This analysis delves into the technology driving live production, encompassing switchers, playout, ingest systems, and infrastructure design. As control rooms transition from SDI-based setups to IP and cloud-driven architectures, vendors offer insights into broadcaster priorities, the significance of SMPTE ST 2110, and the impact of hybrid workflows on purchasing and operational models. The discussion also covers automation, resource scaling, and the advantages of gradual migration over complete overhauls.
The modern broadcast operation is increasingly distributed and dynamic. The control room is no longer a static space; it’s a flexible, interconnected system adapting to evolving formats, workflows, and expectations. Klaus Weber, director product marketing, Grass Valley, emphasizes the importance of format and signal compatibility, including native support for HD, UHD, and HDR, and the ability to perform internal up- and down-conversion. Scalability and future-proofing are crucial, with options to expand I/O, processing power, or software as needed.
Adam Salkin, senior solutions architect, Diversified, highlights the need for broadcasters to consider the availability of skilled technicians for chosen switcher models, alongside resolution, frame rate, HDR, and WCG capabilities. He stresses the importance of understanding 2110 IO capacity and its connection to ethernet switches. Dave Hoffman, business development manager, Americas, Blackmagic Design, advises against being overly tied to specific gear, recommending modular and scalable solutions that meet current needs and budget.
Christopher McLendon, senior product manager, Vizrt, underscores the importance of aligning technology choices with existing broadcaster setups and budgeting, while emphasizing flexibility. Scott McQuaid, senior sales support engineer and product manager, switchers, Sony Electronics, advocates for the advantages of moving to IP, enabling signal transmission over longer distances and centralized hardware. He also highlights the benefits of efficient resource utilization.
Roberto Musso, technical director, NDI, discusses the transformative effect of software-based switchers, offering flexible, scalable workflows without dedicated hardware and reducing costs and complexity. John Mailhot, SVP, product management, Imagine Communications, describes the modern control room managing numerous channels, with IP infrastructure supporting increased complexity and offering flexibility beyond traditional SDI setups.
Matteo De Martinis, head of product management, media productions, Dalet, points to the importance of interoperability, low latency, scalability, redundancy, and workflow automation for broadcasters migrating to IP-based infrastructures. Jan Weigner, CTO, Cinegy, strongly advises against a "big bang" migration, advocating for a hybrid approach supporting both SDI and IP simultaneously to avoid downtime.
Miroslav Jeras, CTO, Pebble, highlights IP as an enabling technology supporting flexible production models and delivering multiple outputs. James Gilbert, SVP, Pixel Power, emphasizes the consolidation of multiviewing and monitoring, enabled by automation, leading to simplification, improved quality, and efficiency. Martins Magone, CTO, Veset, notes the increasing pressure on broadcasters to produce more content at lower costs, with IP-based systems offering unmatched flexibility, efficiency, and scalability.
James Cranfield, global VP, sales and partnerships, Cinedeck, discusses the benefits of IP-based ingest for remote production, reducing hardware and personnel needs. Chris Scheck, head of marketing content, Lawo, emphasizes the agility offered by IP, treating audio, video, and control signals as separate entities. Graham Sharp, VP, sales and marketing, BCNexxt, highlights the flexibility and automation enabled by IP-based infrastructure, reducing costs and increasing reliability.
Chris Pulis, CTO, Globecast, stresses the importance of real-time failover and robust monitoring in IP-based systems. John Mailhot again emphasizes the dynamic assignment of ingest and playout tasks in IP routing fabrics, enabling scalable resource allocation. Matteo De Martinis highlights the benefits of automated device detection and configuration for more responsive and scalable workflows.
Bill Lawler, technical product manager, Telestream, explains how ST 2110 facilitates automation by separating video, audio, and metadata streams. Miroslav Jeras discusses the role of playout automation in IP architectures, noting the different timing considerations compared to SDI. Martins Magone highlights the automation capabilities of cloud playout, automating time-consuming tasks and reducing costs.
James Cranfield discusses the scalability of ST 2110 for multi-channel workflows, while Graham Sharp notes that in cloud and hybrid architectures, ST 2110 may not always be necessary. Chris Pulis emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of infrastructure design and performance at a granular level for IP-based systems. John Mailhot discusses the part-time use model of cloud computing for certain ingest and playout tasks.
Bill Lawler highlights the flexibility of cloud-based ingest and playout systems, supporting hybrid or cloud-native models. Jan Weigner discusses the strategic use of cloud for specific advantages like disaster recovery and overflow capacity within a hybrid approach. Miroslav Jeras notes the preference for retaining playout on-site, often using the cloud for disaster recovery.
James Gilbert emphasizes the importance of technology partners who can handle various feed types seamlessly. Martins Magone highlights the increasing adoption of cloud playout for future-proofing operations. James Cranfield details the cost savings, improved efficiency, and scalability of cloud-based ingest.
Peter Fitton, solutions architect, Ross Video, discusses the cloud's role in ingesting content from diverse sources and supporting agile playout capabilities. Graham Sharp discusses the challenges and recent successes of cloud-native software for playout. John Mailhot highlights the adoption of multi-site and hybrid strategies to mitigate enterprise risk.
Jan Weigner emphasizes the operational resilience offered by hybrid workflows, allowing broadcasters to optimize for various factors without architectural constraints. Miroslav Jeras highlights the importance of secure remote access in modern playout automation architectures. Martins Magone describes the shift towards a decentralized model with services and functions in the cloud.
James Cranfield underscores the importance of IP for geographically dispersed teams, enabling real-time collaboration and cost reduction. Graham Sharp highlights the opportunities offered by the cloud for redundant systems, pop-up channels, and cost-effective multi-site and hybrid deployments. Chris Pulis emphasizes the improved business continuity and disaster recovery enabled by hybrid and multi-site workflows.