Cloud-based services

The ability to run master control for multiple stations is the latest operation to begin the move to an IT-based solution. Companies including Florical Systems, Harris Broadcast and Snell are developing products that put everything needed to run stations in the cloud, rather than in a local master control room.

Most of the satellite-delivered news sharing services are migrating their distribution from satellites to cloud-based systems.The main reasons are faster upload and download times, no hassles over booking satellite time and the cost savings that come from no longer needing dishes and servers. The exception is NBC News Channel, which still has concerns about the cloud’s reliability.

As reliability and security issues are improving, more broadcasters are seriously looking at the value of cloud-based services. The uses range from writing, editing and sharing stories in the field, to quickly creating graphics, as well as managing and editing online video. A recent study of video producers finds that only 23% are using a cloud infrastructure today, but that more than 75% are considering deploying it.

Vendor consolidation was one of the most discussed topics at the annual Amsterdam tech conference, although no new deals were announced there. Other hot topics: new products and services based on cloud technology, multi-platform content delivery; social media services; Sony/SES Astra’s 4K demo; and channel-in-a-box.

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Joe Zaller is just back from Amsterdam’s annual IBC tech extravaganza. He reports that in addition to boasting record attendance, the conference showcased a number of potential television game-changers. Among them: cloud-based or service-oriented architecture (SOA) applications for capturing, producing, processing and distributing video and audio as digital files; IT-based playout — more commonly called channel in a box — which offers the promise of dramatically reducing the cost of broadcast playout; and the latest developments in 3D, expected to be very much center stage next year at the London Olympics.

Cloud-based services for broadcasters include graphics, asset management, email for user-generated video, back-office functions and warehousing of documents and video. The list of services and vendors grows almost daily. Although some broadcasters, attracted mostly by the cost savings and improved efficiency, have embraced the services, others still harbor a basic mistrust of them, principally because they rely on the public Internet that lies beyond their control.