PANELLISTS
❝ The cloud allows for better scalability and cost savings as software does not need to change , and any new hardware improves the process time .❞
❝ With no need for heavy investment in broadcast equipment , broadcasters have the freedom to make use of valuable resources to focus on its core business . With more funds , broadcasters can bring in more talent , further its market to new audiences , or supplement its efforts with more digital broadcast applications .❞
38
April 2017
Is cloud the future of broadcast ?
DVB tightens cyber protection of smart TVs
The DVB Steering Board has approved updates to the TS 102 809 specification . Addressing the signalling and carriage of interactive applications and services in hybrid broadcast / broadband environments , the new updates include the introduction of an authentication mechanism to help prevent ‘ Man in the Middle ’ attacks in smart TVs supporting interactivity . According to DVB , this update was triggered by a security researcher demonstrating successfully how it is possible for attackers to modify broadcast TV signals and also exploit bugs in the software of smart TVs to gain control over the TV .
Colt and NESIC drive IoT
Colt Technology Services is providing dedicated network connectivity to the cloud for NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation ’ s ( NESIC ) Internet of Things ( IoT ) Platform Service , which leverages Microsoft Azure . The IoT Platform Service from NESIC incorporates features that leverage Microsoft Azure , including data collection , visualisation and machine learning for data analysis . NESIC ’ s Wireless Direct Access for Azure option also provides a “ guaranteed , secure and reliable link ” that bypasses the Internet by establishing a grounded connection to Microsoft Azure via Colt ’ s low-latency , private network . Kenji Hioki , Colt ' s Asia CCO and regional executive , said : “ We intend to fully contribute to the development of the quickly expanding IoT market by empowering NESIC ' s customers through Colt ' s services .”
Next Month @ X-Platform
IP-based Broadcast Systems
PANELLISTS
Mock Pak Lum
CTO StarHub
Michael Cronk
Chairman , Alliance for IP Media Solutions ( AIMS )
Peter Bithos
CEO , HOOQ
While the introduction of cloud-based solutions into broadcast workflows may have been overwhelmingly met with skepticism before , more broadcasters are now moving key broadcast functions into the cloud . Shawn Liew finds out why .
When it comes to the adoption of technologies , the last thing broadcasters can afford to do is have their heads in the clouds .
Cloud technology is , for all intents and purposes , not a new concept for the broadcast and media industries . Perhaps , the pertinent question to ask is : Do broadcasters have a true grasp on what cloud technology can bring to their broadcast operations , particularly in the context of the transition to IP ?
IP is the mechanism to route video and audio , and to send it to processing for functions such as effects , levelling , mixing and transcoding , says Barry Pegg , group engineering manager at Magna Systems . “ These are all processes that can be virtualised in , and by using , the cloud ,” he tells APB . “ So , in every IP facility , wherever you need to process , you can , and will , use cloud computing .”
Pegg also believes that the advantages of the cloud are manifested when a user has distributed offices , and even more so , when multiple time zones are a factor .
He continues : “ There are also production benefits as you can have virtual machines ( VM ) available at distributed premises that can allow applications such as playout , editing and transcoding to be spun up to meet peaks in operational workloads , or cover for a failure .”
For many worldwide content creators , the cloud is a boon , affording access to common media , which in turn allows content to be easily localised , Pegg points out .
Another benefit offered by the cloud is how it allows playout to be managed from remote locations , in turn creating cost savings from the elimination of repeat operation and the sharing of hardware costs .
Pegg describes : “ With the cloud , news stories can be shared and news production
❝ The cloud allows for better scalability and cost savings as software does not need to change , and any new hardware improves the process time .❞
❝ With no need for heavy investment in broadcast equipment , broadcasters have the freedom to make use of valuable resources to focus on its core business . With more funds , broadcasters can bring in more talent , further its market to new audiences , or supplement its efforts with more digital broadcast applications .❞
— Barry Pegg , Group Engineering Manager , Magna Systems
playout can be managed in the same way . This means the cloud allows for better scalability and cost savings as software does not need to change , and any new hardware improves the process time .”
Cloud broadcasting offers a number of important benefits for broadcasters ; of these , affordability is an important element , says Ely Marcovich , senior account manager at SintecMedia . “ Because cloud services are offered as SaaS ( software as a service ), this translates to lower Capex and Opex ,” he elaborates . “ With no need for heavy
— Ely Marcovich , Senior Account Manager , SintecMedia investment in broadcast equipment , broadcasters have the freedom to make use of valuable resources to focus on its core business . With more funds , broadcasters can bring in more talent , further its market to new audiences , or supplement its efforts with more digital broadcast applications .”
Marcovich believes another key aspect of cloud broadcasting is infrastructure responsibility . SintecMedia , for instance , is in charge of all software , hardware and system upgrades for its customers , and offers its entire product portfolio on the cloud . This , he stresses , creates a “ robust , scalable and reliable ” solution for broadcasters .
In late 2016 , SintecMedia also acquired Operative Media , whose digital advertising business management solutions are run over the cloud .
“ Now , major media companies have a complete , integrated source bringing together TV and digital ad management ,” Marcovich highlights . “ This is enabling media companies and broadcasters to streamline advertising infrastructure , connect the most