❝ Our newly combined portfolio and our unmatched global reach is already providing significant benefits to broadcasters , content owners and media service providers worldwide .❞
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16 WEDNESDAY
@ ConnecTechAsia2018
27 June 2018
Grass Valley takes leading role in broadcast technology transitions
It has been almost six months since the acquisition of SAM . Can you share with us how the addition of SAM ’ s products into Grass Valley ’ s portfolio has strengthened the company ’ s position in the industry , and what are the strategies you have developed for Grass Valley moving forward ? Somu Patil : The acquisition of SAM ( Snell Advanced Media ) has cemented Grass Valley ’ s position as the number one player in content and media technology . We have more resources and technologies than ever before , as well as the financial backing and security of Belden , to continue evolving this offering for our customers .
Our newly combined portfolio and our unmatched global reach is already providing significant benefits to broadcasters , content owners and media service providers worldwide . It is driving real innovation and enabling customers to build agile , future-proof infrastructures and workflows to create and deliver the best content to more viewers . With the heritage of both SAM and Grass Valley behind us , our customers trust us to be their long-term business transformation partner .
As viewing habits continue to change and as more businesses move towards a cloud-enabled future , we are committed to helping our customers navigate the waters of the ever-changing media landscape to create , control and connect content wherever , however and whenever it is consumed .
The media industry has seen the emergence of technologies like 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ), IP , cloud and virtualisation , just to name a few . Which technology do you expect to have a sustained impact this year ? Patil : We are continuing to see significant interest in 4K / UHD , especially for live production requirements , and expect a rise in uptake of this emerging technology in both sports and entertainment production . 4K / UHD has become a key differentiator for media service providers and broadcasters , and for consumers who are looking for more immersive viewing experiences . HD coverage used to be the only requirement and 4K / UHD production was typically only for specific events or games , but this is no longer the case . The increasing market penetration
Exhibiting at BroadcastAsia for the first time since Belden ’ s acquisition of Snell Advanced Media ( SAM ), Grass Valley ( booth 4R2-01 ) is continuing to strengthen its position as one of the leading providers of content and media technology . Somu Patil , vice president , sales , Asia , shares more .
of 4K / UHD is largely facilitated by IP , which is driving infrastructure efficiency , and enabling viewers to have access to this higher-quality content across a variety of devices beyond TVs . This is ultimately helping broadcasters , news organisations , rights holders , media service providers , and other content owners and distributors to attract and retain more viewers — especially as more 4K / UHD-enabled devices are rolled out onto the market .
Grass Valley leads the way with the industry ’ s transition to software-defined , cloud-based infrastructure and live IP 4K / UHD production deployments , but first and foremost , we deliver solutions that help improve our customers ’ business agility , as well as their ability to tell powerful stories with stunning pictures .
One solution Grass Valley is highlighting at BroadcastAsia2018 is the iTX Flex cloud-based playout platform . Can you elaborate on the key features of iTX Flex , and how cloud playout will enhance broadcasters ’ overall content delivery network ? Patil : It is easier than ever to lose audience attention if content is not getting in front of the right viewers , on the right device , and at the right time . With consumers expecting their favourite content at the touch of a button or the swipe of a finger , content delivery solutions must enable broadcasters and other media companies to deliver programmes quickly , efficiently and effortlessly .
Virtualisation and cloud accessibility are a rapidly growing part of the playout equation today . As the first true-cloud automated playout platform , iTX Flex has been designed and launched to address this trend , giving broadcasters solutions that fit into their workflows and offering flexibility and agility to meet the needs of different productions .
The cloud architecture of iTX Flex provides faster service launches , more agile business models and a lower total cost of ownership . iTX Flex utilises a full-featured and robust software playout engine with control and monitoring via an HTML5 browser-based user interface . It also enables rapid deployment , allowing users to spin up channels in minutes , and is available in the cloud , on-premise or in a hybrid configuration .
Grass Valley has also introduced social media management in the new GV Stratus 6.0 . In today ’ s evolved media landscape , how has the rise of social media impacted journalists ’ acquisition of news sources , and how will you define the future of TV news ? Patil : Consumer viewing time spent on social media is projected to overtake time spent on linear TV globally for the first time this year . This dramatically changes the media landscape and the need for content in realtime , which puts increased pressure on media companies to deliver compelling content as it happens . Today ’ s technologies must address these evolving content consumption trends .
This is where a single-operator system providing a central point of management comes into play . With this , journalists can more efficiently gather news , support 24-hour multi cast channels , deliver real-time cut-ins and syndicate to social media — all essential elements needed to ensure a newsroom can operate efficiently and effectively .
Producers can also pre-determine who can post content and within what parameters , while a new rules engine allows them to automate content delivery and management for social media . Through a single application — rather than the multiple applications that are often in use — news networks can now post , track and delete any content asset with a single click across multiple social media accounts and platforms – particularly important for hindering the spread of fake or inaccurate content .
News production is growing more complex and fast-paced , with the growing impact of social media and the concurrent rise of user-generated content — and broadcasters need to adapt and optimise their systems to address these evolving trends .
As broadcasters increasingly have to meet the demands of both traditional broadcast channels , overthe-top ( OTT ) platforms , and video-on-demand ( VoD ) to TV sets and devices everywhere , we give them the flexibility to adapt to the different requirements of these various platforms , without compromising on production values .
❝ Our newly combined portfolio and our unmatched global reach is already providing significant benefits to broadcasters , content owners and media service providers worldwide .❞
— Somu Patil
Vice President , Sales , Asia , Grass Valley , a Belden Brand .