OTT. A video stream that equates, at best, to an SD broadcast feed – may no longer be good enough. The Broadcast Bridge examines the findings.

Recall the actor Tom Cruise in the movie, "Minority Report"? Cruise stands before a large, wraparound screen and with his hands in mid-air manipulates and directs dynamic elements and information being displayed. The movie calls the process, "scrubbing the image." Could such virtual control of video servers, cameras and production switchers be just around the corner for broadcasters?

Flexibility, scalability, and resilience are the champions of IP migration, but we should remember, the real influencers in our infrastructures are the viewers.

Online streaming quality has improved greatly over the last decade through increases in bandwidth and better optimization around transmission and playback. But significant challenges remain, including latency, platform fragmentation and failure to rally round a single codec capable of delivering Ultra HD (UHD) content cost effectively over available bandwidth.

Broadcast standards have stood the test of time and served us well. But are we now in a position where transport stream standards are running the risk of inhibiting innovation? Is there a better way?

5G is starting to make some real noise in the broadcast industry but delivering the promised gains is more than just about RF bandwidth.

A must-see session at the NAB Show New York will discuss why UHD (Ultra High Definition) and HDR (High Dynamic Range) can be a blessing and a curse for today’s broadcasters.

When discussing IP, I often hear pundits advising that networks must be “zero packet loss”. This is more of an aspiration than a reality and I would ask why so many accept this contradictory assertion without question.

Accurate timing continues to be central to video, audio and metadata delivery. But as we progress to IP, do we need to be so obsessed with nanosecond tolerances?

At the recent 2018 IBC Show, two different, yet similar, technology showcases were hosted that addressed the increasing need for interoperability of third-party companies around a common set of specifications that leverage the internet protocol (IP). As more broadcasters seek to embrace IP, these live demonstrations and industry “plug-fests” serve as important proofs of concept.