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Anyone out there recall a common early meme about software? It went something like this, “Software is like prostitution. After you sell it, you’ve still got it.” The phrase was meant to denigrate the whole software business and things have not changed for the better.
I recall when technology used to last a bit longer than it does today. Even if a new and improved product or technology was introduced, replacements were typically available for years and sometimes a third party provided equivalent replacement parts. However, computer-centric hardware and software technology has changed all that.
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?
2016 was the year that virtual reality finally launched amid much fanfare but modest consumer uptake. But what about augmented reality/mixed reality? If 2016 opened the door for us to explore virtual worlds, then is 2017 the time that we step through the looking glass into augmented reality?
As the media industry struggles with ensuring security for its media systems, recall the Sony hack, it is worthwhile to examine how technology can both help and invade the privacy of both individuals and media companies. Just how vulnerable might you be?
Just like video equipment, test and measurement is evolving from hardware to software, with more and more intelligence incorporated into the product. The engineer sitting at a bench has been largely replaced with automated quality control (QC) to meet the needs and workload of multi-platform delivery. The engineer now performs more of an investigative and trouble-shooting role.
Test and measurement for broadcast equipment falls into two areas. One is for manufacturers, on the test-bench or in research and development. The other is for broadcast engineers, who are installing equipment, or for ongoing maintenance and system quality assurance. Although some of the needs may crossover, in general the requirements of the broadcaster are simpler than the R&D engineer.
What happened to all the soldering irons? As we transition to increasingly connected software systems, a massive number of opportunities are becoming available.
As new formats like ATSC 3.0 and HDR along with digital operations and higher speed networks become commonplace, broadcast and video engineers need new ways to support and maintain these signals. Here is a preview of new test and measurement technology to be highlighted at IBC 2017.
The Broadcast Bridge has published multiple articles and tutorials about the industry’s increased use of the cloud as an important tool. It would be good to examine how the cloud is now centric to many traditional in-house workflows. However usage is addictive and must be actively managed to control costs.
As more broadcasters are seeing the benefits that COTS equipment and services deliver, there are some emerging applications for GPUs that could improve IP infrastructures even more. But how will the development of GPUs affect our industry, and can we justifiably refer to them as COTS?