explains. With an improved video pipeline, broadcasters can easily create region-specific graphical overlays like dynamic ads and QR codes, for instance. By relying on cloud technologies, operators can also work ‘from anywhere’, according to Reich – as long as they have signal access. Going mobile “reduces operational components,” he continues, and gives video engineers more visibility thanks to bidirectional streaming. “Typically, when you think about satellite video, the video gets sent out somewhere – it may be more challenging to track the signal,” Reich describes. He elaborates: “With video over IP, if I’m sitting there and sending a signal, I can then look at the return. For a technician in the field or somebody working remotely, if they’re not seeing that the feed is connecting, they can troubleshoot and diagnose it themself.” Looking ahead Video over IP isn’t just the future – it’s already becoming a reality. Companies such as Sinclair Broadcast Group have teamed up with Zixi to create more forward- facing video architectures based around over-IP delivery. The same is true of the BBC; the media giant recently partnered with Zixi and Encompass Digital Media to transform its entire BBC World Service from satellite to IP distribution. With its European arm already completed, the BBC has entered a rolling programme to tackle the Americas, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. “Having that central orchestration to manage and oversee all your feeds, in a way that’s flexible, is imperative,” Reich reiterates. With Zixi’s industry-leading IP delivery technology, broadcasters and sports entities are in good hands.
reinvented
crew to handle that production. For example, you would have another operator adding in specialised graphics for this region.” This way of working was not only time-consuming, but it also raised operational costs. “Now,” he continues, “with the way that the technology has advanced, you can have one feed and then automatically translate or change your graphics so that you could have, say, eight different versions of
a broadcast going to eight different regions, but they’re catered towards those different audiences.” Besides improving operational efficiency and viewer experience, video over IP also opens doors to other opportunities. At Zixi, “Customers are using Zen Master or Zixi Broadcaster, which help to control, orchestrate and effectively manage all their feeds. This can lead to automated switching and, down the line, monetisation,” Reich
zixi.com
Powered by FlippingBook