Inputs/Outputs | Sponsored by Grass Valley, Autoscript, LiveU, Ross Video
In today’s 24/7 digital landscape, the challenge of delivering engaging content across multiple screens, platforms, and streaming services has never been more pressing. From traditional TV broadcasts to social media, newsrooms are evolving rapidly to meet these new demands.
Here are the technology trends enabling this evolution:
1. Rundown, Media Management, and Playout Solutions
A significant trend in rundown, news media management, and playout solutions is the shift toward cloud-native technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and microservices architectures. These advancements provide greater scalability and flexibility, essential for today’s dynamic broadcast environments.
Products like Grass Valley’s GV STRATUS Rundown integrate these technologies to enhance newsroom workflows. These systems are designed to handle complex operations such as publishing to web and social platforms, managing live event rundowns, and even pushing user-generated content directly to on-screen graphics—all from a centralized interface. Key features of GV STRATUS include:
- AMPP Native MOS Clip List Player: Integrates with AMPP players connected to Framelight X, enabling control via an NRCS rundown for newsroom and live event production.
- Multiple Rundowns: Supports multiple rundowns with features like previewing intros or outros, managing end clip behavior, and post-roll support.
- MOS Compatibility: Enhances functionality in fast turnaround production workflows for News and Sports.
- Cloud-Based Production: Framelight X, part of the AMPP suite, supports cloud-based production, allowing users to work remotely and distribute content globally.
- Third-Party Integration: Integrates with other hardware like Ross Video Inception.
Other companies, such as Ross Video and Avid, are also incorporating cloud and microservices to streamline multi-user collaboration and content management. Each product has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to determine which best suits your newsroom’s needs.
2. Camera Systems and Studio Robotics
The trend in camera systems and studio robotics is moving towards automation and AI-driven control systems. For instance, studio robotics like those from Ross Video‘s new Artimo are increasingly integrated into broadcast environments, providing precise control over camera movements.
Manufacturers like Telemetrics and MRMC are also innovating with AI-enhanced robotics that can track and adjust shots in real-time, reducing the need for manual intervention. The shift towards voice-activated AI in prompters is another notable trend. Autoscript Voice, for example, uses active listening to continuously monitor the production audio feed, automatically advancing the script as the words are spoken. This innovation eliminates the need for manual scroll control, providing a seamless experience for presenters.
3. Graphics and Virtual Sets
Graphics and virtual sets are rapidly advancing, with a trend toward real-time 3D graphics and augmented reality (AR). High-end graphics are becoming increasingly common in broadcasts for weather, elections, sports, markets, and breaking news coverage.
Unreal Engine has become a cornerstone for many broadcasters, allowing the creation of hyper-realistic virtual environments in combination with graphics servers by Zero Density or Brainstorm. These tools are becoming more user-friendly and accessible to smaller production teams, making high-quality graphics achievable for a wider range of broadcasters.
4. Remote Contribution
Remote contribution has become crucial in today’s newsroom workflows, with a trend towards better color, higher resolution, multi-cam, and 5G-enabled transmission. LiveU’s LU800 is a prime example:
- Multi-Cam Capability: Can handle up to four high-resolution cameras with fully frame-synced feeds.
- High Connectivity: Bonds up to 14 connections with up to eight 5G/4G internal dual SIM modems, supporting up to 60Mbps.
- High-Resolution Transmission: Supports 4Kp60 10-bit HDR transmission for optimal color depth and richness.
- Remote Control Features: Offers add-ons like remote PTZ operation via IP Pipe, Tally for Talent, video return feed, and intercom via Audio Connect.
These systems are designed to be flexible, supporting multiple high-resolution feeds from a single portable unit, making them ideal for dynamic news environments.
5. IP Infrastructure & SMPTE 2110
The adoption of SMPTE 2110 and IP-based infrastructure solutions has become more justifiable than ever. This transition offers flexibility in routing, processing, and multi-casting any signal, along with simpler and cheaper connectivity to next-generation virtualized solutions and signal formats. The compatibility of various manufacturers has significantly improved, reducing the costs and complexities of adoption.
Next Steps:
If you’re planning new investments or a technology transition at your organization, contact Key Code Media. Our experienced systems integration team is ready to guide you toward smarter technology investments.
