Are We Ready for 4K/UHD

October 2018 NEWS & VIEWS 5

www.apb-news.com | OCTOBER 2018 | VOLUME 35 | ISSUE 9

NEWS & VIEWS 6 CREATION 16 MANAGEMENT 18 DISTRIBUTION 22 X-PLATFORM 24

W O R L D I N B R I E F Singapore edges closer Are we ready for 4K/UHD TV? to digital switchover SINGAPORE – Singaporean households who have not made the switch to digital TV receivers are now seeing a smaller picture ‘We are simply not there yet’ on their existing TV screens, as a visual reminder that all analogue KUALA LUMPUR – Imagine watch- ❝We have TV signals will be switched off ing your favourite football team on acquired some 4K/UHD-capable in the republic by 31 December TV in details so vivid that you can cameras, but this 2018. actually see the bead of sweat is merely due trickling down a player’s forehead. to compelling New Zealand leads This is exactly what Astro is prices, and not smart TV adoption promising Malaysian football fans, as a part of our as the pay-TV satellite operator plans to go 4K/ WELLINGTON – According to UHD. Going 4K/UHD will demand a new report by global market prepares for the launch of a 4K/ much more financial and manpower intelligence firm IHS Research, Ultra HD (UHD) service by the end resources, and we are simply not New Zealand is now one of the of this year. there yet.❞ leading adopters of smart TV. At a live outdoor 4K/UHD — Dr Ahmad Zaki Mohd Salleh, Director, Technical Operations, New Zealanders now own an broadcast of the opening matches TV Networks, Media Prima average of 4.2 electronic devices, of the 2018/19 English Premier PHOTO CREDIT: ISTOCK BY GETTY BY IMAGES ISTOCK CREDIT: PHOTO of which 77% are ‘smart devices’. League (EPL) season in August this critical areas. While 4K/Ultra HD (UHD) can bring about a more immersive viewing year, Lee Choong Khay, chief of experience, many broadcasters in Asia have not truly considered launching 4K/ “I’m afraid, until these financial Huawei launches sports at Astro, said: “At Astro, we UHD services, preoccupied as they are with making the transition to digital matters are put to rest, 4K/UHD OTT platform are committed to providing a bet- television. and other new technologies shall SHENZHEN – Huawei has ter viewing experience for sports be on the back-burner until a later launched its own over-the-top fans in Malaysia. As such, we will to offer our viewers a premium Dr Ahmad Zaki Mohd Salleh, date.” (OTT) platform in Spain and Italy. embrace the latest technology, 4K/ viewing experience.” director, technical operations, TV He also questioned the public The service, available on Huawei UHD, to enhance our customers’ Will Astro’s initiative herald the networks, Media Prima, shares readiness, or lack thereof, in terms and Honor devices, offers a viewing experience. introduction of more 4K/UHD ser- with APB: “The media landscape is of 4K/UHD-ready TV sets. The libra ry of local and international “Besides the EPL, we will also vices in the region, or should a more extremely challenging in Malaysia major ity of the Malaysian popula- content. bring Formula One racing events pragmatic approach be adopted and most of our financial resources tion, Dr Ahmad Zaki believes, have and blockbuster movies in 4K/UHD where 4K/UHD is concerned? have to be used for other more 8 8 Australia tests DVB-T2 transmission robustness/payload

BY JOSEPHINE TAN in the Sydney area. The trial, according to to-air TV delivers its service to 99% of the Broadcast Australia, is a “world ﬁrst” for population, and over 20 million Australians SYDNEY – In cooperation with Free TV, ABC 7MHz very high frequency (VHF) transmis- tune into TV every week. This trial is an and SBS, Broadcast Australia has conducted sions with off-air fed ultra high frequency important part of ensuring that when the trials of the DVB-T2 broadcast technology (UHF) repeater sites operating in a single time is right, the terrestrial TV platform is PHOTO CREDIT: ISTOCK BY GETTY BY IMAGES ISTOCK CREDIT: PHOTO frequency network (SFN) using multiple ready for the next stage of its evolution, and Broadcast Australia, alongside Australian broadcasters ABC and SBS as well as FTA physical layer pipes. that it can deliver the best possible viewing organisation, Free TV, have conducted DVB-T2 Peter Lambourne, CEO of Broadcast experience.” trials. Australia, commented: “Terrestrial free- 8 8

www.idealsys.com 2 EDITORIAL

October 2018 (volume 35 issue 9)

Complete your digital EDITORIAL managing editor Shawn Liew, [email protected] contributing editor (technology) transition journey first ... Karl K Rossiter, [email protected] news editor Josephine Tan, [email protected]

CORRESPONDENTS before going for 4K/UHD n India Shirish Nadkarni, [email protected] n USA We have heard this argument before: ‘Go for 4K/ delay the roll-out of digital TV services. Mike Feazel, [email protected] Ultra HD (UHD); it offers four times the resolu- Thus, 4K/UHD, at this moment, is a non se- PRODUCTION tion of HD, bringing with it a level of clarity and quitur, suggested Dr Ahmad Zaki Mohd Salleh, production editor vibrancy that will re-shape the entire viewing director, technical operations, TV Networks, Media Zuraini Ridzwan, [email protected] experience.’ Prima. Notwithstanding the extra financial and junior sub-editor Eva Meango, [email protected] Some of us have seen the evidence for our- manpower resources that will be required to senior multimedia designer selves — particularly for content genres such as launch 4K/UHD services, the entirety of Media Raymund Jaudian, [email protected] sports, 4K/UHD immerses viewers in the thick of Prima’s internal processes are still centred around ad/office administrator the action, as if we were technologically trans- the provision of HD services, Dr Zaki revealed. Irene Lok, [email protected] accounts manager ported into the bowels of some of the most iconic And that, in a nutshell, is perhaps the biggest Tan Hui Min, [email protected] sports stadiums around the world. conundrum currently facing many broadcasters MARKETING By the end of this year, sports fans in Malaysia in Asia today. 4K/UHD, after all, is not the only chief marketing officer will be able to embark on their very own 4K/UHD emerging technology that promises to allow Kylie Chua, [email protected] journey, as Astro prepares to launch a dedicated broadcasters to offer a more immersive viewing director - sales & marketing 4K/UHD service based primarily around sports experience, and also to create more effective and Jessie Tan, [email protected] senior executive - sales & marketing content. sustainable workflows. Joey Moh, [email protected] While Astro’s initiative should perhaps be For broadcasters still operating in SD, there CIRCULATION & PROMOTIONS applauded as they look to gain first-mover ad- is just not enough incentive for them to leapfrog Kylie Chua, [email protected] vantage in 4K/UHD deployment — and there is directly to 4K/UHD; for those exploring how tech- PUBLISHING nothing to suggest that 4K/UHD will not take off in nologies like IP, AI and blockchain can bring about publisher/editorial director the long-term — is the time right for Asian broad- more operational efficiencies, there must be an Andrew Yeo, [email protected] casters to consider launching 4K/UHD services? underlying realisation that unless they go fully Perhaps, this question should be considered digital, they are unlikely to enjoy the full benefits MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES n China from a region-specific perspective. In South-east that these technologies can offer. Yang Ou Asia, where a 2020 timeframe to complete the So, while it may sound archaic in an increas- BEIJING BUNCH EXHIBITION SERVICES LTD digital switchover has been set by the Associa- ingly evolving media landscape characterised by Room 501/B1, Thunis Development Building, No. 11 Huixin East Street, tion of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN), many the prominence of online digital content provid- Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029 Tel: +86-10-6482 3808-106 broadcasters remain at risk of missing the dead- ers, the completion of the digital transition cannot Fax: +86-10-6482 3670 line. come fast enough for many broadcasters — and E-mail: [email protected] In Singapore, all analogue TV signals will be viewers — in Asia. n Japan Mikio Tsuchiya switched off this December 31 — an encouraging WORLD MEDIA SERVICES INC development, although it must be noted that the 3-35-1-302, Hongodai, Sakae-Ku, Yokohama 247-0008 Tel/Fax: +81-45-891-1852 original target was end-2017. E-mail: [email protected]

In Malaysia, the outlook is less certain. An n USA & Canada on-going dispute between MYTV — the body Gary L Rhodes SEDOR MEDIA INC tasked to oversee the digital switchover in the SHAWN LIEW MANAGING EDITOR 45 Florence Avenue, Leonardo, NJ 07737, USA country — and FTA broadcasters is continuing to Tel: 1-848-757-2930 E-mail: sedorusa@comcast.net

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APB is the shortest route to reach the Asia-Paciﬁc Market 22 24 Go Green, Go Digital! Visit www.apb-news.com for the latest news News & Views 6 VIEW FROM THE TOP: AVIA looks to grow and innovate video ecosystem in Asia Louis Boswell, CEO of the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), explains the key goals of the revamped CASBAA. 7 PROMPTINGS: Great storytelling holds no fear Mads K Baekkevold, director at Media Monks, shares his process of shooting a series of horror ﬁlms for Universal Studios Singapore. 9 EVENTS: Preview of Inter BEE 2018, review of IBC Show 2018 and calendar of years35 events.

Creation 16 FEATURE: A vibrant new era of storytelling Prior to any ﬁnal broadcast, video content goes through a long process of conceptualisation, acquisition and the ﬁnal stage of post production, where the picture is enhanced, bringing out more details and dynamic range.

Management 18 FEATURE: IP routing on the switch As the transition to IP continues to gain pace, how will a key broadcast function such as routing evolve alongside? Asia-Paciﬁc Broadcasting (APB) has been the voice of the broadcast and multimedia industry for the past 35 years. It 20 IHSE supports 4K/Ultra HD transmission with new extenders IHSE has extended its Draco ultra high-end extender series with Cat X brings news of groundbreaking events and features interviews transmission of video signals up to 4K60. with decision-makers and professionals in the industry. The publication also tracks and reviews the hottest industry Distribution developments and technology trends. APB has been a partner 22 FEATURE: Covering breaking news timely and reliably Satellite newsgathering (SNG) has continually been serving broadcasters as a in other major trade events worldwide, including BroadcastAsia, reliable source of delivery medium, with the additional ability of exchanging NAB, BIRTV, IBC, CCBN, KOBA, Inter-BEE, Broadcast India, and content in multiple formats across different transmission channels. CASBAA Convention. With its vision and mission to become X-Platform an integral part of the industry, APB has been organising CEO 24 FEATURE: Broadcast TV and social media create powerful synergy to Roundtables, Forums & Seminars since 1999. engage audiences In a world where global populations are digitally connected around the clock, For more information, please contact +65 6282 8456 broadcasters are increasingly ﬁnding it advantageous to use social media to or e-mail [email protected] reach out to their audiences. 26 Winning the OTT battle with technology Jaheer Abbas, senior director, South-east Asia and India, Limelight Networks, explains how the challenges presented by over-the-top (OTT) can be overcomed.

6 NEWS & VIEWS October 2018 AVIA looks to grow and innovate video ecosystem in Asia BY LOUIS BOSWELL But before we started worrying ❝ about the semantics of a name change The role of an The decision to change the name of to reflect this, we had to clearly articu- industry association CASBAA to the Asia Video Industry late what the association was here to Association (AVIA) was not taken lightly. do. The only way we were going to must be to make Nor was it taken because we simply continue to exist was if we provided the industry fancied a new name. CASBAA was es- value to our members. The role of an tablished in 1991 and over the past 27 industry association must be to make stronger and years, has been at the forefront of the the industry stronger and healthier, and advent of an entire industry — pay-TV. help its members to grow. healthier, and However, over at least the past five The first area to focus on was not help its years, the pay-TV industry has been difficult to identify because CASBAA changing, but it was becoming clear was already doing it, and it was the one members to many that CASBAA, the industry’s area where there was still respect for association, was not. It was therefore what CASBAA was doing — advocacy. to losing relevance. Clearly, when it comes to dealing grow.❞ When I was interviewing for the with government regulators, it makes role of CEO of CASBAA at the end of sense for the industry to speak as one, last year, it was clear from the board not as many, and CASBAA had been that the association was in a parlous fulfilling that role for many years under state and needed a new direction. I the very capable leadership of John spent the first several months in the Medeiros. role talking to as many members as I What had changed though, was could, asking why they were members, that one area of potential regulation what they expected from an industry that governments are increasingly association and what direction they grappling with — the world of stream- wanted CASBAA to go in. ing video services. And what was clear What became abundantly clear was was that the whole industry wants gov- that members had lost patience ernments to tread lightly in this area. for CASBAA as it was. They did This is as important for a company like not see the relevance, and they Netflix, as it is for a Disney or an HBO. did not see the value as it was So, as an association engaging with today. To many, CASBAA had regulators, for the sake of our credibility through bringing members together, our industry today. So that is what we long been synonymous with the on this issue, we have to represent both through committees as well as confer- are now more focused on doing than annual CASBAA Convention, but old and new. It was exactly because ences and seminars. The success of the ever before. that too had lost its way. of this shared vision and the need to annual OTT Summit is an indication It does not matter if you are a linear Moving to Macau had not speak with one voice on behalf of the on the overall direction the industry is broadcaster, a pay-TV platform, a native been popular and the conference had broader video industry that Netflix saw going in, and under our new guise, the OTT company, a mobile telco, a satel- become weaker and attendance had value in joining. CASBAA Convention has become the lite company, a technology provider, a declined. The second area was piracy. If we Asia Video Summit, with the remit of research and data company, or another But while there may have been saw ourselves as a video association, defining the state of the video industry part of the industry. What is impor- little sympathy with the current state clearly, piracy was the biggest single in Asia in 2018. tant is that you are part of the video of the association, almost everyone issue facing all of us. Some of our There has never been a more inter- ecosystem in Asia, looking to grow felt as I did, that there was a need for members are at the coalface of the esting time to be working in our indus- and to innovate, and that is why we an industry association and there was problem, but piracy sucks revenue out try. Interesting clearly does not mean have become the Asia Video Industry a huge amount of pent-up goodwill of the entire ecosystem and so all parts easy though. But I believe the need Association — to help you do exactly towards us, if we could be relevant and of the industry are ultimately adversely for an industry association is greater that. provide value. affected. today than it has ever been before. That Relevance had to come from re- A number of CASBAA members industry association, though, must be Louis Boswell is CEO of the Asia Video defining the industry we represent. started an initiative called the Coalition relevant and provide value to members Industry Association (AVIA), and an APB Some years ago the association had Against Piracy in 2017 and it quickly across the broad church that constitutes panellist. changed from the Cable and Satellite gained traction under Neil Gane, who Broadcasting Association of Asia to is bringing the fight to pirates through simply CASBAA, but many members, enforcement strategies, through dis- APB PANELLISTS myself included, did not get the memo. ruption, and through outreach and And in any case, the association was education. So we have made the deci- still inextricably linked to only the pay- sion that the fight against piracy should TV part of the industry. Having come become a central tenet of the entire from the pay-TV industry myself, and association, while those at the coalface having spent the previous five years still do much of the heavy lifting from looking at how to expand beyond a financial perspective. traditional pay-TV into over-the-top The third area where we decided we (OTT), I felt it was obvious that we had can add value to all our members was Graham Stephens Goh Kim Soon Shad Hashmi to represent the broader video industry. through insight — providing informa- CTO Senior Vice-President Vice-President, If our biggest members were all tion, intelligence and education to our Media City Broadcast Engineering Digital Development, Development, Malaysia Mediacorp Global Markets & Operations, looking outside of traditional pay-TV, members, both through the written BBC Worldwide Asia how could we not? word in reports and articles, but also October 2018 NEWS & VIEWS 7 Great storytelling holds no fear PHOTO CREDIT: MADS K. BAEKKEVOLD Themed Infinite Fear, Universal Studios Singapore’s (USS) Halloween Horror Nights has returned for its eighth edition (HHN8) at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) from September 27-October 31. Besides having Asian horror take centre stage, USS has also tied up with Netflix for the first time ever to bring its science fiction-horror Web series, Stranger Things, to life. Marking another first for USS this year is the production of a series of teaser horror films that tell the stories and supernatural characters of this year’s haunted houses in cinematographic style. APB prompts Mads K Baekkevold, director from Media Monks, an Amsterdam- headquartered digital production team, who are also the creatives behind the production of the films for HHN8, to elaborate on the conceptualisation process in creating these bite-sized films.

Can you take us through the con- her lingering around banana trees research for that project, and used ceptualisation process behind — all these strange little quirks that quite a bit of that as inspiration for the making of the horror series, we tried to put subtle references my take on the Pagoda. Pagoda and what can viewers expect into the film. of Peril takes on an animated film from the short films? Of course, I do understand the approach, given the creativity with Mads K Baekkevold: I did have slightly iffy nature of a white guy colours, visuals and characters were knowledge of the tales that the writing and directing a South-east practically limitless. haunted houses were based on. I Asian story. This is by no means When it comes to Killumi- have lived in Asia for nine years the only take on a Pontianak — I nati — the Chinese secret society now, and I have always been ex- heard the local stories, and this is of vampires that has existed for tremely interested in local folklore my own personal take on them. It centuries — I was not aware that and mythology wherever I am at. is a folktale, and those will always there is a secret society of vampires Whenever I travel, I try to talk to change, depending on who tells running the world, so this is fresh Mads K Baekkevold, director from Media Monks, at the set for the filming of locals about the legends of the them. Who knows, maybe this material to me! the Pontianak. area, which has resulted in hearing Pontianak has a little bit of Hulder These films transport fans some great stories. DNA in her. to different paranormal realms, For the Pontianak film, the In terms of the Pagoda of Peril telling stories of betrayed, angry US. Hence, were there any chal- first time round — and then go to myth has always been extremely film, I do have a fascination for the and vengeful spirits, giving fans a lenges when marrying all these the HHN themselves to find out the fascinating to me. We have a extremely multi-faceted Chinese/ chance to immerse in the horror different elements together rest of the story. fairly similar creature in Norwegian Buddhist beliefs in the afterlife — early before stepping into USS for while localising the content to mythology, a murderous forest and specifically hell. Haw Par Villa HHN8. make it appealing to viewers During the shoot, what specific woman named the Hulder. Some is one of my favourite places in across the globe? visuals should be captured? Is of the little trivia facts specific to Singapore. A few years ago, I did The films feature myths and Baekkevold: I do not think viewers there any particular tool or the Pontianak were new to me a collaborative project with other tales from different regions — need context to understand the technology that is required to though — that she is attracted to local filmmakers, where each of us ranging from the very Asian- stories. Our goal from the start capture that specific shot? fresh laundry, how she can throw made a short film based on one based Pontianak to Stranger was always to create content that Baekkevold: I am not a fan of her voice, the scent of jasmine and level of Buddhist hell. I did a lot of Things, which is created from the functions on multiple levels — a computer-generated special effects refreshing way to introduce USS’ in horror films. Even the shoddiest HHN, and they can also func- stop-motion model is creepier tion as completely independent than some glossy, over-the-top standalone series of short films CGI ghoul. Not the most unique that anyone, anywhere, could im- opinion I know, but we felt it was merse themselves in, regardless of important in this series of films to context. keep the scares tactile. And for Having said that, there are the actors, they need to feel that obviously stories that might be the creatures are actually there, as unfamiliar to our international opposed to having a person in a PHOTO CREDIT: RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA RESORTS CREDIT: PHOTO audience. I doubt many people green leotard waving a tennis ball outside of South-east Asia would in their face. know much about the Pontianak, Most of the effects are 100% which makes it a joy to potentially practical: When the Pontian- introduce her to a wider Asian au- ak slams the female character, dience, and make them scared to Raudha, to the ground, that is the hang around banana trees or do actress herself falling after just an their laundry. hour of stunt training. Similarly, For Killuminati, we intentionally in Killuminati, the same actress wanted it to raise questions in the playing both the demonic Vam- viewer. It is constructed to function pire Hostess and the human form as the beginning to something really threw the gangster to the larger, even though the story is very floor herself. much around four protagonists. We do have a great team on set We hope that it is a film people will with us to make sure we got every- watch again to pick up on the little thing we needed for the post-work, clues, the red herrings, the symbol- mainly consisting of shooting some Universal Studios Singapore has collaborated with Netflix to bring to life its science fiction-horror Web series, Stranger ism, and the subliminal messages plates for composition and close- Things. that they might have missed the ups for the makeup-touch-up. 8 NEWS & VIEWS October 2018

4K/UHD may just be a niche Facebook Watch going domain for some broadcasters 1 8 In April 2010, MYTV was established to build, operate and man- for global audience yet to invest in 4K/UHD TV sets, and age the digital terrestrial TV (DTT) are therefore, not ready to enjoy infrastructure in Malaysia. Since SINGAPORE – As Facebook contin- 4K/UHD video yet. then, MYTV has been embroiled ues to evolve its content strategy, There are also other priorities at in a number of disputes with FTA the social media platform is aim- play, as Dr Ahmad Zaki explained: broadcasters over transmission fees. ing to bring Facebook Watch to a “Our internal processes are still “Until this impasse is resolved, global audience. centred around the provision of the roll-out of digital TV ser- Saurabh Doshi, director, enter- HD services, and we have no plans vices, let alone 4K/UHD services, tainment partnerships, Asia-Pacific, to provide 4K/UHD services as yet. is uncertain. There has been some Facebook, tells APB: “Facebook “We have acquired some 4K/ intervention from the Malaysian Watch is a dedicated video plat- UHD-capable cameras, but this is government lately, but the final form that showcases a wide vari- merely due to compelling prices, outcome is yet to be seen,” said ety of content from creators and and not as a part of our plans to Dr Zaki. partners, as well as scripted and go 4K/UHD. Astro should be applauded unscripted original programming “Going 4K/UHD will demand for its strategic move to be a 4K/ from Facebook.” Facebook Watch is a dedicated video platform that showcases a wide variety of content from creators and partners, as well as scripted and unscripted original much more financial and man- UHD pioneer and early adopter, According to Doshi, Facebook programming from Facebook itself. power resources, and we are simply noted Dr Amal Punchihewa, a Watch partners are described as not there yet.” distinguished lecturer of IEEE- third-party companies using the page has more than 3.5 million likes pay-TV landscape, is live sports. Be- In Singapore, terrestrial broad- Broadcast Technology Society (BTS) platform to showcase their own and 4.2 million followers. ginning with the 2019/20 season, caster Mediacorp began 4K/UHD and former director, technology content, and range from digital “Long term, we are focusing Facebook will be live streaming production in 2016, and some of and innovation at the Asia-Pacific publishers to TV companies, pro- on creating a platform where all every single match of the English the programmes produced in 4K/ Broadcasting Union (ABU). duction companies and broader creators and publishers can find Premier League in Thailand, Viet- UHD include VIC, 2589 and Inter- He said: “Pure OTT services page owners. an audience, build a community nam, Cambodia and Laos. cept. However, it is unlikely that such as Netflix are already offer- Facebook Watch creators, on of passionate fans, and earn money “Facebook is already the these programmes will be aired on ing content in UHD-1, commonly the other hand, are individuals for their work,” Doshi added. “All broadcast home for all La Liga free-to-air (FTA) TV anytime soon. known as 4K. If viewers have access using the platform to engage and content on Facebook Watch aims — Spain’s top professional foot- “Toggle — Mediacorp’s inter- to high-speed broadband with bet- build communities of loyal fans. to be inherently social, encourag- ball league — matches across active over-the-top (OTT) service ter quality of service (QoS), they For example, in Asia-Pacific, the ing users to share, comment, react the Indian subcontinent for the — will be our primary platform for could enjoy content with higher China-based creator of Miss Yeah or follow, in order to engage fans next three seasons,” Doshi said. 4K/UHD content as it does not have quality of experience (QoE). recorded big success in exporting and build communities around “An additional layer of Facebook the technical constraints as FTA “However, the best way to the content worldwide on Face- specific programming strands or Watch partner content is through TV,” reveals Goh Kim Soon, head, deliver dynamic content such book. Transforming ordinary office standalone videos.” licensing deals — spanning both broadcast engineering, Mediacorp. as sports is still via over-the-air, supplies into the kitchen — such Another content genre that music and sports — in order to “Viewers can look forward to either through satellite or terrestri- as eating hotpot out of a water Facebook has entered into, and build up a music library, as well as more content produced in 4K/UHD, ally, where quality can be assured dispenser — Miss Yeah Facebook which could potentially alter the live sporting events.” including live production of major through deterministic latency and national events.” other performance parameters.” As alluded to by Media Prima’s Incorporating technology DVB-T2 potential to allow 4K/UHD TV reception Dr Zaki, countries such as Singapore ele ments such as high dynamic and Malaysia, and those in ASEAN, content into the available band- range (HDR) and high frame rate 1 8 The DVB Project’s are facing a race against time to Dr Peter Siebert: width because the data and bitrates (HFR), increasingly more service Several DVB members, includ- complete the digital switchover, “DVB-T2 works required to have a good quality providers are offering 4K/UHD in line with the 2020 timeframe ing Rohde & Schwarz (R&S), sup- in Australia as it transmission will go beyond what content in genres such as sports works in Europe, agreed by all ASEAN nations. plied their equipment to facilitate the DVB-T standard allows for.” and blockbuster movies, Dr Amal Africa or Asia. I In Singapore, all analogue TV the trials. Dr Peter Siebert, executive noted: “South Korea has 10% native think everybody signals will be turned off by this Nils Ahrens, regional broadcast understands how direct or of The DVB Project, re- UHD-1 content for its DTT network December 31, a deviation from the manager, Asia-Pacific, Rohde & DVB-T2 works, vealed that R&S has had prior on ATSC 3.0 and will increase this original target of end-2017. Schwarz, outlined to APB the three and I would not expect any negative experience working with South annually to reach 100% in the com- results from Australia.” In Malaysia, uncertainly contin- main agendas that the trials aimed Korean broadcaster, Korean Broad- ing years.” ues to abound. Dr Zaki observed: to achieve: “First was to find out the casting System (KBS), on tests with And even away from 4K/UHD “Another issue would be the ‘stale- highest maximum capacity in terms Australia commenced the roll- DVB-T2 and 4K/UHD content. hotbeds such as South Korea and mate’ between broadcasters and of data rates, the improvements ing out of the DVB-T network, He said: “There is a wide range Japan — the latter will commence MY T V.” compared to the exact settings of which utilises MPEG-2 video cod- of numbers for the necessary data 4K/UHD satellite broadcaster this DVB-T, and the possibility of having, in 2001. And by 2013, the December — 4K/UHD is begin- rate of 4K/UHD content. The most Mediacorp’s ing a stream that is carrying 4K/ country successfully completed the demanding application is live Goh Kim Soon: ning to take root in Asia, Dr Amal Ultra HD (UHD) signals, as well as analogue switch-off. broadcast of sports events, and I “Toggle — suggested. In India, for instance, mobile signals.” The recent trials successfully as- would still recommend 25Mbit/s Mediacorp’s there are D2h Life 4K, a 24x7 multi- The trials were separated into sessed the performance of DVB-T2 interactive over- genre 4K/UHD direct-to-home in order to not have bad quality. the-top (OTT) two stages — a laboratory trial for technologies in Australia, accord- For pre-encoded content such as service — will (DTH) channel; Star Sports 4K/ the testing of set-top boxes (STBs) ing to R&S, with DVB-T2 being video-on-demand (VoD) or movies, be our primary UHD channel, which was launched and wider trials encompassing considered as a technology to the data rate can be lower. platform for 4K/ during the 2015 ICC Cricket World transmission sites across Sydney replace the current DVB-T standard “Depending on the trade-off UHD content Cup; and the Star Gold 4K/UHD as it does not have the technical that took place from April to June. for TV delivery in the medium term. between robustness and capacity, channel for Hindi entertainment, constraints as FTA TV.” He continued: “The Australians When combined with new the data rate for DVB-T2 varies. among others. wanted to find out how its current compression technologies, DVB-T2 It is just a different way to fill the Dr Amal As competition in the media network architecture can work with will have the potential to allow 4K/ payload, and for the transmission, it Punchihewa of and entertainment industry con- IEEE-Broadcast DVB-T2. More particularly, if the UHD TV reception, which provides does not matter if the broadcaster tinues to intensify, 4K/UHD could Technology technology provides greater flex- four times the picture quality of the fills it with many SD or HD services, Society: “The best turn out to be a niche domain that ibility to actually make a complete current HD standard, the company or with one 4K/UHD service. way to deliver allows the likes of Astro to gain a move from the current architecture added. “DVB-T2 works in Australia as dynamic content competitive advantage, said Dr of DVB-T into DVB-T2. For what- “DVB-T2 has a transmission it works in Europe, Africa or Asia. I such as sports is Amal, who concluded: “Hopefully, still via over-the-air, either through ever plan or roadmap to move standard that caters to 4K/UHD think everybody understands how we can hear about the success and satellite or terrestrially, where quality into DVB-T2, there is also a need transmission,” Ahrens elaborated. DVB-T2 works, and I would not can be assured through deterministic challenges involved in introducing to know its capability of carrying “Otherwise, broadcasters would expect any negative results from latency and other performance 4K/UHD services during major 4K/UHD content.” not be able to bring 4K/UHD Australia.” parameters.” APAC broadcast events next year.” October 2018 NEWS & VIEWS 9 Inter BEE 2018 highlights the possibilities of new media

TOKYO – Under the slogan of Telling the the birth of joint projects between manufac- World of the Possibilities of New Media, Inter turers’ development partners and exhibitors. BEE 2018 will return to the Makuhari Messe He added: “The creation of new busi- convention centre in Tokyo from November nesses using advanced content technology 14-16, with the intention to build on a proud is not just about promoting the content tradition of bringing together innovations industry; the ripple effect of the expansion in the broadcast, video, audio, lighting and of the content market can also be expected media businesses. to have a positive influence on related in- Organised by the Japan Electronics and dustries such as IT.” Information Technology Industries Associa- Noting that Japan has been consistently tion (JEITA), Inter BEE is now entering into producing highly individual content post- its 54th edition, and comes as Japan edges war, Ichihara described how this enterprise closer to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which has been brought forward to the Internet Japanese public broadcaster NHK will be era, where self-published works such as broadcasting in 8K. blog novels and video uploads have been By December 1 this year, 4K/Ultra HD of sufficient quality to be turned into major (UHD)/8K satellite broadcasting will com- productions. mence in Japan, and Inter BEE 2018 will be “It seems that opportunities abound for proposing new video and audio technologies content produced in the period after the war to broadcast and communication businesses Inter BEE 2018 will look to build on the success of Inter BEE 2017, where a record 38,083 visitors until now, borne of various societal changes walked the halls of the Makuhari Messe convention centre in Tokyo. and content creators. Inter BEE 2018 will also from economic growth to the ageing of the highlight the potential of 5G in the media population. and entertainment fields in preparation for Contents Expo will introduce a diversity of bined hosting of the DC Expo and Inter BEE, “Just as Japan continues to birth invig- the 2020 launch of commercial services in technologies to enrich content production, Ichihara expressed his desire to stimulate orating new content businesses and lead Japan. including virtual reality (VR), augmented the thinking of those who work daily on the the way for the future of content, so I hope After a successful Inter BEE 2017, where reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), 3D, com- sites of film, drama and interactive content for the DC Expo to continue to effectively a record 38,083 visitors interacted with 1,139 puter graphics (CG), artificial intelligence (AI), production, and to enable more research to show off the latest advanced technologies,” exhibiting companies, this year’s show will drones and robotics. be turned into practical products, as well as he concluded. continue to provide a platform for business Content technology is the lifeblood of trading and information exchange by bring- the content industry, said Kensuke Ichihara, ing the latest innovations together under one senior executive director of the Digital Con- roof — and to present new user experiences tent Association of Japan. in the media and entertainment field. He explained: “The prime mover behind According to the show organiser, Inter the growth of the Japanese content industry, BEE aims to develop itself into a “compre- and which makes new modes of expression Simplify your workflow hensive media exhibition”, with an emphasis possible, is advanced content technology.’ on content, from “making” (production), “DC Expo has always showcased demonstra- to “sending” (transmission), to “receiving” tions and prototype exhibitions of the most Broadcast Control Centres (experience) content. trailblazing technology being researched For the first time, Inter BEE will also be and developed at research institutions and held in conjunction with Digital Contents in-company ventures. (DC) Expo, which had been traditionally held According to Ichihara, the DC Expo News On-Air Studio at the National Museum of Emerging Science has consistently focused on high-potential and Innovation in Koto City, Tokyo. Digital technologies that will bring forth new businesses, including creations in the pre-commercial On-Air Studio phase, for which eventual Radio business applications may remain unclear. “Currently, DC Expo is involved in showcasing a variety of technologies for which the practical applications Live Broadcast continue to be advanced — including VR, AR and projection mapping,” he continued. “Being able to introduce advanced tech- ❝Currently, DC Expo is involved in nologies to creators and development partners showcasing a variety of technologies for represents a commercial IHSE KVM MATRIX SOLUTIONS connect operators to vital broadcast and production which the practical applications continue opportunity for the businesses that deal with them. equipment without compromise in speed, security and availability. to be advanced — including VR, AR and Along with driving competition in the Japanese con- projection mapping.❞ tent industry, new content — Kensuke Ichihara, Senior Executive Director, Digital businesses offer a chance Content Association of Japan for development of part- IHSE GmbH IHSE ASIA IHSE USA ner businesses to greater [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (For the first time, the Digital Content Expo will be Tel: +49 (7546) 9248-0 Tel: +65 (6841) 4707 Tel: +1 (732) 738 8780 held in conjunction with Inter BEE.) widen their market.” Heralding the com- www.ihse.com 10 NEWS & VIEWS October 2018

What’sWhat’s on Screen

Heralding a n iflix teams up with new era in Bernama KUALA LUMPUR – iflix is partnering with Malaysian National News Agency home Wi-Fi (Bernama) to deliver the latest news live to iflix users for free. Mesh networking devices sell by Bernama’s live news broadcast will the tens of millions, but none of the form part of iflix’s 24-hour news hub, popular systems from vendors such as iflix NEWS, an aggregate of live news Google, eero and Plume are capable of streams, clips and linear feeds from using other vendor devices to create a international, regional and local news authorities. uni ed home Wi-Fi network. In May William Ho, this year, the Wi-Fi Alliance set out to Senior change that with EasyMesh — a new Vice-President, n HOOQ expands FTA line-up on its Live TV offering standard that enables interoperability Sales, between mesh access points from dif- Asia-Pacific, JAKARTA – HOOQ is introducing four ferent vendors. ARRIS more free-to-air (FTA) linear channels on And now, the rst Wi-Fi certi ed its platform’s freemium layer. EasyMesh device — the ARRIS tvOne, ANTV, BeritaSatu and DW bring VAP4641 wireless extender — is EasyMesh devices. is allows service to a total of 13 FTA channels offered on providers to securely deliver high- HOOQ’s Live TV feature, making it here. The launch of the VAP4641 the largest selection represents a big step forward in home quality Wi-Fi to any location in a of FTA channels on Wi-Fi for two reasons: It simpli es subscriber’s home. any major platform in mesh networking for consumers, In addition, consumers retain Indonesia, according giving them the choice of mixing and traditional “wired” levels of service to HOOQ. matching dierent brands of products; and quality while enjoying exibility and it enables broadband service in placement and ease of installation. providers to constantly improve the e VAP4641 accommodates a range quality of Wi-Fi through a new level of home layouts and con gurations n Appealing to the maker in you of visibility and control. with its optional wall-plug adapter. SINGAPORE – Makeful HD, a lifestyle specialty channel from Blue Ant Media, an Engineered for performance Seamless Wi-Fi experience international content producer, distribu- and usability throughout the home tor and channel operator, is now available e VAP4641 features 4x4 antennas The ARRIS VAP4641 includes a full via StarHub TV. and 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and it leverages suite of management features to ensure Awakening and celebrating the Wi-Fi EasyMesh to extend Gigabit an optimal consumer experience while creativity that exists in every individual, speeds over greater distances when reducing operating costs for service Makeful HD features a compelling pro- paired with other Wi-Fi-certified providers. e extender can function gramme line-up to inspire Singaporeans as part of the ARRIS HomeAssure to bring imagination into every aspect of their lives. (www.arris.com/solutions/wi-fi- Constant connectivity Makeful HD brings its viewers an connected-home) Whole-Home Wi-Fi is the new consumer extensive selection of celebrity-led home solution, which also supports Wi-Fi improvement programmes, and Makeful imperative. By working EasyMesh, enabling it to deliver Originals featuring design, décor, style, with partners like ARRIS, high-performance Wi-Fi in an auto- crafts and DIY ideas. service providers can con guring, auto-optimising system. e ARRIS HomeAssure solution achieve the next level of also ensures that devices in the home visibility, management work optimally with EasyMesh de- Award-winning host Sarah Richardson and expertise to resolve vices, providing the steering control (left) of Sarah 101 and brothers Kevin and to optimise Wi-Fi-based services to Andrew of Brojects are featured on Makeful network issues before they HD’s compelling programmes lined up on every device in the home. StarHub TV Channel 436. impact consumers. Constant connectivity is the new consumer imperative. By working with partners like ARRIS, service provid- n ABS-CBN kicks off ers can achieve the next level of visibility, man- Karate Combat agement and expertise QUEZON CITY – Philippine broadcaster to resolve network is- ABS-CBN has been made the first Asian sues before they impact distribution partner of Karate Combat, consumers and deliver a new global, professional martial arts a new era of seamless league. whole-home Wi-Fi. ABS-CBN’s Sports+Action channel To find out more is showing the initial three-fight events Karate Combat has produced as multi- about the ARRIS part broadcasts. VAP4641, visit: Michael DePirtro, CEO of Karate Com- http://www.arris.com/ bat, said: “Combat sports are incredibly e ARRIS VAP4641 is the rst Wi-Fi-certied EasyMesh device and products/vap4641- popular in the Philippines. We’re proud to will herald a new era for in home Wi-Fi, according to ARRIS. wireless-extender/ q be reaching this huge, devoted audience via ABS-CBN.” October 2018 NEWS & VIEWS 11 IBC2018 sets direction for broadcast and media industry

BY JOSEPHINE TAN

AMSTERDAM – IBC continues to be the place where industry players and professionals meet to discuss the future of media, technology and entertainment. This year, the annual trade event saw the attendance of more than 55,000 visitors from all around the world walking through the halls of the RAI Exhi- bition and Convention Centre in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from September 13-18. Despite competition arising from over-the-top (OTT) service providers such as Netflix and More than 55,000 visitors from all over the world attended IBC2018, which Amazon Prime Video, as well as took place from September 13-18 at the RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre technology giants like Facebook David Cohen, vice-president of marketing, Grass Valley: “It is important to in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. focus on innovations in this challenging time in the industry. Vendors will also and Google, who are vigorously need to have the capabilities to drive innovations forward.” extending their footprint into the media industry, this is an “exciting period of time that calls for innovation”, commented David Cohen, vice-president of marketing, Grass Valley. Cohen said: “The shift in consumers’ consumption habits has already resulted in media companies increasing their OTT spending. Hence, it is important to focus on innovations in this challenging time in the industry. Vendors will also need to have the capabilities to drive innovations forward.” In a move designed to place customers at the centre of its innovation and product development, Andreas Hilmer, director, marketing and communications, Lawo: “Media Grass Valley announced the debut companies today have a vision of installing future-proof solutions, which, of course, have to be IP-equipped.” From Riedel Communications are Christian Bockskopf (left), head of marketing of its new Core Technology initia- and communications, and Joe Commare, marketing and sales manager tive — an agile, collective approach for North America, who are ready to speak with visitors on how Riedel’s to research and design. Embracing communication solutions can help streamline their operation workflows. the “lean engineering” philosophy, Grass Valley said that the initiative (VM) for the V__matrix ecosystem. network solutions, IPConnect and will set the direction for its product The solution features four inde- IP Link 200A. IPConnect is an IP portfolio, and take a “build once, pendent paths of format conver- networking gateway that employs integrate to many” approach in sion between SD, HD and 4K/UHD a combination of packet protection areas such as video processing, IP for IP and SDI signals, in addition schemes, network/time diversity connectivity, cloud technologies to providing audio embedding/ and packet-level forward error cor- and software-defined solutions. de-embedding, frame sync, and rection to address the issue of data The Core Technology initiative RGB colour correction func- transport and packet loss has already been applied to multi- tionality. across complex networks. ple Grass Valley products, including Andreas Hilmer, director, As for IP Link 200A, it is an iTX, GV Flex and ICE. The company marketing and communica- AES67-compliant codec that further revealed that the initiative tions, Lawo, explained that marries audio encoding and will be extended to more solutions the vm_udx is fundamentally decoding with optional built- across its portfolio in the coming designed with IP networking in in GPS for synchronised single- months. mind, and the solution supports frequency networking operations. Another company that has both ST 2022-6 and ST 2110-20 The GatesAir Intraplex IP been focusing on IP innovation is IP video, as well as ST 2110-30/- Link product family also includes Embrionix, which unveiled its all- 31/AES67 and Ravenna IP audio LiveLook software for analysing IP emSFP microservice platform. streams. and monitoring all streams that TVT's Jason Ho, vice-president, sales, Asia, and Mark Beard, senior vice- This latest addition to the com- president, commercial, highlighted that the company has been tasked by UK “Going IP is no longer a ques- are transported over an IP net- pany’s software-defined gateways broadcaster ITV to provide a content management platform for its local and tion. We have been doing more work, and generating reports and is capable of processing up to international markets. and more consulting works on graphs to illustrate real-time and two 4K/Ultra HD (UHD) SMPTE ST IP, and understand that media historical performance. 2110/2022-7 signals, and offers and all-IP quad split, among other motely located devices over IP. The companies today have a vision of At the Riedel Communications various processing microservices functions. emFUSION-6 is software-defined, installing future-proof solutions booth, the company exhibited including frame sync, up/down/ Embrionix also debuted its and can be deployed for remote which, of course, have to be IP- the 1200 series SmartPanel RSP- cross-converter, downscaler, colour miniaturised emFUSION-6 UHD-IP broadcast production scenarios. equipped,” he added. 1232HL. The SmartPanel features correction, audio shuffling, video/ standalone gateway, which is de- For Lawo, the company pre- Making its European debut audio/metadata timing adjustment signed to interconnect multiple re- miered its vm_udx virtual module for GatesAir are two Intraplex IP 12 8 12 NEWS & VIEWS October 2018

Systems integrators, KVM solutions Connectivity providers seen at IBC2018 barriers no 8 11

multiple full-colour multi-touch displays, longer, for live 32 hybrid-lever keys, the ability to leverage apps for multi-functionality, and the ability to adapt to the various workflows production in in use today. Alongside the SmartPanel was the display the cloud of the Bolero wireless intercom system, which is now available as a standalone application. For some early adopters, the cloud With the Bolero Standalone Application, already provides a scalable, exible antennas are daisy-chained to each other in infrastructure achievable without large a line or redundant ring via a synchronised Bogdan Frusina, time-division multiplexing (TDM) network. capital investment, enabling workow Founder, In its continued global expansion, Riedel eciencies in content creation, man- Dejero announced the opening of its fourth Asia- agement and distribution. Pacific sales hub in Beijing, following the Broadcasters are faced with in- launch of its branches in Australia, Japan and creased processing and storage needs Singapore. Riedel’s Beijing office is located to accommodate their archives and stream to Avid MediaCentral or a le- in Chaoyang District, and will be led by Gao new content. At the same time, this based workflow with Signiant. The Jian, who will be the regional sales manager content must be distributed and de- overall solution presents users with a for China. livered in multiple ways, each with single interface, pulling relevant data Meanwhile, TVT has been embracing IP dierent technical requirements: video from collaborating partner technol- cloud technologies and media management and audio codecs, wrappers, metadata, ogies while leveraging the compute approaches, and has enabled the global content services provider to address the com- and so on. Meeting all these demands, and storage power of Microso Azure. MediaKind's Chiranjeev Singh (left), director plexities of packaging, versioning, producing and ensuring that each is in the correct This workflow aims to illustrate of marketing, APAC, with Murray Barker, access services, managing and delivering marketing director of EMEA. format, can be an automated process how the cloud can deliver on a vision content for international linear, on-demand that is ideally suited to the cloud. that enables broadcasters to take advan- and online entertainment market. turnkey solutions are systems integrators Up to this point, however, the tage of a highly exible infrastructure Mark Beard, senior vice-president, com- such as Magna Systems and Engineering. adoption of advanced cloud-based that scales according to their needs — mercial, TVT, revealed that the company has The company has been involved in several workows, especially for live produc- whether that be for a month, a day, or an been tasked by UK broadcaster ITV to pro- projects that leverage IP and 5G technol- tion, has been hindered by concerns hour at a time — while reducing costs, vide a content management platform ogies, revealed David Blackett, group over the reliability of connectivity and expanding their revenue options. for its local and international markets. general manager, Magna Systems and to the Internet. at is why Dejero The cloud can help broadcasters This partnership will see TVT managing Engineering. believes that achieving cloud success address a pressing need to improve media logistics, content preparation He explained: “The ratification of and access services across all ITV’s SMPTE ST 2110 has given a boost for within broadcast will take industry- eciencies and control costs. Cloud- platforms. broadcasters in transiting to IP. We wide collaboration. based processes can be shut down when MediaKind, formerly known as Ericsson are now seeing more implementation of IP Dejero solves the rst-mile chal- they are not needed, so broadcasters are Media Solutions, unveiled its new name within broadcast infrastructures. lenge of efficiently moving content not paying for processing power they to reflect the concept that “media should “And on the topic on 5G, we have already into the cloud from virtually anywhere, are not using. inspire and unite humankind”. At the show, provided test equipment to telcos for their where it can be managed, processed A hybrid world is emerging, where MediaKind launched MediaKind Universe, and ultimately distributed. is is of on-premises and cloud infrastructure its next-generation solution and service critical importance as the industry work together. In this scenario, the portfolio. transforms. But that is just one part of cloud is often used for occasional Driven by new consumption habits, the equation. or peak needs. It could present new MediaKind Universe allows content owners, At IBC2018, Dejero collaborated oppor tunites: trialling a new channel, distributors and service providers to meet the increasing pace of innovation and to create with Microso Azure, Avid, Haivision, for example. new and dynamic workflows. MediaKind Hiscale, Make.TV, and Signiant, to As the broadcast industry trans- Universe consists of five solutions, named show a proof-of-concept demonstra- forms, cloud processing will become after constellations, which provide solutions tion of live production in the cloud to crucial to metadata enrichment. For to content contribution and distribution, deliver greater exibility, scalability those with extensive archives, com- direct-to-consumer, video delivery networks, and budget eciencies to broadcasters. prehensive content metadata is central consumer experience and services. From the eld, a live video stream to maximising monetisation. Arti cial Featuring the theme of “Shaping the is sent to the Microso Azure cloud intelligence (AI) can identify detailed Future”, ARRIS focused on smart connectivity platform from a Dejero EnGo mobile information within the content, includ- and multi-play devices with the display of its transmitter. Dejero’s video on-ramp ing image and sound recognition, as HomeAssure solution. ARRIS HomeAssure technology receives the stream in well as speech detection, to enrich the comprises a range of gateways, modems, network extenders, consumer apps and cloud Azure, transcodes it and delivers the metadata. management software — all developed to standardised stream to Make.TV’s Live Taking away the need for capital improve coverage and performance of the Video Cloud, which is used to curate investment and moving to an opera- Wi-Fi connected home. and route the content to any number tional expenditure model, spinning up And as cable networks evolve towards of destinations from within Avid and shutting down processes and the distributed access architectures (DAA), AR- MediaCentral. Hiscale’s cloud-based associated costs as needed, the cloud RIS demonstrated the delivery of quadra- transcoding solution enables the live will enable people, even those perhaps ture amplitude modulation (QAM) over IP ingest into customers’ editing and as- working out of their garage, to run an video and data over remote PHY solutions, set management environments, where enterprise-grade broadcast operation. optimise network implementation and ARRIS is attempting to redefine connectivity high- and low-resolutions les can be ey will drive revenue much quicker, management with ARRIS Network Planning with the display of its product portfolio, and Consultancy Services, and network intel- including the ARRIS HomeAssure suite of stored in Avid Nexis. from a signi cantly lower cost base, solutions. Seen at its booth are: Duncan ligence and orchestration solutions. Additional workflows include a which changes the dynamics of the Potter (left), senior vice-president for global Responsible for building and installing q marketing, ARRIS; and William Ho, senior vice- live ingest workow using a Haivision industry completely. complete networks, playout centres and president for Asia-Pacific and Japan. October 2018 NEWS & VIEWS 13

HD/SD-SDI up/down/cross-converter has begun shipping. As Co- balt’s latest generation of advanced image and audio processors for the openGear platform, the base card provides quad 3G-SDI and 12G-SDI I/O with SDI muxing and demuxing, and up/down/cross- conversion. Other options include RGB colour correction, and SDR-to- HDR up-mapping via Technicolor’s HDR Intelligent Tone Management (ITM) processing. AJA Video Systems also announced the availability of its new HDR Image Analyser, a HDR monitoring and analysis appliance powered by Colorfront-developed software. The solution supports the monitoring and analysis of German systems integrator Broadcast Solutions’ Sebastian Schlusnus (left), head 4K/UHD/2K/HD, HDR and wide of marketing, and Andreas Höflich, public relations, welcoming visitors to their booth. colour gamut (WCG) content for broadcast and OTT entertainment across production, post produc- 5G trials. 5G will start changing as switching commands. tion, QC and mastering. bandwidth becomes more availa- Another KVM solutions pro- To further support emerging ble, and it will provide media com- vider, Adder Technology, launched Bryce Button, product marketing manager, AJA Video Systems, with the new HDR workflow demands, AJA Video panies with more opportunities as a new VGA addition to its ADDER- HDR Image Analyser, an HDR monitoring and analysis appliance powered by Systems has developed a v2.6 firm- video becomes more mobile.” Link Infinity 100T (ALIF100T) range. Colorfront-developed software. ware update for the FS-HDR HDR/ Another systems integrator at Designed for users with analogue WCG converter. Available this fall, the show was Broadcast Solutions, servers, the ALIF100T VGA is able the update includes new colour which presented hi — an intuitive to connect and transmit video transformation enhancements control layer for media appliances. sources from a single source. As a that allow users to accomplish new Equipped with auto-discovery and result, users can “gradually migrate workflows and achieve a “consist- zero-configuration technologies, hi to digital” while gaining value from ent, final look” when working reduces the set-up and configura- their existing technology invest- with a range of 4K/UHD/2K/HD, tion time of broadcast and media ment, said the company. standard dynamic range (SDR) and systems via a user-friendly Jamie Adkin, vice-presi- HDR formats. interface that provides easy dent of sales, EMEA, Adder From “Smart Production” control and monitoring of Technology, explained: “Con- to “Living Live”, Ross Video an- complex infrastructures, said trary to popular belief, VGA nounced a total of 21 new updates Broadcast Solutions. connectivity is still widely during IBC2018. This includes Car- The German systems in- used, particularly in control bonite Ultra, a 24-input production tegrator also premiered a new rooms. So, although technology switcher that can be expanded to Robycam system — Robycam advances are driving the sector to 3MEs within 1RU. Compact. Designed as a smaller upgrade their KVM solutions, this In addition to supporting SD, version of the Robycam 3D cable- has been difficult without incurring HD and 3G 1080p formats, Car- suspended camera system, Ro- major expense. bonite Ultra also includes a range bycam Compact can be installed “We recognise the continuing of HDR formats, such as hybrid log in TV studios, and at small and importance of VGA and believe gamma (HLG), perceptual quan- medium-sized sports venues. Some the capabilities of the ALIF100T tiser (PQ) and S-Log3, as well as features of the Robycam include a range will put it at the top of the SDR to HDR conversion. Further- flying area of 80m x 80m; support agenda for many customers look- more, Carbonite Ultra comes with for HD, 4K/UHD and high dynamic ing for a way to retrofit KVM into the XPression LiveCG software range (HDR); and an integrated infrastructures designed around that empowers users to create augmented reality (AR)-camera legacy equipment.” still graphics. Users can install the tracking solution. At the Cobalt Digital booth, Andrew Tan, director of sales for Asia-Pacific, Ross Video: The company has software on a network-connected Keyboard, video and mouse the company announced that the announced a total of 21 new product updates, including the Carbonite Ultra (KVM) systems play an essential 9904-UDX-4K-12G UHD 12G/3G/ motion graphics systems, this IBC2018. 8 14 role bringing IT equipment into the broadcast ecosystem, thus optimising any broadcast workflows. For instance, Guntermann & Drunck (G&D) demonstrated its KVM matrix switches — ControlCenter- Digital, ControlCenter-Compact and ControlCenter-IP — which provide distributed access to remote workstations. Newest to the KVM-over-IP solutions is the ControlCenter-IP matrix system, which provides functionalities such as monitoring and simple network management protocol (SNMP), scripting and scenario switching, push-get and CrossDisplay-Switching for intuitive operation at multi-monitor workstations. Equipped with IP- Control-API, the ControlCenter-IP Miguel Churruca, marketing and communications director of Brainstorm: “AR can be linked with the broadcast Jamie Adkin, vice-president of sales, EMEA, Adder Technology, with the VGA is in Brainstorm's DNA, and our aim is to help media companies to create control systems and thus, execute version of the ADDERLink Infinity 100T. compelling content.” 14 NEWS & VIEWS October 2018

A galore of product launches at IBC2018

13 8 the stadium.” cameras — HDC-P50, HDC-3500, Meanwhile at ARRI, the com- HDC-3100, HDC-3170 — and a computer, render graphics directly pany unveiled Stellar, an app for new camera control unit (CCU) into Carbonite Ultra’s MediaStores lighting control. Available on iOS HDCU-3170, a handheld camcord- via IP, and take them to air with the and Android devices, Stellar is com- er HXR-NX200. A 4K/UHD HDR push of a button. patible with ARRI’s family of light- reference monitor BVM-HX310 was Another product that has ing equipment, including SkyPanel also on display. received a new update is the and L-Series, as well as SkyLink. Takuma Wada, head of con- XPression motion graphics system. From large films with many tent creation solutions marketing, In the latest 8.5 version, XPression scenes and set-ups to small pro- professional solutions company is packed with an array of new jects with minimal fixtures, Stellar (PSAP), Sony Corporation of Hong features, including a new search allows users to create dif- Kong, elaborated: “Each year tool that allows users to find fonts, ferent lighting looks in any at IBC, we unveil innovative materials and scenes more easily. lighting scenes. Looks can solutions that give media Enhanced support for WCG and be stored in Stellar, which companies the best possible HDR is included, as is support for saves all fixture settings and tools to capture stunning Bluefish444 Epoch 4K Neutron colour selections. Moreover, content and share it with I/O cards, Windows 10 support Stellar is able to manage switch their audiences — and this year and enhancements to XPression colour modes, settings and output is no different. At Sony, we listen DataLinq data integration server for all fixtures. and work collaboratively with our with the addition of a number of Going “beyond definition” is customers to create solutions that new data sources. Sony, which showcased its latest actively address the challenges Where graphics creation is con- innovations, including a new gen- media companies face today, and cerned, Brainstorm has combined eration of 4K/HD HDR live system provide them with the technol- Charles Sevior, CTO of APJ, Dell EMC, highlighting the company’s technology the Brainstorm eStudio renderer ogies they need to go and make portfolio, which includes Isilon storage, servers networking, VMware with the Epic Games Unreal En- tomorrow a reality.” virtualisation solutions, as well as Dell workstations and displays. gine within the Combined Render In an attempt to strengthen its Engine application. The company commitment to drive interoper- also announced the integration of ability based on open standards, Aston graphics material within the Sony expanded its IP Live Produc- third version of InfinitySet. tion System solutions with further InfinitySet is Brainstorm’s flag- support for ST 2110 in both HD and ship product for the creation of 4K/UHD. For instance, its XVS-9000 “advanced, photorealistic” virtual switcher, which is set for release this sets and AR content. In v3, the October, features support for IP solution provides AR features and and 12G-SDI — same as the XVS- technologies such as TrackFree, 8000, XVS-7000 and XVS-6000. TeleTransporter, 3D Presenter or Dejero, which is continuing to VideoGate, which are all used by empower crews in the field to cap- media companies globally to cre- ture high-motion news and sports ate programmes using virtual sets content, has enhanced its EnGo and graphics. mobile transmitter with increased Miguel Churruca, marketing processing power and HEVC/H.265 and communications director, compression support. Brainstorm, said: “AR is in Brain- Takuma Wada, head of content Kevin Fernandes, vice-pres- creation solutions marketing, storm’s DNA, and our aim is to ident of sales, Dejero, added: professional solutions company help media companies to create (PSAP), Sony Corporation of Hong “As the broadcast industry shifts compelling content. For instance, Kong: “At Sony, we listen and work towards the HEVC/H.265 video when combining live sports events collaboratively with our customers to compression standard to efficiently with AR, it brings viewers a totally create solutions that actively address transport high-quality video from the challenges media companies face the field, the latest Dejero EnGo is different viewing experience as it today, and provide them with the allows them to feel that they are technologies they need to go and equipped with increasing process- almost watching the show live from make tomorrow a reality.” ing power to boost overall performance, and deliver enhanced picture quality to those shooting fast-paced high-motion video in the field.” The additional processing power has paved the way for a new dynamic content adaption feature that adjusts the encoding process Bringing content closer to media companies' heart are VSN's Nicholas Morgan, based on the amount of motion sales director for Asia-Pacific, and Patricia Corral, marketing director. detected within content that is being captured. This, according to enable functions such as linear can manage media workloads such to Dejero, allows broadcasters to tape file system (LTFS), LTO tape as digital media content creation, “automatically and seamlessly” technology also enables compli- media processing, content delivery transition from a talking-head ance with features like ‘write once’, and nearline storage. shot with limited motion to high- ‘read many’ (WORM) and AES-256- Dell EMC also showcased its motion content without any soften- bit encryption. ECS solution, which is a multi- ing of the picture or introduction of Meanwhile, Dell EMC show- purpose, cloud storage platform. compression artifacts. cased its technology portfolio, ECS is Dell EMC’s third-genera- In managing storage of me- which includes Isilon storage, tion object platform, and is able dia content, Ultrium LTO high- servers, networking, VMware vir- to perform data ingestion and lighted its LTO-8 tape technology, tualisation solutions, as well as Dell analytics within a cloud storage which provides more than 30TB of workstations and displays. Avail- architecture. compressed capacity, and up to able in all-flash, hybrid and archive Since the launch of the green- Kevin Fernandes, vice-president of sales, Dejero: The EnGo mobile transmitter 750Mbps data transfer rates. With modes, the Isilon scale-out network Machine in 2016 and its software- is now equipped with HEVC/H.265 video compression support. continued support of partitioning attached storage (NAS) platform based signal processing approach, October 2018 NEWS & VIEWS 15

concerns globally, especially for live sports events. Some 55% of the global respondents indicated that latency is the biggest problem being experienced with video technology today. Delivery delays can be an issue for online streaming compared to traditional broadcasters, especially for live sports events. The next most prevalent issue is ensuring playback on all devices, which is pointed out by 50% of the global respondents. Bitmovin has developed the HTML5 Bitmovin Video Player, which is designed to manage device compatibility, platform updates, new streaming formats and codecs, digital rights management (DRM), and ads. Particularly for de- David Godfrey, vice-president and general manager for Asia-Pacific, Bitmovin, vice compatibility, the Video Player sharing some findings of the Video Developer Report, which revealed that latency and device playback are the top technology concerns globally. features device and cross browser support for desktop Web browser, Michel Beke (left), product ambassador for MEDIAGENIX, with Peter mobile devices, as well as TVs and Heinckiens, CTO of MEDIAGENIX: “Nowadays, the media industry fulfils the Explorer Plugin, which allows jour- of different devices and platforms. streaming devices. craving audiences have for stories by broadcasting, streaming and publishing nalists to access the VSN Explorer “As a result, the broadcasting Since its establishment in 2010, content on a multitude of different devices and platforms.” platform functionalities from their business is no longer about fill- Es’hailSat, the Qatari satellite com- newsroom computer systems ing linear channels with content, pany, has been delivering services Lynx Technik has taken the next lobrik converters used within the (NRCS) interface, including the and is no longer about offering as to broadcasters, enterprises and “logical step” into cloud with the rackframe. Furthermore, users Web video editor, Wedit. Together many titles as possible on video- governments in the Middle East, launch of Lynx Air, a cloud-based are able to utilise this new feature with VSNExplorer MAM, the com- on-demand (VoD) services. It’s the North Africa (MENA) region signal processing solution, at this to control all yellobrik modules pany’s media asset management about sharing stories. For instance, and beyond. In 2013, Es’hailSat year’s IBC show. The introduction network by using a central Web- (MAM) solution, and VSNLivecom, releasing content on the main ren- launched its first satellite, Es’hail-1, of Lynx Air enables remote produc- based GUI. its studio playout solution, VSN dezvous points with the targeted which is now positioned at the tion as the solution is designed to As for VSN, the company presented a complete solution for audiences — it is also about gen- 25.5oE orbital location. Al Jazeera separate processing power from launched its cloud-based traffic news production that supports erating added value throughout Media and beIN Sports are some physical hardware, allowing func- and scheduling software, VSN- users through the entire news the content lifecycle.” of the media networks leveraging tions like signal processing to be Crea. Scheduled for 2019 production workflow. WHATS’ON is built up with on Es’hail-1 for the delivery of its accomplished in the cloud. release, VSNCrea can be With the theme “Sharing several modules — VoD schedul- SD and HD channels. Lynx Technik has also added used specifically within TV stories 2.0”, MEDIAGENIX ing, linear scheduling, rights and The company further revealed the C_EH_1911 to its yellobrik channels, radio stations or has been focusing on being finance management, material that Es’hail-2, its second satellite, is product family. The solution is Web TV platforms for traffic content-centric since the in- management, promotion and in- expected to be launched in 2018, capable of performing as a bridge and scheduling, programme troduction of its WHATS’ON terstitials, workflow automation, and will be located at the 26oE or- between ST 2110 video-over-IP planning, advertising manage- broadcast management system. and reporting — empowering bital location. Es’hail-2 will also fea- signals and HDMI, thus enabling ment, and control of third-party At IBC2018, Michel Beke, prod- media companies to manage their ture a number of Ka- and Ku-band the integration of HDMI displays TV rights acquired for broadcast. uct ambassador for MEDIAGENIX, content workflow throughout the transponders with both steerable or HDMI-capable devices into IP- Other features include the abil- explained: “The way in which we entire content lifecycle. and fixed spot beams, unleashing based video environments. ity to change languages within the share stories has come a long At the Bitmovin booth, the new opportunities for businesses in The RFR 1218 is another rack- user interface, consolidation of the way from the days of telling them company released its annual Video Qatar and the region. In addition, frame solution Lynx Technik high- final broadcast, and analysis of the around the campfire. Nowadays, Developer Report, revealing a snap- Es’hailSat has established partner- lighted. Equipped with RJ45 Eth- programming and content return the media industry fulfils this in- shot of the key trends and issues ships with service providers to ernet ports operating as USB to on investment (ROI) through ana- nate craving we have for stories in video technology. The study offer a portfolio of broadcast and Ethernet bridges, the RFR 1218 lytical reports. by broadcasting, streaming and reported that latency and device VSAT services to support business allows access to all mounted yel- VSN also demonstrated VSN- publishing content on a multitude playback are the top technology growth.

White Paper @ www.apb-news.com n OCTOBER n NOVEMBER March 12 - 14 October 2 - 4 November 14 - 16 CABSAT 2019 v Dubai World Trade Centre Content value protection from origin APSCC 2018 INTER BEE 2018 The UAE to consumption Shangri-La Jakarta Hotel, Indonesia Makuhari Messe, Tokyo, Japan www.cabsat.com http://apsccsat.com/ www.inter-bee.com The need to deliver TV-calibre view- n APRIL October 9 - 11 ing experiences is growing more acute n DECEMBER April 6 - 11 IEEE BROADCAST SYMPOSIUM as consumers are presented with ever December 6 - 7 NAB SHOW 2019 (BTS) IABM ANNUAL Las Vegas, Nevada, USA more options from a rising tide of virtual Keybridge Marriott Arlington, Virginia, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS www.nabshow.com video multi-channel video programming USA www.bts.ieee.org/ CONFERENCE & AWARDS 2018 n MAY distributors (MVPDs), subscription video- Hilton Metropole, May 22 - 25 on-demand (SVoD), aggregators, content October 25 - 27 Birmingham, UK www.theiabm.org KOBA 2019 owners, MVPDs and pirates vying for their BROADCAST INDIA 2018 COEX Exhibition Centre, Seoul, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, South Korea attention. Mumbai, India www.kobashow.com At the same time, the surge in losses www.broadcastindiashow.com to piracy has triggered a global response 2019 n JUNE October 29 - November 1 n MARCH June 18 - 20 that has made support for forensic watermarking an essential require- ASIA VIDEO SUMMIT 2018 ment for licensing increasing volumes of 4K/Ultra HD (UHD) and other Intercontinental Hong Kong March 4 - 7 CONNECTECHASIA2019 ABU DIGITAL BROADCASTING •BROADCASTASIA2019 high-value content. This white paper from NAGRA and Broadpeak www.asiavia.org SYMPOSIUM 2019 Suntec Singapore explains how the integration of NAGRA’s NexGuard Streaming water- Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur, •COMMUNICASIA2019 marking solution into Broadpeak’s BroadCache Box platform makes Malaysia Marina Bay Sands, www.abu.org.my Singapore it possible for every type of distributor to meet these challenges. www.connectechasia.com/ 16 AprilOctober 2012 2018 A vibrant new era of storytelling Postium expands footprint into the Americas Postium Korea has appointed Postium Prior to any final broadcast, video content goes through a long process of America as its distributor for North and conceptualisation, acquisition and the final stage of post production, where the South America. The deal sees Postium America providing its expertise on product picture is enhanced, bringing out more details and dynamic range. selection and integration, and offering products through reseller channel partners Josephine Tan finds out how today’s editors can leverage 4K/UHD and HDR throughout the Americas. Wes Donahue, VP technologies to bring their stories to life. of sales and marketing, Postium America, commented: “Our industry is transforming with new distribution models and more content deliverables than ever before. New technologies such as high dynamic range (HDR) and 4K/Ultra HD (UHD) are changing I t is no secret that HD has become a ❝The emergence of how content creators express their creative norm for filmmaking, regardless if vision, and Postium America offers a wide the nal content is being distributed digital technology with range of feature-rich, colour-accurate onto linear or online platforms, or a regard to larger than HD displays to make sure its vision is faithfully combination of both. is is evident in reproduced.” today’s professional camera marketplace resolutions has caused where most camera systems are readily the industry to rethink Atomos supports HD-equipped. production techniques.❞ 4K/UHD 10-bit video In order to match the colours as closely to reality as what the human — David Colantuoni, from Nikon cameras eye sees, the industry has introduced Senior Director of Production The new Nikon Z6 and Z7 mirrorless higher resolution formats beyond HD, Management, cameras output a full-frame 10-bit 4K/Ultra as well as high dynamic range (HDR), to Avid HD (UHD) N-Log signal, which the Atomos provide more details and dynamic range Ninja V monitor/recorder can record of luminosity. To meet these demands, and display in HDR. This combination, From first cut to according to Atomos, is aimed to raise camera manufacturers have developed final finishing, Avid the bar for filmmakers and photographers cameras that are capable of recording Media Composer shooting video everywhere. Both the Nikon up to 4K/Ultra HD (UHD), or even provides editors cameras are equipped with sensors that 8K, while integrating HDR capabilities with the tools they need to work output 4K/UHD images over HDMI, ready within the camera systems. with HDR and 3D for conversion to HDR by Atomos. The And in the near future, in post pro- content. Atomos Ninja V then records the output to duction, which perhaps is the last stage production-ready 10-bit Apple ProRes or of the broadcast and lm acquisition Avid DNx formats. chain, colourists and editors will be editing videos containing high-resolution Next Month @ Creation images and greater dynamic range. Power, Lighting and Camera David Colantuoni, senior director Support System of production management, Avid, tells APB: “With all of this technical change, never before has a director of photogra- phy (DoP), director or editor been given PANELLISTS such a wide range of options for creating content. Today’s camera technology is capable of capturing larger than 4K/ UHD, and HDR workows add another level of complexity, but an extended Dr Ahmad Zaki Mohd Salleh range of looks that can be achieved for Director Technical Operations the ultimate creative dierentiation. TV Networks “Emerging 4K/UHD and HDR Media Prima technologies allow for dierentiation to The image on the right reveals the viewer. High-quality content can be more brightness and details after an editor colour graded produced that dierentiates from other the image on Adobe Premier traditional programming. Camera tech- Pro. nology and allowing for higher depth Phan Tien Dung CTO eld or capturing of more colour and Vietnam Digital Television luminance information — as a scene is detail downstream from capture has to he points out. being shot — allows for greater down- be considered. “For instance, on-set production stream creative control.” Across the entire production chain and dailies processing have to be more Suggesting that the emergence Mike Whittaker — from on-set production, dailies powerful and allow for the archive of Executive Vice-President of 4K/UHD has created “incredible processing, ingest, storage, editorial, camera originals. Ingest and storage and CTO, Asia-Pacific and change” in post-production workows, delivery to archive of material — all have to be faster and have a larger ca- the Middle East, Colantuoni highlights that with the these areas pose different challenges pacity. Remote editorial needs higher Fox Networks Group Asia availability of these high-resolution from traditional post production, as well bandwidth and controls for security digital cameras, every production as from a technical production aspect, and performance. As for delivery, the October 2018 CREATION 17

Dolby Vision combines HDR and WCG to deliver bright highlights, more contrast and colours. Dolby Vision features 12-bit detail, bringing more clarity and texture than SDR.

nal product needs to be produced relevant in a local territory. regard to larger than HD resolu- range (SDR) displays,” he reveals. end-to-end virtual reality (VR) for multiple outlets for over-the- “It is essential that manufactur- tions has caused the industry to “Just as with HDTV programmes 180 support. top (OTT), movie theatres, TV ers provide the tools needed to cre- rethink production techniques,” today — to reach a large audience Emphasising colour correction and a whole host of ‘channels’ for ate this content from conception to he concludes. — HDR programmes will need as a “highly technical process” viewership.” delivery,” Colantuoni adds. “Asset For Adobe, the company is to be down-converted to HDTV is Dolby, which stresses that this Viewers today, driven by the management systems, interacting con dent that the viewing of HDR and SDTV. is conversion is far procedure will allow lm directors, on-the-go viewing habits of mil- with editorial and delivery for an will be “far more compelling” than more challenging than HDTV to DoPs and colourists to manipulate lennials and the rise of OTT ser- end-to-end solution for content stereo 3D, 4K/UHD, or wide col- SDTV, which was mainly a resolu- the look of their content in order to vices, have aected how content creators can assist in productions our gamut (WCG), and will create tion change.” support the story they are telling. It is created, edited and delivered. today by simplifying the workow images that are more realistic than For best results, Barrie rec- is equally important for lmmak- Furthermore, due to the explosion challenges for production services. ever before, declares Jon Barrie, ommends colourists to work on ers to understand the power of of content consumption, never Not only is Netflix an early strategic development manager, a separate colour grade for SDR, using dynamic range and colour to before has there been such demand adopter of IMF, the OTT service Pro Video, Adobe. as this grade can be delivered as inuence the audience, to create a for many dierent versions of the has also commended streaming e increase in resolution, ac- metadata with the HDR content connection and set a tone through same content. of 4K/UHD content in 2014, fol- cording to Barrie, will not aect to guide the conversion in the storytelling. Colantuoni elaborates: lowed by the roll-out of HDR video the colour correcting process. receiver, as well as supporting the According to a Dolby spokes- “Production techniques must con- in 2016. Although HDR does make a dif- speci cation of HEVC/H.265 and person, although digital motion sider the potential for content to Apart from 4K/UHD and ference to overall brightness and Blu-ray. picture cameras oen give options be viewed on a phone, an airplane HDR presenting “some of the details in the highlights and shad- He says: “Colour correction to “burn-in” a colour correction screen, tablet or even with the most revolutionary changes to ows, with WCG also allowing for allows for a natural or stylistic feel on images captured from the screen held vertically. Production post production” in recent years, more colours to be shown, both for colours that appear ‘correct’, camera’s sensor, lmmakers typi- techniques to manage all of these Colantuoni points out that there HDR and WCG will only come especially between shots that are cally record “un-colour” corrected content also need to change; thus, are also cloud production aspects into play when there is a desire to meant to feel connected in space RAW or log-based images directly we have seen the emergence of to be considered, including triple make colour correction for HDR and time. For that, colourists need from the camera. ese log-based le-based mastering speci cations archive of camera originals, central and WCG compatible television to ensure the overall consistency images will then retain the wide such as the Interoperable Master ingest and transform, co-located displays, he adds. of brightness, contrast and colour colour gamut and the full dy- Format (IMF) as essential to man- production such as location shoots “Although HDR will be very between shots. ere are also sty- namic range of the sensor, typically aging hundreds of versions of one and remote editorial capabilities. exciting to watch, in the immedi- listic choices that colourists make 14-16 stops. production.” “It is safe to say that the emer- ate future, most viewing will still for more emotive storytelling to “However, they are at-looking IMF is a standard from the gence of digital technology with be on current standard dynamic create a deeper connection with when viewed on a professional ref- Society of Motion Picture and their viewers.” erence monitor, which is calibrated Television Engineers (SMPTE) for ❝Colour correction allows for a natural or Adobe has integrated a per ITU standards to 100-120 providing a single, interchangeable Lumetri Colour workspace in nits peak luminance and Rec-709 master le format and structure stylistic feel for colours that appear ‘correct’, Adobe Premier Pro, allowing colour gamut,” the spokesperson for the distribution of content especially between shots that are meant to feel colourists and editors to grade continues. “Colour correction can between businesses globally. footage directly on their editing then be applied to these images, As a le exchange unit to the connected in space and time.❞ timeline, adjusting colour, con- taking advantage of the dynamic distribution channel, IMF enables — Jon Barrie, trast and light in their sequences, range and WCG of the RAW cap- businesses with a master format Strategic Development Manager, Pro Video, in innovative ways. e Colour ture to support the context of the for creating multiple tailored Adobe workspace is designed not just for story being told.” versions of the same piece of experienced colourists but also It is also because of the power content for dierent audiences. It for editors who are new to colour and exibility of modern colour also allows for the distribution of grading, thus empowering more corrector platforms that allow versions from content owners to content creators to tell their stories lmmakers to create mood, ten- service providers, or distributors “masterfully” and produce their sion and special lighting eects — and multiple nal destinations best work, says Adobe. during the post-production pro- such as airlines, broadcasters, OTT At IBC2018 last month, Adobe cess — an advantage for various and more. unveiled, among others, new vid- reasons over the on-set restrictions An early adopter of the IMF eo features coming to the Adobe of time, location-access and special standard is Netix, which needed Creative Cloud. ese are aimed lighting requirements. an ecient way to vault its masters to speed up production timelines, The spokesperson explains: in the cloud while eliminating the enable more workows and deliv- “is provides opportunities for requirement of a dierent version er capabilities to bring lmmakers’ the lmmaker to convey feelings, for every territory the OTT service and video professionals’ creative connections and context in stories operates in. According to Netix, visions to life. e updates include that simply may have not been cap- the adoption of this standard has Adobe Sensai-powered animation, tured while shooting on-set. is is enabled the company to hold a audio clean-up tools, selective col- also why colour correction in post single set of core assets and ele- With Adobe Premier Pro, one of the main tools is the Colour Match option in the our grading, advanced data-driven production is considered a critical ments needed to make those assets Lumetri Colour panel. motion graphics templates, and part of the creative process.” 18 October 2018 IP routing on the switch Masstech integrates with x.news Masstech is collaborating with x.news As the transition to IP continues to information technology to provide x.news users full visibility into both video and text gain pace, how will a key broadcast sent by stations using Masstech media wires. Mike Palmer, Masstech CTO, said: “Masstech function such as routing evolve users have long been able to send text and alongside? Shawn Liew finds some embedded video to internal and external users through a single newsroom computer answers … system (NRCS) drag-and-drop operation. Our new integration with x.news now allows users to view this received content alongside other sources, such as social media, in an elegant user interface (UI) with sophisticated search.” A decentralised Riedel or more than 30 years, UK-headquar- MediorNet backbone allows F Telegenic flexibility in signal Friend MTS ties up with tered remote production company Tele- routing and the ability to genic has been delivering the highest easily create redundancies Intertrust ExpressPlay standrds of quality, expertise and ser- via CWDM optical muxing, DRM for live sports vice to the world’s leading broadcasters. resulting in simplified cabling and faster set and Intertrust, a provider Calling themselves “pioneers in strike times. of computing products HD and world leaders in 3D and 4K/ and services, has Ultra HD (UHD)”, Telegenic’s goal is integrated Friend MTS’ to continually embrace and develop Andrew Wisniewski, US opera- Net together into the Telegenic project ASiD OTT subscriber- the latest technologies to exceed client tions supervisor, Telegenic, says: has been a simple and e ective process.” level watermarking expectations. “MediorNet, controlled by VSM hard- Today, Riedel’s MediorNet network with its ExpressPlay digital rights management In order to e ectively keep T-Wiz, (DRM) client software development kit (SDK) ware and virtual panels, provides the continues to be used in aspects of Tele- and multi-DRM service. Friend MTS’ ASiD OTT Telegenic’s outside broadcast (OB) technical and production crews with genic’s production — from bre-based managed security service incorporates global vehicle, on the road for more than 34 unprecedented exibility. acquisition of video and audio signals channel monitoring with fingerprint-based weeks a year covering golf tour events, “e all-in-one approach, where from the host broadcaster’s trucks in content recognition, and this integrates Telegenic needed an integrated and we do not need to route signals in the TV compound, through integra- tightly with watermarking for subscriber comprehensive signal transport, rout- and out of various bits of equipment, tion of various on-site locations, to the identification. This highly automated, client- ing and processing solution. Having drastically simplies set-up. Riedel’s replacement of traditional broadcast side service operates with live, pay-per-view previously used a non-integrated solu- network-based design makes connect- routing and multiviewing hardware. and on-demand content, including 4K/Ultra tion made up of parts and pieces from ing the trucks and sharing resources And, thanks to the implementation of HD (UHD) and high dynamic range (HDR). multiple vendors, they realised that the much easier.” optical multiplexing within the system, This monitoring can connect with subscriber only way to stay on schedule would be The built-in redundancy of the Telegenic is able to reduce the number management systems to stop content theft in to invest in an infrastructure that could minutes, said Friend MTS. Medior Net network would prove of bres required for remote locations keep up with their demands. critical during one event. One of the while taking full advantage of Medior- Having looked at various IP and Medior Net Compact frames had only Net’s ability to automatically reroute Next Issue @ Management ‘soware-dened hardware’ solutions seven out of nine links to start and, signals in case of cable issues. Format Converters from other vendors, Telegenic decided over the course of a live half-hour In 2013, Paul Greene, director of net- to choose Riedel, because the latter was show, went down to only two links. e working product management, Imag ine able to demonstrate not only forward- system did its job, switching from link Communications, wrote a white paper thinking, network-based design, but to link, keeping the show on the air. entitled: When will plants go 100% IP PANELLISTS also a proven track record for their Integrated signal processing func- routing? Answering that question retro- hardware. tions such as audio and video routing, spectively, Greene tells APB: “We are Telegenic’s MediorNet network audio embedding, de-embedding, and absolutely ready now. We have worked consists of a MediorNet MetroN core the distribution of sync are also of great with OB trucks, production control router, 10 MicroN high-density media value and eliminate the need for addi- rooms and studios on 100% IP infra- Fintan Mc Kiernan distribution network devices, and four tional hardware. In addition, running structure, and we have proven systems CEO MediorNet Compact Pro stagebox/ on two of the MicroNs, the MediorNet out there in revenue-earning service.” Ideal Systems mainframes to facilitate transport of multiviewer app provides multiviewing However, he is quick to point out: South-east Asia HD video and a variety of audio and capabilities for up to 18 video signals “When we talk about 100% IP today, data signals. that can be used to create up to four what we are actually saying is that the At each golf course venue, the multiviewer screens. ese can then infrastructure does not have an SDI Patrick So Medior Net components are all con- be used locally or redistributed to any core router. Regional Manager nected over a 10Gbps optical bre net- of the MediorNet nodes. Also included “We cannot yet move to an all-IP Asia Pacific work to form a decentralised routing Magna Systems & is Riedel’s RockNet real-time audio signal ow, because we believe in open, Engineering matrix. WDM multiplexers within the network that rides atop the MediorNet best-of-breed systems, and there are system cut the number of bre connec- backbone to provide backup audio popular devices out there that are not tions required for the Riedel Compact transport from several remote locations. IP-ready. Some third-party devices are Pros from six single-mode cores down Simon Foster, deputy head of SMPTE 2022-6, some still SDI. So we to just two. With MediorNet’s auto- Craig Johnson sound, Telegenic UK, adds: “Multiple can have 100% core IP routing, with Managing Director - matic signal re-routing capabilities, formats, low-latency SRC, and plenty SDI gateways at the edges.” Media Telegenic teams are then able to create of MADI support provide for a fully Imagine Communications’ Selenio Nielsen full optical redundancy over just four interoperable audio domain. Network Processor (SNP), for instance, cores. “Integrating MediorNet and Rock- provides the needed gateway func- October 2018 MANAGEMENT 19

tionality as part of the work ow takes place in SDI or IP.” and demanding broadcast world.” management. Once all devices As Greene attests to, compa- In terms of future strategies become IP native, the gateway nies such as Arista Networks have for routing, Arista will continue functionality can be done with, substantial experience in data to focus on building high-quality but the SNP remains viable as an switching. e latter is also nd- and lower cost solutions for IP IP video processor, says Greene. ing out how it is now possible to media networks that simplify As to what advantages IP rout- create highly capable routing plat- the transition to SMPTE ST ing can oer, he details: “One of forms using Ethernet switch-like 2110 and transition broadcasting the great advantages of SMPTE ST form factors, driven by the rapid away from legacy SDI cabling, 2110 is that it is a family of stand- pace of innovation by merchant Bayliss reveals. He also believes ards because it treats precision silicon vendors. that focusing on scalability and reference time (ST 2110-10), video Richard Byliss, director of ease-of-use for the application (ST 2110-20), audio (ST 2110-30) systems engineering, APJ, Arista programming interface (API) is and ancillary data (ST2110-40) Networks, explains: “In contrast key to Arista’s partners. as separate parts of the essence. to legacy routing platforms that “ST 2110 with separate ows With SDI, the audio is generally are typically built using expen- for video, audio and ancillary embedded in the video. sive custom silicon, the new data require that all the essence “So, for instance, if you want In a hybrid network where both SDI and IP switching are in play, Imagine generation of routing platforms streams must be programmed Communications’ Magellan SDN Orchestrator can provide a layer of abstraction to shuffle audio channels with and provide control to operators. provide terabit performance with ‘simultaneously’. At the top of SDI, the process is inherently dense 100G IP interface support, the hour, with dozens or hun- complicated because, rst, it has providing sufficient headroom dreds of streams that need to be to de-embed the audio from the ❝When we talk about for the transition to IP-based programmed, ensuring that the SDI stream before it can process 100% IP today, what we 4K/UHD and 8K uncompressed broadcast controller’s instructions it, then it has to re-synchronise broadcasts.” are programmed into the IP fabric it to the video and embed it once are actually saying is that He also highlights how Arista are successful and occur within a more at the output. In ST 2110, the infrastructure does not is simplifying the transition to IP predictable period, are vital.” the audio device just looks at the have an SDI core router.❞ networking with a single soware IP networks, with the use of audio part of the stream, so it is operating system — Arista Ex- standard 10G, 25G, 40G and 100G much simpler. And, incidentally, — Paul Greene, tensible Operating System (EOS). interfaces, can “dramatically it reduces latency build-up.” Director of Networking Product e same version of EOS can be reduce” the time to deploy new en, of course, there is the Management, deployed across all Arista devices broadcast environments, with consideration of cost. As Greene Imagine Communications — including the xed 7280R2 and future transitions from HD to 4K/ describes, the impact grows as 7500R2 routing platforms — re- UHD and 8K requiring no addi- the size of the installation grows. which IP switching becomes the there — such as Arista Networks moving the need to qualify mul- tional physical layer adjustments, While a 512x512 SDI router is cost-eective decision.” and Cisco — who have the same tiple versions of code for various suggests Byliss. “Arista’s focus on relatively expensive, the price Greene also advises broadcast- experience in data switching as we switching and routing use cases. quality, scalability and providing “skyrockets” when broadcasters ers to take into account that IP have in SDI. “Arista’s EOS provides some programming platforms that our go beyond 1,000 SDI inputs and network design for video is funda- “ere is no point in us re- unique architectural dierences, broadcast partners are looking for outputs. mentally dierent to SDI design, inventing technologies, so our based on our experience of build- is enabling hybrid and IP facilities When that happens, enter- and from a core architecture point work ow orchestration platform ing some of the largest cloud net- without compromise.” prise-quality Ethernet switches of view, the broadcast plant will enables us to integrate commer- works in the world,” says Bayliss. While pointing out that the become nancially “very attract- look much like a data centre. cial o-the-shelf (COTS) switches, “EOS was built from the ground major technology components ive”, provided broadcasters have To ease this transition, Imag- allowing us to build routing in- up to enable automation for de- for the transition to IP network- a largely IP infrastructure, ac- ine Communications continues to frastructures of enormous sizes.” ployment, conguration manage- ing are already available, he according to Greene. “If most of produce “the best SDI routers in He also believes that hybrid ment, and extending functionality knowledges that the transition your signals are still SDI, then the market”, featuring multiview- networks, where SDI and IP to partners such as Lawo, Nevion, will not be an easy one. “Apart the required gateways are not er functionality, audio and video switching are both in place, are EVS, Imagine Communications, from the technology shi, a cul- only going to break the captial switching, analogue and digital, likely to last for at least a decade SDNSquared and Skyline Data- tural change is required from expenditure bank — but they audio mux and demux, as well as before SDI slowly fades away. In miner. Combined, Arista’s rout- the SDI-era’s ‘the cable is the are also going to need a lot of frame synchronisation, all within such a scenario, what is important ing hardware and soware create network’ mindset. IP networking power and air-conditioning,” he a single, space-saving frame. is that the control layer should a high-quality and reliable high- and routing requires organisa- continues. “is is another part Green explains: “IP video and manage the diering signal ows performance routing platform tions to develop new skills and of the transition planning: you audio is switched over Ethernet, without intervention from the that can be trusted in the complex expertise while retaining their need to determine the point at and there are manufacturers out user. “e operator needs to send core broadcast engineering capa- a source to a destination; the form bilities. Individuals with both IP ❝In terms of future strategies for routing, the signal takes, and which spe- and broadcast skills are in high Arista will continue to focus on building high cic device is handling it, is not demand, creating a skills gap.” important,” Greene elaborates. What broadcasters can start quality and lower cost solutions for IP media “Our Magellan SDN Orchestrator doing, Byliss advises, is to start networks that simplify the transition to SMPTE provides this layer of abstraction. investigating and experimenting ST 2110 and transition broadcasting away from Control is identical — for human with IP technology. is invest- operators and for automation ment of time, he says, will allow legacy SDI cabling.❞ systems — as it them to develop the fundamental — Richard Byliss, has been for dec- skills that will increase the chanc- Director of Systems Engineering, APJ, ades, whether the es of a successful deployment. Arista Networks particular action Noting that routing is a critical function of IP networking, and with Arista’s routing plat- Arista is simplifying the transition to IP networking with a single software operating forms already deployed by some system – Arista Extensible Operating System, of the biggest media companies which can be deployed across all Arista in the world, Byliss concludes: devices – including 7500R2 routing platform. “As the broadcast and media industries continue to embrace IP networking, Arista is ready to help with our expertise in design, deployment and operation of IP networks for media.” 20 MANAGEMENT October 2018 IHSE supports 4K/UHD transmission with new extenders IHSE's Draco ultra DP 1.2 Keyboard, video and mouse Velocity (XV) extenders. Mark Hempel, product man- dual-head option kit supports up to two (KVM) solutions provider IHSE has The XV series is now offered ager, IHSE, said: “The choice of 4K60 displays in one extender set. expanded its Draco ultra high- with Cat X devices to supplement transmission media no longer plays end extender series with Cat X the original fibre versions. The a deciding role in distribution of focused on high-resolution imag- ganisations will benefit in terms of transmission of video signals up to new XV models support Display- ultra-high-resolution video signals. ing for broadcast applications, both Capex and return on invest- 4K60. This, said IHSE, provides the Port 1.2 and HDMI 2.0, enabling Cost-intensive new cabling with command and control, air traffic ment (ROI).” same image quality as fibre-optic transmission of 4K60 video with fibre optics is no longer necessary control, visual medicine and geo- The Draco ultra DP dual-head extenders, while users can also a colour depth of 10 bit per RGB to transmit 4K60 signals at the spatial mapping. extender kit allows users to oper- combine Cat X and fibre optics in colour channel and optimal 4:4:4 highest quality.” Hempel continued: “Organi- ate CPUs from a remotely located matrix switching applications. colour sampling over a single Cat IHSE has also announced the sations are increasingly taking workstation over two duplex fibre IHSE’s Draco ultra KVM ex- X connection. launch of new dual-screen capa- advantage of 4K/Ultra HD (UHD) cables or two Cat X cables. The tenders deliver “unprecedented According to IHSE, the expan- bilities with the Draco ultra DP screens and can achieve more by extender transfers digital video quality” with imperceptible la- sion of the series enables users 1.2 dual-head option kit, which putting them together. With this in 4K/UHD resolutions at 60Hz tency in the transmission of high- to integrate ultra-high-resolution supports up to two 4K60 displays dual-head 4K/UHD DP extender, refresh rate and full-colour depth definition video, with KVM sig- video signals into Cat X infra- in one extender set. we are bringing the next level of (10 bit, 4:4:4). nals. The series was developed in structures. Existing copper cabling Packaged in a compact two- dual-screen capability to increase Users can either create a cooperation with the Fraunhofer no longer needs to be replaced by slot Draco vario enclosure are two productivity with large 4K/UHD stretched desktop of 8192 x 2160 Institute for Integrated Circuits optical fibres in order to support DisplayPort KVM extenders that dual-display workstations for ultra- across two displays, or run them (IIS), and for ultra-high-resolution the maximum resolutions and create an extender solution for high-resolution imaging, mapping, in clone mode to show the same video signals, IHSE offers Extreme frame rates. business and professional users or multi-application set-ups. Or- content on both displays.

MOG presents new mxfSPEEDRAIL models MOG Technologies has introduced new and enhanced ingest gateway for broadcast environments, new media models to its mxfSPEEDRAIL central ingest product line. and social media streaming. mediaMOVE supports all mxfSPEEDRAIL is a central ingest system that reduces input devices, file wrappers, video and audio codecs to video ingest time and saves on operational costs. With more any output wrapper, proxy, Web format, storage server or than 2,500 installations and deployed in more than 200 asset management. worldwide customers, the system has been evolving and Luís Miguel Sampaio, CEO, MOG Technologies, said: adapting to technology demands. It completely optimises “The mxfSPEEDRAIL central ingest system is designed, since media workflows by delivering practical and simple tools to its beginning, with economy and reliability in mind. capture, transcode, schedule and prioritise all ingest tasks, “The system now features more flexibility as it is built according to MOG. with HTML5 technology, which breaks any physical bound- MOG Technologies has introduced new and enhanced models to its The new models include mediaREC, a multi-format SDI ary, and it is also wrapped in multiple packages to fit the mxfSPEEDRAIL central ingest product line. recording system, now featuring full support of video-over- customer needs better. With a single licence, the user can IP standards (SMPTE ST 2110 and ST 2022-6); mediaCARD, now unlock all proxies and codecs.” production ecosystem, and responds to the immediacy simplified solution for users who want to stitch all camera The new mxfSPEEDRAIL central ingest system man- of capture and viewers engagement, filling every gap shots with unattended batch ingest; and mediaMOVE, an ages file or live video streams in an integrated media throughout the workflow.

Nagra’s Conax Contego secures Cignal TV’s milestone Cignal TV, a pay-TV provider in the Jane Basas, CEO of Cignal TV, integrity and growth of the Cignal Philippines, has reached the mile- explained: “A pay-TV service can TV service for years to come.” stone of two million subscribers only be successful if its content In collaboration with Samsung, who are receiving multiple-format assets are secure. When we first NAGRA has also launched TVkey TV and hybrid services on a range launched our new platform, we cloud, an enhanced content proof set-top boxes (STBs). These STBs chose Conax technologies because tection solution for smart TVs are protected by the Conax content we were confident they would equipped with TVkey hardware- protection, which Cignal TV first deliver — and they did not dis- based root of trust. deployed in September 2015. appoint. TVkey Cloud builds upon the “Now, just two years later, we existing TVkey specification de- have reached the two-million Cignal TV, which recently reached the milestone of two million subscribers, has had ployed in the market today. While subscriber mark, and could not be its content protected by Conax Contego since September 2015. the TVkey system using external more excited for what is to come. USB dongles is the reference for We wish to thank the Conax and and formats including 4K/Ultra HD Stéphane Le Dréau, SVP Sales “one way” broadcast pay-TV solu- now NAGRA teams for their on- (UHD), smart cards, cardless, next- APAC at NAGRA, added: “We con- tions, the increased availability going support and commitment generation IPTV security, advanced gratulate Cignal TV in reaching a of Internet-connected Smart TVs to our growth and success.” multi-digital rights management significant milestone and one that opens up “exciting new possi- Cignal TV deployed the Conax (DRM)/over-the-top (OTT) services demonstrates the growing popu- bilities” to combine the security cardless solution based on the and new hybrid network combina- larity of its service and content with capabilities of the TVkey embed- Conax Contego unified security tions. Both Conax solutions are viewers in the Philippines. ded hardware in the TV with backend. Conax Contego is devel- now part of the NAGRA content “We are also proud to be the sophisticated security manage- oped for support and integration of protection portfolio of advanced content security provider for those ment systems in the cloud, said all major distribution technologies and off-the-shelf security solutions. services, and ensure the continued NAGRA. October 2018 MANAGEMENT 21 Ooyala optimises Super RTL’s OTT service

Ooyala is streamlining video ope- proofing our services. The Ooyala Prior to IMF, thousands of rations for Super RTL, a joint ven- Flex Media Platform has allowed us different versions of a widely ture of the RTL Group and Disney, to build the best solution for our distributed motion picture — re- with the Ooyala Flex Media Plat- needs, and being implemented on flecting various combinations of form, a flexible and configurable Microsoft Azure, it can easily be subtitles, metadata, audio, format- content supply chain optimisation scaled as our service grows and ting and other features — would platform that automates tasks, new technology is introduced.” be required in order to support simplifies workflows and speeds The project grew out of Ooyala’s multiple-market-segment distribu- up the time-to-market for content collaboration with Microsoft, who tion. The efficiencies offered by IMF creators and distributors. had been in talks with Super RTL have been estimated to achieve Ooyala is delivering an end-to- on migrating its digital video savings of 25% or more in storage end solution with Germany-based platform to the cloud. Microsoft and “versioning” costs. LOGIC media solutions, built using introduced Ooyala to Super RTL to Jonathan Huberman, Ooyala’s Microsoft Azure Media Services provide the workflow and content CEO, said: “Unlike other technol- that will optimise Super RTL’s op- management components. For the ogy partners, Ooyala provides erations and simplify content implementation and local support, end-to-end support for IMF across delivery to over-the-top (OTT) Ooyala subsequently brought in its the entire content supply chain. platforms. local partner, LOGIC. And with seamless integration of Boris Bolz, chief digital and The Ooyala Flex Media Plat- existing tools into the Ooyala Flex marketing officer, Super RTL, said: form is also now providing extend- Media Platform, we are enabling The Ooyala Flex Media Platform is a content supply chain optimisation platform “The media landscape is evolving ed support for the Interoperable that automates tasks, simplifies workflows and speeds up the time-to-market IMF strategies for companies who faster than ever, introducing new Master Format (IMF). With IMF for content creators and distributors, and which was highlighted by Jim O’Neill, would otherwise lack the necessary and growing challenges that left support, users of the Ooyala Flex principal industry analyst, Ooyala, at last month’s IBC2018. technology. our existing technology obsolete. Media Platform can “significantly “The technology community “We needed a solution that reduce” the costs and improve the IMF is a file-delivery standard of different versions of a video file has been listening to content could provide greater flexibility efficiency of their multi-version, created by the Society of Motion required for distribution to viewers providers and we are equipped to and deeper insights across our multi-platform distribution needs, Picture and Television Engineers in different markets and on differ- help them truly capitalise on global entire operations, all while future- according to Ooyala. (SMPTE) that reduces the number ent platforms around the world. monetisation opportunities.” Paywizard announces new technology partnerships Paywizard is building the next- empowers Paywizard to massively lem and working to fix it.” generation version of its subscriber bolster our analytics power and Traditionally, analysis has been intelligence platform, Paywizard incorporate AI going forward. focused on quality of service (QoS) Singula, on the Microsoft Azure “Azure AI is perfect for that data, which is primarily used to artificial intelligence (AI) platform. and provides the infrastructure no diagnose network challenges, Harnessing Azure’s analyt- other platform can while offering including streaming, audience ics environment ‘Databricks’, the flexibility, scalability and security.” and configuration, by operational move enables Paywizard to ex- Separately, Paywizard has also teams and network administra- tend its machine learning and AI partnered with Verimatrix to enable tors. The partnership allows this capability. This, said Paywizard, operators to proactively engage insight to be taken a step further allows its clients to better posi- with customers experiencing prob- and proactively communicate to tion themselves to action data lems by utilising quality of experi- customers in real time when issues insight to strengthen customer ence (QoE) data sets. are experienced, resulting in a bet- loyalty, grow revenues and win new By tapping into more data ter customer experience, reducing subscribers. through Verimatrix Verspective churn and increasing loyalty. Paywizard Singula, which de- RT QoE updates, Paywizard will Tom Pollard, VP of product buted at IBC2018, is a standalone ❝ enrich the single customer view management at Verimatrix, added: platform that empowers pay-TV Building Singula on the Microsoft Azure AI (SCV) created by Paywizard Sin- “This partnership is all about pro- operators and over-the-top (OTT) platform is a strategic move that empowers gula. Vaghela continued: “The viding the best possible customer providers to utilise subscriber in- Paywizard to massively bolster our analytics power more data operators have about experiences and building subscrib- sights and AI to recommend the customers — including service is- er loyalty by using data and insight ‘next best action’ an operator can and incorporate AI going forward.❞ sues they are facing — the better wisely — whether that is dealing take for each and every subscriber position they are in to take effec- with a billing issue, proactively rec- at the critical ‘decision moments’ — Bhavesh Vaghela, Chief Executive, Paywizard tive action. ommending a change in content in the customer journey. (commenting on a new partnership between Paywizard and Microsoft) “So, for instance, if a group package to a wavering subscriber, The Microsoft Azure AI plat- of subscribers is having a service or addressing a QoE issue such as form is an open, flexible, enter- to add AI and machine learning chief executive, said: “Building problem, the operator can immedi- buffering, before the customer prise-grade cloud computing plat- capability to ‘decision moments’. Singula on the Microsoft Azure AI ately and proactively communicate even has a chance to contact their form that will empower Paywizard Bhavesh Vaghela, Paywizard’s platform is a strategic move that to them that it is aware of the prob- service provider. Qvest Media and VRT create media house of the future System architect and ICT integrator Qvest of the past. conditions from spatial design to the design needed to find the best partner that we want Media will be working with Flemish public “Media companies must be able to ad- of the technical and operational workflows. to work with long term to design the media broadcaster VRT to create what they call just at any time, quickly and easily to new Employees will receive the best possible house of the future. “one of the most advanced media houses”. production demands. The key to an agile support through a highly flexible technical “Ultimately, we decided through the Daniel Url, managing director, Qvest production and distribution architecture infrastructure. This is intended to create the selection process to choose Qvest Media, as Media, said: “The way in which we consume lies in combining people-centred company maximum possible scope for intuitively re- we were convinced not just by the innovation media content with innovative technology organisation with a flexible technical infra- alising new production requirements, even concept, but also by the methods behind it. is changing constantly, and in ever-accel- structure. The latter helps staff to be innova- without any specialist technical knowledge. Qvest Media’s many years of experience as erating cycles. In the past, media providers tive, but is not the main driver of innovation.” Stijn Lehaen, CTO of VRT, comments: a systems integrator also creates synergy revamped individual sectors every eight to To achieve this, VRT and Qvest Media are “Never in our history have we launched a effects in its consultancy role which VRT can 10 years, but now fixed cycles are a thing creating innovation-promoting framework project of this size. So we really took the time profit from.” 22 October 2018 Covering breaking news Zenterio OS puts all DT services under one roof Deutsche Telekom (DT) has launched EntertainTV Sat, a 4K/Ultra HD (UHD) timely and IPTV, over-the-top (OTT) and satellite set-top box (STB) powered by Zenterio OS. The software is an independent operating system for interactive TV that unifies STB deployments in different countries, from multiple vendors and reliably within various ecosystems. With Zenterio OS content-centric architecture, DT is able to introduce new client- and cloud- based features and services, including OTT Timeliness has always been one crucial factor when it comes to video-on-demand (VoD), hybrid local/ network personal video recorder (PVR), newsgathering. Even though the rise of social media platforms is capable HTML5 apps, and other broadcast and streaming innovations to its customers. of addressing this element, satellite newsgathering (SNG) has continually been serving broadcasters as a reliable source of delivery medium, with Digisat Media upgrades the additional ability of exchanging content in multiple formats across to Forsway’s Odin F-50 different transmission channels. Josephine Tan writes more. Forsway has delivered its Odin F-50 hybrid satellite router to Digisat Media, furthering its partnership with the Spanish satellite services provider. As an alternative to VSAT, Odin F-50 provides I n this increasingly connected world, news ❝When covering live news rapid deployment of satellite-based crews need to be able to share breaking Internet services to regions that may lack news and live sports events promptly and events, today’s crews infrastructure or capacity. Candido Calero, across multiple platforms. No matter rely on IP technology more CEO of Digisat Media, commented: “We what time of the day it is or where in the are committed to our partnership to world an event is happening, evolving than ever to transport deliver entertainment and content for technology has created an expectation multiple services concurrently, children in hospitals managing a network of instant access to information — and including video, voice, files driven by the Spanish media group. The in the highest quality video format, says innovative services and solutions provided Hans Massart, market director, broadcast and general broadband by Forsway are enabling Digisat Media to deliver quality services and position for at Newtec. applications.❞ evolving market demands of today and He tells APB: “ is presents challenges tomorrow.” as the industry moves towards providing a — Hans Massart, combined media experience, encompass- Market Director, Broadcast, Newtec ing not only live video, but also radio, Next Month @ Distribution social media and online content. As such, Cables and Converters existing newsgathering solutions will need to provide the much-needed exibility to manage multiple video formats and address modern expectations.” PANELLISTS In October last year, Newtec teamed up with Network Innovations, VRT Sandbox and Pacic Live Media, to deliver live stream interviews and backhaul action video clips of the Punch Powertrain Solar Martin Coleman Team as they competed in the Bridgestone Executive Director World Solar Challenge, a solar-powered Satellite Interference car race which took place in Australia. Reduction Group Using Network Innovations’ Maverick VSAT service, the crew was able to broadcast daily overviews of their journey from Darwin to Adelaide. ierry Garritsen, spokesperson at the Amitabh Kumar Director, Corporate Punch Powertrain Solar Team, explains Newtec Dialog is a multi-service platform that enables operators to build and adapt Zee Network that transmission of the video clips was satellite networking infrastructures according to specific needs. a time-consuming process, as it included driving up to 150km away to find a broadband connection. Hence, the team can now go online and live stream on The Maverick VSAT service is Louis Boswell required a solution that allowed them to Facebook from wherever we are, daily,” powered by Newtec Dialog, a multi- CEO AVIA be in live contact with its base. Garritsen adds. “We can take ad hoc service platform that enables operators (Asia Video Industry “ anks to the IP satellite solution pro- questions from our audience, on top to build and adapt satellite networking Association) vided by Newtec, Network Innovations, of providing additional action clips for infrastructures according to spe- Pacic Live Media and VRT Sandbox, we delayed viewing.” cic needs. Newtec Dialog features October 2018 DISTRIBUTION 23

As a manufacturer of satellite carrier signal monitoring solutions, Integrasys has developed Satmotion SNG, Sebastien Couvet, sales manager, which can be EMEA, Integrasys, highlights installed on that broadcasters are demanding SNG trucks automation, as well as the need to to minimise optimise SNG operations when crews OU access arrive on site. time, effort and satellite interference. caption

Acknowledging Couvet’s point sold worldwide in 2018. erefore, on satellite’s role in newsgathering, many SNG trucks are now allow- Andrew Bond, sales and marketing HD encryption to satellite, ing director of ETL Systems, adds enabling the receiving and modu- that SNG trucks are by their nature lating of multiple HD feeds. “truly satcoms platforms”. Bond continues: “Broadcasters This is largely due to SNG are also increasingly using multi- trucks’ ability of offering fast ple cameras as this means that if Mx-DMA bandwidth allocation “e OU Flex system works the same wireless networks that set-up time, especially for the any feed fails, there will still be technology, which is designed to on top of our existing satellite are used for voice and data com- coverage of live news and sports others that can be used. However, adjust the frequency plan, symbol newsgathering (SNG) trucks to munications. events, where operators are re- with the need for multiple cameras rate, modulation, coding and ensure we deliver reliable, high- “erefore, we believe that sat- quired to establish uplink trac comes the need for larger SNG power level for satellite networks. speed broadband as soon as we ellite is fairly strong in areas where from a network of live cameras. trucks, which can accept these With the technology, operators can arrive on site, without the need for there is poor phone coverage, due Although larger outside broadcast multiple-camera feeds that can exibly allocate bandwidth based ISDN or DSL lines. Using reliable to the fact that these mobile de- (OB) vans may also use local bre be multiplexed onto the uplink on real-time terminal demand VSAT connectivity via satellite to vices haven’t got the same signal inputs to create these feeds, in system. ere is also an increasing while adapting to the changing support live video is particularly strength as SNG trucks,” Couvet both scenarios, satellite is “fast trend for wireless cameras that can radio frequency conditions. ecient at busy events such as live explains. “It is something usual and aordable” in getting signals link via 4G or bre to give high- “When covering live news sports games, when the network in Asia-Pacic because they have distributed, he adds. quality feeds. and events, today’s crews rely on can easily become congested due many remote places where tech- “In Asia-Pacific, satellite re- “Furthermore, the price of IP technology more than ever to to a high level of other reporters nology has not reached yet, as well mains the dominant platform for satellite bandwidth is falling. transport multiple services con- and users in the area.” as the inconvenience of weather broadcasters because the region According to Northern Sky currently, including video, voice, Beyond live video broadcasts, conditions, making satellite trans- might not have the cable and bre Research, satellite capacity prices les and general broadband ap- OU Flex allows crews in the eld missions the most advantageous networks in place that European are down by as much as 60% in plications. Being able to blend to use multiple applications such as resource in the industry.” countries have. It is also true that some cases, and are still drop- capacity from IP satellite, cellular, voice-over-IP, video clip transfer, For Integrasys, the satellite there is a low cost of bandwidth ping. This makes it easier than Wi-Fi or Ethernet IP connectivity archive browsing, email, social carrier signal monitoring manu- and high availability with satellite ever before to get an aordable on an ad-hoc basis helps ensure media and the Internet. facturer has developed Satmotion in the region, especially compared and cost-effective satellite link. broadcasters have multiple tools Massart concludes: “We are SNG, which the company labels as to other regions,” he elaborates. is will naturally be important to enable flexible, reliable and continually seeing evidence of sat- the SNG Auto LineUp system for “is has largely been driven by for satellite as competition from cost-effective delivery of more ellite’s impact on news operations. minimising the OU access time, the provision of high throughput other communication methods content from more locations For instance, OU Flex uses the eort and interference of intra- satellite (HTS) in the region, which increases.” and from more vantage points,” Newtec Dialog platform to provide satellite such as CrossPol and inter- enables cost-effective access to Despite the fact that today’s Massart adds. IP connectivity to manage users’ satellite such as Adjacent Satellite satellite capacity. The fact that viewers are able to access social e Newtec Dialog all-IP plat- entire video and data content Interference (ASI). modern SNG trucks can be set up media and live streaming platform has also enabled MX1 to contributions, ensuring quality Automation is what broadcast- easily and oen run by one person, forms for breaking news, Bond create an adaptable solution — OU of service anywhere, anytime. By ers are demanding everywhere, makes them an extremely aord- adds that this amateur footage Flex — for occasional use (OU) transforming the DVB one-way and how to optimise the opera- able option.” provides an “additional angle” to broadcasters. With the integration feed into a bidirectional link, OU tions when they arrive at the site, When it comes to news broad- the reality of live TV, but does not of Newtec Dialog, OU Flex is de- Flex provides broadcasters and Couvet stresses. “In many cases, casting, viewers today are also replace “quality editable footage signed to allow broadcasters, live SNG operators with maximum the cameraman is the antenna increasingly expecting content with professional on-the-ground event producers, event organisers exibility without the need for two engineer and the SNG driver all of at least HD quality, even as the commentary”. and remote operators to enrich antennas.” together. is is thanks to the auto- demand for 4K/Ultra HD (UHD) He concludes: “Amateur foot- the viewer experience through live Despite IP having its impact in mation and simplicity of the set-up content continues to grow, Bond age is good for this sensational broadcasts. SNG work ows as an “easier and with Satmotion SNG. Satmotion highlights. He cites a report from events where news crews are not One OU Flex broadcaster is cheaper” distribution alternative, allows the truck drivers to be capa- Futuresource Consulting, which there, such as a storm or trac Waterford-headquartered pro- satellite is still very relevant when ble of automatically accessing the revealed that approximately 100 collision. is will then be sup- duction company, Nemeton. In a reliable communication is re- satellite with a simple application.” million 4K/UHD TV sets will be plemented by the professional January this year, British broad- quired, declares Sebastien Couvet, coverage once news teams are on caster Sky contacted Digisat, the sales manager, EMEA, Integrasys. ❝Alternative broadcast site. Planned live events, such as satellite arm of Nemeton’s busi- For instance, in a stadium sports and newsgatherings still ness, to supply uplink trucks, satel- where a large group of specta- technologies, such as IPTV, need multiple-camera shots of lite capacity, communication and tors gathers for a sports event, will continue to complete high quality to provide clear and broadband for all of its outdoor every cellular network might get original feeds to make program- broadcasts across Ireland. congested due to multiple mobile and compliment professional ming. Tomás Mac Craith, head of devices sending and receiving data footage. SNG needs to offer “Alternative broadcast tech- technical facilities, Nemeton, elab- at the same time. is can then nologies, such as IPTV, will con- orates: “We found the perfect solu- provoke possible interferences the quality, affordability and tinue to complete and compliment tion in MX1’s OU Flex broadband and congest the cellular network reliability to maintain its role professional footage. SNG needs to modem — which is based on the environment. In addition, broad- in this marketplace.❞ oer the quality, aordability and Newtec Dialog platform, including casters have also begun tapping reliability to maintain its role in its MDM-series of modems. onto mobile to send videos over — Andrew Bond, Sales and Marketing Director, ETL Systems this marketplace.” 24 October 2018 Broadcast TV & social media Anevia, Viaccess-Orca provide ultra-low latency create powerful live streaming solution Anevia and Viaccess-Orca are providing audiences with an ultra-low latency live streaming solution: Anevia supplying the encoder side of the solution, while Viaccess- synergy to engage Orca the secure video player. The combined Anevia and Viaccess-Orca software has been optimised and integrated to reduce latency and allow streaming at as close to real time as possible, said the companies. The solution, driven by user frustrations at watching live audiences broadcast such as sporting events on a slight delay, will allow audiences to live stream everything with sub-second delay. This is in stark contrast to the up to eight-second broadcast standard delay and the between 30 and 60 seconds with other traditional over- In a world where global the-top (OTT) systems, the companies added. populations are digitally Vewd Atom brings OTT to connected around the clock, legacy set-top boxes broadcasters are increasingly Vewd, a smart TV, over-the-top (OTT) ﬁnding it advantageous to use software provider, has introduced Vewd Atom, an OTT solution that brings today’s social media to reach out to most important apps and streaming their audiences. Shawn Liew

experiences to operator devices previously GETTY BY IMAGES ISTOCK CREDIT: PHOTO incapable of accessing OTT services. Aneesh reports. Rajaram, CEO of Vewd, said: “Vewd Atom ... offers all of the modern features potential The consumption of TV content has evolved to a stage where the overall TV viewing cord-cutters actively seek while reducing experience is interwined with social media immersion. the technical burden on operators. Not only can we help reduce churn, but we can also strengthen the value of pay-TV by adding TV has entered the realm of social media. The sheer volume of short-form Krishnan also observes how broad- OTT services to hundreds of millions of While the likes of Facebook and Twitter were content, instant appeal and shareability casters are increasingly exploiting the devices already in the ﬁeld. This creates the once platforms primarily for the display of are primary considerations for video on synergy with social media, by engaging perfect win-win scenario for operators to individualistic ideas and expressions, they are social media, according to Kirshnan. with their audiences on multiple plat- continue to grow their business.” now allowing their users to stream content e downside is how the ubiquity, huge forms. Beyond this, broadcasters are previously available only on traditional TV volume of content and their source can continuing to engage and build brand platforms. erode con dence and the integrity of the recognition with viewers who may be Next Month @ X-Platform In fact, as social media platforms continue content. “is is amply illustrated by the outside of their mainstream broadcast 5G/LTE Broadcast to compete with broadcast TV for eyeballs, recent spate of fake news and debates network — by drawing them to program- they can plausibly be viewed as the biggest questioning the veracity and authentic- ming based on veri able content while threat to the latter, suggests RV Krishnan, ity of such content,” he explains, while stroking their curiosity for a deeper VP graphics, APAC, Vizrt. He tells APB: highlighting why the brand of broad- analysis of events. PANELLISTS “Broadcasters have to start looking at ways casters is so important in this instance. Another content genre where social social media can be leveraged for their own “By virtue of being a brand and hav- media and broadcast TV enjoy a close bene t, harnessing synergies and its potential ing the ability with long-form produc- synergy is sports. Fans look for updates to further their own goals by building loyalty tions, to delve deeply into a subject and and the latest news on games, outcomes and expanding reach.” expose dierent facets of discussions, and xtures on social media, while live Understand your audience, he urges, broadcast TV can capture a signi cant matches continue to be predominately Chong Siew Loong because social media appeals to a younger share of audiences who want trusted viewed on high-quality large screens. CTO demographic profile who have different sources for their news. Broadcasters can Broadcasters thus can maximise their StarHub needs and consumption patterns, compared leverage the lack of trust in social media viewership through loyalty programmes, to mainstream broadcast viewers. to maximise their own viewership.” including pushing stories, news, game highlights, player pro les and teasers to ❝Broadcasters have come draw viewers to their own programming, Michael Cronk says Krishnan. “Broadcasters have come Chairman, to terms that social media Alliance for IP Media to terms that social media platforms are Solutions (AIMS) platforms are here to stay and here to stay and it is best they acknowl- it is best they acknowledge edge their wide and pervasive appeal to young audiences,” he adds. “ey will their wide and pervasive need to engage with the young, socially- appeal to young audiences.❞ aware generation at their own terms, leveraging the very tools that they use Peter Bithos — RV Krishnan, to reach out to them.” CEO, HOOQ VP Graphics, APAC, Another point to note, Krishnan Vizrt emphasises, is the omnipresence of October 2018 X-PLATFORM 25

Magna Systems and Engineering’s David Blackett: “Broadcasters can Building communities with social media now target specific viewers and send them ... customised ads at exactly the If they are not already doing so, broad- spread across all social media platforms, as apps. The company, according to right time during a programme.” casters should use social media to build a no one platform will meet all of your require- him, is committed to monitoring community and thus viewership, suggested ments. The key is to create content and an the QoE being delivered to the scheduling and media asset man- David Blackett, group GM, Magna Systems environment which people want to visit, be a end-users of any interactive service, agement (MAM) data sets, Crystal and Engineering. “This means they can de- part of and, critically, keep coming back to.” on any device, and over any type Connect accesses this data, gen- velop and grow their relationship with their Blackett also pointed out that because of network. erates SCTE 104, SCTE 35, SCTE viewers in niche areas, and in key areas such most social media is consumed via apps, the Others, such as IneoQuest Technologies, 224 and/or proprietary-format messages as sports,” he told APB. “As a result, their effect iveness of the latter, and being able to provide video quality and audience behav- required by each distributor, and places them strength and connection with their viewers guarantee that content is being delivered ioural intelligence solutions, and, in particu- with frame-accurate precision at the begin- will grow directly into the areas they target properly and efficiently via the apps, is lar, its proactive video quality monitoring ning and end of each content segment in a through social media.” crucial. “Without this monitoring and these that verifies video content is continuously programme. He also emphasised that any good social guarantees, the effectiveness of the social available — in every bitrate and format. “This means broadcasters can now target media strategy requires a solid, relevant and media strategy can be severely reduced and “Then, there’s also Crystal Connect, which specific viewers and send them tailored and engaging foundation, on which the strategy diminished,” he said. draws on Crystal’s long experience with the customised ads at exactly the right time dur- will develop and grow. “Without it, there will Blackett recommended that broadcasters monitoring and controlling of the broadcast ing a programme or broadcast in conjunction be no reason for the audience or community check out companies such as Witbe, which workflow,” Blackett added. with their social media activity — something to engage and keep engaging,” Blackett helps broadcasters wanting to investigate Understanding that all the information that previously has been very complex to continued. “Once you have developed a solid quality of experience (QoE), end-device test- needed to automate over-the-top (OTT) achieve and which is extremely valuable,” foundation, this has to be communicated and ing, and how to maximise the efficiency of production exists already in playlist, traffic, Blackett concluded. news and information, which needs audience is accustomed to and nities that social networks provide to be curated “24/7 in 360 degrees”, in the voice of digital natives; we to engage fans. For example, to covering all angles, filling tweets, have authentic, fresh, relevant and encourage deeper audience engage- Facebook posts and Instagram as innovative content to start con- ment for Season 7’s launch of Game images, bullet headlines, updates versations with audiences; and we of Thrones, StarHub’s community and snippets. “ is requires an eco- build a network across our digital managers replied customers’ com- system of social media desks and and social platforms.” ments with famous character quotes journalists that work in tandem with Moving forward, Mediacorp’s — the fans relished the in-character mainstream editorial to sustain the ambition is to evolve its hub-and- personalisation, reports Strother. interest in the content. spoke content oering model to For the 2018 FIFA World Cup, “In this sense, social media is decentralise content into individual StarHub’s social media campaign not dierent, but deeply embedded and tailored narrative universes rallied fans to show their support within broadcast TV — all these, Singapore terrestrial broadcaster Mediacorp’s social media strategy is a unified across linear, digital and social for their favourite teams, and this with the very objective of bringing one across linear and digital platforms — including Toggle, its over-the-top (OTT) media platforms. “ ese narrative generated more than 16,000 reac- eyeballs to TV.” interactive service. universes would then come to- tions, comments and shares. “Social In order to help bridge the gap gether as strings of story elements, provides a life beyond the connes between social media and TV, Vizrt Krishnan concludes: “All these running English drama, has been building up on each other to create of the 60 minutes or so on screen Social solutions were envisaged as a tools are fully built on the robust live tweeted for every single episode a coherent, unied and monetisable for followers of the show; it oers broadcaster’s gateway into social me- and very exible Viz One media of the 800 thus far. is, says Sa- story around one or more multiple both immediacy and amplication dia, allowing journalists and produc- asset management (MAM) plat- chet, builds a vibrant community IPs, topics and characters of Medi- to what would simply be the water ers access to trending and signicant form, which allows broadcasters to of fans and followers that discusses acorp,” Sachet reveals. cooler conversation the next day,” he topics on social media. By bringing manage content across the lifecyle characters and plots as the story “Each audience could then concludes. these tools into the mainstream of the story, repurposing them as unfolds on-air, in real time. explore one universe individu- broadcast workow, Vizrt aims to needed in a manner and formats He continues: “Lastly, we use ally (vertical content discovery) provide broadcasters the very tools best suited for their publishing.” social media as an accelerator to or progressively connect the dots that build a bridge to social media For Singapore terrestrial broad- employer branding (with initia- between the various universes platforms, as well as the editorial caster Mediacorp, its social media tives such as Twitter handle em- and platforms (horizontal content ability to harness the potential to the strategy is a unified one across ployee curation, Instagram photo discovery). Mediacorp, as a multi- fullest. is, according to Krishnan, linear and digital platforms — stories or LinkedIn thought leader- platform, transmedia storyteller, is in line with Vizrt’s corporate slo- including Toggle, Mediacorp’s ship) and as a driver for in-house would then be in a strong posi- gan “to do more with less”. over-the-top (OTT) interactive talent development; for example, tion to provide a unique content The various tools Vizrt offers service — linking linear TV and through brown bag sharing ses- experience to its audiences — tap- include the Vizrt Social TV, which radio channels to digital platforms, sions or digital skills training.” ping digital and social to add new brings moderated external social either as a catch-up destination or a Sachet also goes on to identify angles with each story extension.” media content onto broadcast live streaming alternative. Speaking the three key pillars of Mediacorp’s Consistency across all its busi- screens. is ensures that relevant with APB, Guillaume Sachet, head social media strategy: ness verticals is the approach content, with assured quality and of social, Mediacorp, elaborates: n Social listening to better taken by Singapore telecom and authenticity, is passed on to viewers, “ e main focus of social media, understand audience preferences pay-TV operator StarHub. Rod alongside deeper analysis. in a hub-and-spoke model, would and trends, in order to make bet- Strother, vice-president of digital Another Vizrt tool popular with be to amplify the central piece of ter content. experience, StarHub, details: “ e broadcasters is Viz Story, a video content produced for Mediacorp n Dialogue to ignite and main- three main objectives of our social ❝ publishing tool for social media platforms, either linear or digital. tain conversations around content media strategy are to engage our The three main platforms. It combines the power of “Our unified social media — rather than brand — in order social communities, listen out for objectives of our social templated Viz graphics and inherent strategy is particularly active to provide increased value for potential issues or trending topics, media strategy are simple video editing and manage- during tentpole events and pro- audiences. and to inspire brand advocacy. ment capabilities, and makes it pos- grammes, where integrated teams n Data to optimise published “In terms of content pillars, we to engage our social sible for producers to create video from various Mediacorp business content and increase brand vis- focus on global and local events, communities, listen content branded for targeted social units will be brought together to ibility/touch points, and deliver- everyday tech solutions that can media platforms in formats and as- conduct real-time listening, pro- ing content that lends itself more inform and educate, travel tips and out for potential issues pect ratios specic to these platforms. duce recreational content, drive naturally to audience consumption tricks for mobile-savvy audiences or trending topics, Vizrt also oers an automated conversation and use highlight behaviours. and lastly, bite-sized entertain- multi-platform built on the Viz Opus videos from the show to amplify In order to make these activi- ment pieces to connect with our and to inspire brand automation system, which allows the eyeballs and digital trac.” ties successful, Mediacorp has also passionate fanbase. By adding advocacy.❞ repurpose of live TV production to On a day-to-day basis, Media- set out some principles, as Sachet value to our customers, we can publish professionally produced and corp also uses social media as a describes: “We focus on our social create better interactions.” — Rod Strother, branded content on multiple social conversational screen to TV. For media platforms’ strengths; we He goes on to urge broadcast Vice-President of Digital media platforms in near real time. example, Tanglin, Mediacorp’s long- create content in the language the networks to tap into the opportu- Experience, StarHub 26 X-PLATFORM October 2018 Winning the OTT battle with technology

BY JAHEER ABBAS quality, or if there are frequent ering content to desktops, mobile maintaining the content availabil- delivered to meet consumers’ un- interruptions caused by content browsers and dedicated mobile ity at both source and destination, compromising demands. Today, over-the-top (OTT) provid- latency or rebuffering. applications adds complexity to the as well as by detecting device, It is thus up to players in the ers — both new market entrants In addition, findings from Web infrastructure because each platform and prevailing network highly saturated and largely com- and established players alike — Limelight Networks’ recent State device supports different capabili- conditions to customise broadcast petitive OTT sector to adapt to this have to keep up with the ever- of Digital Lifestyles 2018 report ties. This requires OTT platforms to settings and content formats. changing paradigm and thrive by increasing demands of modern- revealed that the most frustrat- develop and deliver multiple ver- New-age CDNs also help in adopting the right technologies, or day viewers. With viewers today ing challenge viewers face with sions of their content. eliminating cybersecurity threats, risk lagging behind competition, if increasingly watching videos on content is when it stops playing offering protection to help secure they do not. their smartphones, one thing is or rebuffers. All it takes for a dis- Addressing OTT challenges platforms by detecting and block- clear: the user experience is argu- satisfied viewer to switch loyalties with a content delivery ing attacks at the network edge ably the most significant factor that is a mere click of the button, leav- network in real time while safeguarding determines an OTT player’s success ing OTT platforms at a consider- While complex, the challenges that viewers’ private data. or failure. able disadvantage to their closest OTT platforms commonly face can competitors, if viewers deem their be easily addressed through the The future of OTT Poor viewing experience: platforms to have inferior stream- use of a content delivery network The adoption and utilisation of OTT A recipe for disaster ing quality. (CDN) — a geographically distrib- platforms is definitely set to grow OTT platforms such as Netflix and The biggest impediment to uted group of servers, which work in our increasingly digitised nation Amazon Prime Video have become a high-quality and consistent together to provide fast delivery of — but only if they are able to cater household names in local markets, viewing experience is that viewers Web content. to the demands of their users and expanding their user base through access OTT services from a gamut Using highly efficient edge- resolve prevailing challenges in the quality and diversity of content. of devices, platforms and network caching technology and the latest user experience. Yet, is a singular focus on content conditions. protocols, a CDN can deliver opti- In this regard, CDNs have be- enough to keep viewers coming Delivering content to multiple mal viewing experiences to all users come of paramount importance to back for more? devices is no longer a “should I?” across all environments, platforms ensure a seamless viewer experi- With the vast availability of OTT — it is a “must do”. However, deliv- and devices. This is achieved by ence and encourage the growth platforms, as well as streaming op- of a loyal viewer base. Playing tions in the region, viewers now ex- A content delivery network can deliver optimal a pivotal role in influencing the pect high-quality streaming every viewing experiences to all users across all ultimate success or failure of plat- Jaheer Abbas is senior director, time and will switch to alternative forms, CDNs ensure that a quality South-east Asia and India, Limelight platforms in the absence of desired environments, platforms and devices content streaming experience is Networks. Synamedia to bring broadcast and OTT media services together Synamedia, a new company to be formed Dr Abe Peled, the incoming chairman IP distribution and cloud-based services Yves Padrines, incoming CEO for through the sale of Cisco’s Service Provider of Synamedia, said: “Synamedia enters the bring.” Synamedia, added: “From day one, we will Video Software Solutions (SPVSS) busi- market at a time when the TV landscape Among its line-up of solutions, be the vendor with the ability to deliver ness to a company backed by Permira, a is being redrawn. Building on a 30-year Synamedia will offer Cloud DVR, which products on a global scale while offering the European private equity firm, is expected to heritage in the pay-TV industry, a market is already supporting more than 10 mil- flexibility required for market localisation. be unveiled in the first half of Cisco’s FY19. leadership position, and an unrivalled lion subscribers worldwide. A cloud-first We will intensify our focus on innovation, “Syna” means “together” in Greek, reputation for innovation, we will hit the microservices-based architecture in a multi- building even closer links with our cus- reflecting Synamedia’s ambition to bring ground running as a private, independent cloud environment, cloud DVR allows users tomers and ensuring that we continue to together broadcast and over-the-top (OTT) entity committed to helping customers to combine public and on-premise cloud provide the world’s most complete, secure media services, and enable clients to deliver boost engagement and revenues by capi- storage to enhance delivery and comply and advanced end-to-end video delivery “exceptional customer experiences”. talising on the myriad opportunities that with content licensing agreements. solution.

The best way to be in control

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