To modernize operations and manage multiple locations with greater agility, broadcasters are accelerating their shift towards IP-based infrastructures. Over the last decade, the organization’s goal has been to minimize installation risks and build scalable environments that can embrace future technologies.
The following SI Media case studies demonstrate how SI Media embraces this change, helping to implement a proactive IP strategy rather than simply replacing broken infrastructure in the short term.
So, how do you choose the right IP format for your production environment? Each protocol offers unique advantages, and the optimal choice depends on the type of productions you run, your network capacity and your long-term goals.
ST 2110: The High-End Choice for Demanding Installations
ST 2110 provides broadcast-quality precision and uncompressed video performance. Its essence-based architecture separates video (ST 2110-20), audio (ST 2110-30), and ancillary data (ST 2110-40), maintaining absolute fidelity with no compression artifacts or added latency. However, its deployment requires specialized video boards and careful engineering.
Case Study: University of Bristol (UK)
Partner: Megahertz
- The installation uses Matrox boards integrated into an IT-based solution assembled by SI Media and its partner Megahertz.
- Two studios and six baseband recorders support full 4K UHD processing.
- A comprehensive ecosystem with remote archive management through YES!HSM.
- Virtual production and post-production editing is carried out using Adobe Premiere, which is fully integrated with YES!MAM via watch folders and NLE plug-ins.
Does NDI Offer the Flexibility Your Operation Needs?
NDI is a quick and cost-effective method of transporting video over networks, utilizing auto-discovery and minimal configuration. Owned by NewTek and not an open standard, its ecosystem is enriched by a suite of NDI Tools, including utilities for signal routing, monitoring, diagnostics, and virtual device management.
Case Study: CNN Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)
Partner: Megahertz
- Three studios operate in both NDI and SDI at 4K UHD, featuring a custom blinking countdown GUI.
- Nine encoders are used to record live signals, including one dedicated to audio only.
- YES!API Gateway, in conjunction with Densitron, shows the status of all YES!Studio Players and YES!Recorders via REST API.
- YES!Device Manager controls the SIENNA NDI Router, and YES!PAM manages a special virtual path archive for files coming from the Atlanta branch.
Is SRT the Secure Option for Your Remote and Contribution Feeds?
SRT is an open protocol designed for secure video transport across unpredictable networks. Among IP alternatives, it excels in long-distance contribution paths, ensuring robust, encrypted delivery even under challenging and variable bandwidth conditions. It is an ideal choice for most streaming applications.
Case Study: SABC (South Africa)
Partner: Aucom
- The on-premises site, deployed with Aucom’s expertise, communicates seamlessly with the cloud workflow via SRT. This supports five playout channels equipped with CG and SCTE insertion.
- Five low-resolution recording channels are dedicated to logging and auto-deletion workflows.
- TSoIP transport is used for secure contribution feeds, as well as for custom import/export exchanges.
- Integration with Hootsuite automates digital publishing across social media channels.
Is It Time to Replace SDI in Your Infrastructure?
SDI remains a solid and trustworthy standard, but it has limitations: restricted cable distances, higher expansion costs and limited flexibility when handling modern multi-platform distribution.
While equipment plays a major role in corporate expenses, management teams normally don’t take cables into consideration. However, they are often shocked by the cost of replacing these cables every 10 years or sooner due to rodent damage or cable twisting when new cables are laid, which creates a need for spare cables that are frequently damaged before they are used.
Preparing for the year ahead requires more than just evaluating hardware. Modernizing the infrastructure is not only a technical upgrade, but also a strategic step toward staying relevant in a competitive media landscape.
