Asia-Pacific Broadcasting (APB) Systems Integration 2015 | Página 3

Emerging technologies, workfl ows redefi ned
Th e evolving role of SIs
As with any industry today, the broadcast industry is undergoing a level of change that can only
be adequately described as unprecedented. To cope and thrive within the changing environment,
broadcasters and operators are constantly looking for the right technology partner, leading to the
current evolvement of the role of systems integrators (SIs). Shawn Liew reports.
C
ast your mind back to 2011, when some of the big-
gest and most prominent broadcast trade shows in
the world came to life with the eye-catching imagery
of 3D television.
For a clear indication of the level of change that has swept
the broadcast industry, fast forward to this year, and more
specifi cally, the recently concluded IBC 2015 in Amsterdam.
While 3D has now slipped into relative obscurity, other
technologies have emerged, the implications for broadcasters
being the possible disruption to traditional broadcast workfl ows
and business models.
4K/Ultra HD (UHD) continues to make slow but gradual
steps towards commercial deployment, as more and more
operators contemplate the technology as a means of enhancing
the viewer experience.
Perhaps overshadowed by 4K/UHD in terms of sheer
visibility and immediacy, IP has arguably announced itself as
the most signifi cant technology shift impacting the broadcast
industry.
While many issues remain over the adoption of IP —
including the lack of standardisation and interoperability — the
cost-effi ciencies IP can potentially off er makes it an attractive
proposition for broadcasters, who are also having to play catch-
up to evolving media consumption habits.
Long gone are the days where broadcasters dictate the
content viewers watch; and increasingly in today’s context, the
devices on which the content is consumed.
As connected devices continue to proliferate, the empower-
ment of the viewer has been as profound as it has ever been.
“Produce the content that I want, and allow me to watch it at any
time, on any device that I so choose.” Th is refrain is becoming
the stark message being conveyed to broadcasters.
Th e emergence of non-traditional, online streaming ser-
vices has further muddied the waters. Th e most prominent
example is that of Netfl ix, whose aggressive foray into Asian
markets shows little sign of abating, and which only serves to
exemplify the range of viewing options available today.
Collectively, these developments have left the broadcast
industry in a state of fl ux. Or have they?
SIs have a greater role than ever to play
The complexities faced by the broadcast industry today,
perhaps, best resembles an unfi nished jigsaw puzzle, where
broadcasters are conscientiously trying to form a coherent and
complete picture out of disparate pieces.
Having an experienced technology partner along the jour-
ney, not only ensure that fi ner details are not overlooked, but
may also go a long way towards eventually solving the puzzle.
Unfortunately, the role SIs have to play in the broadcast mar-
ket today has been overlooked, lamented Dennis Breckenridge,
managing director, Advanced Broadcast Solutions (ABS), Asia.
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IP has arguably
announced
itself as the
most signifi cant
technology
shift impacting
the broadcast
industry, while
the proliferation
of connected
devices means
that viewers today
are demanding to
watch the content
they want, on the
devices of their
choice.
“Many perceive SIs as merely equipment vendors or instal-
lation teams,” he said. “However, SIs should play a more critical
role to help customers navigate the increasingly complex busi-
ness of media.”
Broad casters face multiple challenges today, including
inter operability from the emergence of fi le-based workfl ows
and increasingly, IP-based transport streams, Breckenridge
pointed out. Th ese technologies, he added, are made more
complex by additional production methods and multiple dis-
tribution platforms.
Th is is where systems integrators can step in and assume the
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