At this year’s NAB Show in Las Vegas, the IABM BaM Award for “Best Project, collaboration, event or other innovation” was presented to an ambitious project led by broadcaster The BBC and Scottish software-defined radio company Neutral Wireless. The project deployed the “world’s largest pop-up multi-cell private 5G network” outside Buckingham Palace and along The Mall to Admiralty Arch to support international live media contributions during the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
MediaKind – Is the cloud a no-brainer for broadcasters today? It’s not as simple as that…
Broadcasters and telecommunications companies are facing a seismic shift. The traditional powerhouses of Pay-TV services and over-the-air broadcast television are witnessing a change in viewing as consumers increasingly gravitate towards subscription and ad-supported streaming video. This progressively changes the balance of the importance between traditional and streaming services, even from the same provider. The shift demands a re-evaluation of media supply chains and infrastructures, leading many broadcasters to contemplate a move to the cloud.
MainConcept – Can ad-funded services reinstate the golden age of streaming?
In the early days of streaming, subscription costs were low, and viewers were spoilt for choice by series after endless series of top-quality content – think House of Cards, Orange is the New Black and Stranger Things to name just a few. It was this promise of low costs and a seemingly never-ending stream of top-quality content that helped to entice consumers away from cable TV. The steady growth in subscriber numbers allowed for an unprecedented number of new shows to be ordered, which in turn helped to bolster growth. Many dubbed this the era of Peak TV. Streaming services reached record breaking subscriber numbers in 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Netflix reportedly added an extraordinary 36 million subscribers in that period which led it to pass the 200 million mark for the first time.
Edgio – Driving media experimentation with flexible streaming technology
The media and entertainment landscape is changing rapidly, driven by increased fragmentation and growing competition. On top of constant pressure to report positive revenue growth with limited staffing and resources amid macro-economic challenges, streaming services need to be more flexible than ever to drive business success. Today, experimenting with multiple cost points, service tiers, and viewing models like SVOD, AVOD, and FAST is paramount to attracting and growing the widest audience possible.
Josh Arensberg elected new Chair of the IABM Members’ Board
Josh Arensberg was elected Chair of the IABM Members’ Board in July this year. We asked him to share his vision for where he sees IABM – and our industry – heading.
Norsk – Build vs. buy: the best of both worlds
Build vs. buy might not be the oldest dilemma in the streaming technology book, but it’s close. And when it comes to complex live streaming, the horns of that dilemma are particularly pointed.
The streaming technology market is typified by off-the-shelf, line-of-business applications that do a few things very well, but are extremely difficult or impossible to extend if they don’t do exactly what you want. That lack of customization can be a dealbreaker.
On the other hand, for a broadcaster (or large enterprise, or betting company, or …) to build its own streaming platform from scratch requires a daunting investment of time and resources—resources that would be much better spent on their core business proposition.
So let’s dig a little deeper into both buying and building, as well as look at a middle path that offers media companies the best of both worlds.
DOTSCREEN – Unlocking diversity and efficiency: the benefits of multiple 3rd-party vendors for end-to-end OTT streaming services
In the ever-evolving landscape of media consumption, Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming services have emerged as the new frontier, captivating audiences with a diverse array of content. As the demand for high-quality streaming experiences intensifies, businesses face the crucial decision of either adopting an all-inclusive solution from a single vendor or embracing the intricacies of integrating multiple third-party vendors. While the allure of a “one-stop-shop” solution may seem appealing, a comprehensive evaluation reveals that a multi-vendor approach for developing end-to-end OTT streaming services offers distinct advantages that pave the way for innovation, flexibility, and enhanced user experiences.
Beam Dynamics – Intelligent technology lifecycle management
If you run any but the smallest media business you have hundreds, and probably thousands, of pieces of technical equipment from multiple approved vendors. Not just cameras or servers, but radio microphone transmitters, portable monitors, lipsync testers and lighting stands. The number of individual items quickly spirals.
Combining Media Evolution and Revolution – Codemill
Media and entertainment is a well-established industry, with a heritage to be proud of. But maintaining a pivotal role in the consumer landscape for several decades comes with a unique set of challenges. As media and broadcast has evolved from a handful of linear channels through to a multi-platform ecosystem, more content needs to be reformatted and repurposed to reach an increasingly fragmented audience.
To IP or not to IP? That can’t be your only question – Three Media
It is worth stating, at the very beginning, that there is nothing inherently exciting, engaging or sexy about the cloud. Or about IP media connectivity. They are, in the very best sense of the term, enabling technologies.
What they enable is a massive cultural shift in the media industry. This is the opportunity for a completely fresh look at how we do business, how we satisfy our viewers and subscribers, and how we make money.