Broadcast Channel Origination as a Service: from Concept to Operational Implementation

Historically, broadcasters have used on-premises channel origination systems requiring periodic replacement, capital expense planning, and asset depreciation. With a shortening replacement cycle caused by rapid technology advances, coupled with difficulty in accurately forecasting future storage, processing, and networking requirements, the traditional channel origination approach has become unacceptable. As stations evaluate options for upgrading, replacing, and re-thinking their infrastructure supporting broadcast, production, and digital operations they are faced with options ranging from simple replacement to implementation of advanced service-based approaches. — From a technical perspective, Channel Origination as a Service leverages a virtualized architecture for all channel functions, each of which is implemented in the cloud. This approach can reliably support frame-accurate and seamless switching between file-based, linear, and live content. Managed security can be provided across all platforms and network infrastructure and can be implemented in world-class datacenters and networks. The full service can be backed up via occasional use satellite to protect for outage scenarios. — From a business perspective, Channel Origination as a Service requires no CapEx investment or recurring technical refresh investments, yielding lower recurring operating cost per channel. Local station or network control of traffic, master control, and operations are still possible on-premises and using traditional staffing configurations and workflows. Alternatively, these functions may be outsourced to a shared-services provider or another third party. It can be implemented with short-term service agreements, providing increased flexibility for future business changes, e.g., the implementation of ATSC 3.0 and UHD distribution.

Published

2018-10

Content type

Original Research

Keywords

Broadcast channel origination, cloud-based broadcast services, cloud playout, automation and playout, cloud computing for broadcast, archive storage, near-line storage, media asset management, linear video playout

DOI

10.5594/M001856

ISBN

978-1-61482-960-7