The broadcast industry's move away from SDI towards IP-based production workflows is fundamentally changing how control rooms are designed and operated. While SMPTE ST 2110 is central to this transition, it’s not the only standard influencing next-generation infrastructure. This article features insights from leading vendors and technologists on the realities of IP adoption, covering architectural considerations, timing strategies, hybrid coexistence, and interoperability challenges.
The discussion covers the evolution of control rooms using software-defined tools, network-centric signal flow, and increased agility across remote and distributed environments. Participants address the complexities of aligning IT and broadcast teams, future scalability, and maintaining operational continuity within increasingly complex systems. David Isola (Black Box) notes the shift towards flexible, interoperable IP-based environments and the rising demand for scalable IP-based control solutions. John Mailhot (Imagine Communications) explains that ST 2110 alters traditional refresh cycles, turning the network into the central element connecting various subsystems, and suggesting the optimal transition time is during other subsystem upgrades. Matteo De Martinis (Dalet) highlights the increased focus on interoperability and future-proofing driven by SMPTE ST 2110 adoption, emphasizing the importance of planning for seamless SDI/IP coexistence in hybrid environments.
Jan Weigner (Cinegy) points out that the initial promise of multiple signals per Ethernet cable has been largely superseded by point-to-point connections using VLANs or SDN overlays. Dave Hoffman (Blackmagic Design) mentions the emergence of affordable solutions to integrate SDI gear into 2110 workflows, but notes a cautious approach amongst some broadcasters. James Gilbert (Pixel Power) emphasizes the growing demand for solutions that enhance efficiency and flexibility, supporting both legacy and IP-based workflows seamlessly. Chris Scheck (Lawo) highlights the advantages of agile resource sharing and remote production enabled by ST 2110, citing examples of significant efficiency gains in resource allocation. Peter Fitton (Ross Video) underscores the scalability advantages of ST 2110 compared to traditional systems, acknowledging the initial investment but emphasizing the long-term benefits.
Chris Pulis (Globecast) discusses the convergence of IT and broadcast engineering accelerated by the shift to SMPTE ST 2110, necessitating parallel investments and improved cross-domain understanding. Klaus Weber (Grass Valley) highlights the efficiencies gained from flexible routing of video, audio, and metadata, reduced cabling costs, and enhanced scalability for multi-format signal handling. Bill Lawler (Telestream) emphasizes the streamlining of operations through the transition from SDI cabling to a more flexible IP infrastructure, resulting in improved efficiency and interoperability. James Gilbert (Pixel Power) reiterates the efficiency gains in remote production, ease of content sharing, and reduced travel, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint. Chris Scheck (Lawo) further emphasizes the elimination of cable patching and complex workflow strategies. Adam Salkin (Diversified) discusses the challenges in fault finding within IP-based systems due to their software-defined nature.
Bill Lawler (Telestream) explains the complexity of managing high-bandwidth uncompressed streams and precise timing using PTP in IP-based systems. Dave Hoffman (Blackmagic Design) identifies managing network complexity and vendor compatibility as major challenges. Chris Scheck (Lawo) mentions the need for IT specialists, suggesting alternative approaches like training broadcast engineers in basic IT concepts. Peter Fitton (Ross Video) highlights the shift in required skill sets for managing ST 2110 networks. Scott McQuaid (Sony Electronics) discusses the challenges in testing and diagnosing problems within the SMPTE ST 2110 environment compared to the simpler SDI patch bay system. David Isola (Black Box) recommends a modular approach and thorough testing before full deployment to ensure interoperability. Matteo De Martinis (Dalet) stresses the importance of maintaining consistent operational practices during the hybrid phase of SDI/IP coexistence.
Bill Lawler (Telestream) underscores the importance of thorough testing, NMOS implementation, and PTP synchronization validation. Dave Hoffman (Blackmagic Design) emphasizes collaboration between broadcast and IT teams, recommending working with experienced systems integrators. Roberto Musso (NDI) advocates for choosing open standards and protocols for mixed environments. Marc Wilson (Glensound) stresses the flexibility offered by hardware with open control standards. James Gilbert (Pixel Power) highlights the increasing use of POC exercises to test interoperability and the growing emphasis on APIs and plugins. Christopher McLendon (Vizrt) emphasizes using high-quality, standards-compliant components in IP-based control rooms.
Peter Fitton (Ross Video) highlights the importance of thorough component discovery and verification early in the project. Chris Pulis (Globecast) stresses the need to avoid siloed systems and the importance of involving production teams in workflow planning. Klaus Weber (Grass Valley) discusses the benefits of software-defined workflows, enabling flexible, real-time reconfiguration of signals and processes. Jan Weigner (Cinegy) emphasizes the elimination of hardware bottlenecks through software-defined workflows, enabling greater flexibility. Roberto Musso (NDI) highlights the flexibility and adaptability of software-defined control rooms using protocols like NDI. James Gilbert (Pixel Power) discusses the implications of software-defined architectures on content security and remote production.
Christopher McLendon (Vizrt) emphasizes the flexibility of software-defined workflows, contrasting them with the hardwired systems of the past. Chris Scheck (Lawo) highlights the agility offered by software-defined workflows, enabling dynamic resource allocation and configuration. David Isola (Black Box) mentions the increasing reliance on centralized control and intuitive operator interfaces. John Mailhot (Imagine Communications) discusses the complexities of reconciling multi-level routing with simpler automation system models. Chris Scheck (Lawo) describes how a broadcast control system can simplify the complex routing for the production team. Peter Fitton (Ross Video) notes the variability in the need for dynamic signal rerouting across different environments. Chris Pulis (Globecast) highlights the benefits of automation in increasing individual productivity and supporting multi-destination output. Bill Lawler (Telestream) discusses the increased speed, reliability, and resource utilization enabled by automation in control rooms.
Christopher McLendon (Vizrt) focuses on the benefits of automation for allowing focus on the creative aspects of production and supporting productions with less capacity. Chris Pulis (Globecast) emphasizes automation's role in enabling leaner teams to deliver more complex content and support real-time updates. Jan Weigner (Cinegy) notes that software-defined solutions level the playing field for smaller broadcasters, enabling them to deploy sophisticated automation. Christopher McLendon (Vizrt) points out the alternative of all-in-one systems for broadcasters with tighter budgets. Chris Pulis (Globecast) discusses smaller broadcasters’ adoption of cost-effective, software-defined solutions, allowing them access to advanced functionality while maintaining financial control.