Industry leading Broadcast Services provider VT Communications is investing heavily in a radical new global content distribution system that will allow them to offer enhanced service levels and new multi-platform services to their customers.
The traditional infrastructure for audio distribution falls into two main categories: live audio via fixed circuits and time-shifted playout using hard media or files delivered, typically, via ftp over the internet. In both cases, the model is centralized, with media congregating at a central play out centre or control room, before being on-passed to a transmission facility. This model has existed for many years and, whilst producing good results if correctly implemented and resourced, does not avail itself of the benefits of convergent technology and is not easily scalable. The onset of digital media has been accommodated by integrating synchronous digital distribution paths, but the main advantages of IP and file-based systems have not been realised, until now...
The VT Communications Global Media Network (GMN) and Broadcast Centre (BC).
VT Communications has been providing class-leading distribution and transmission services from a traditional control room infrastructure since its formation in 1997. However, it is fast becoming apparent that there needs to be a fundamental shift in operational paradigm if these services are to be developed to encompass the multi-platform, multi-media requirements of today's broadcaster. Consequently, VT Communications has developed a new media distribution system, equally suited to stream or file-based media, which maximises the benefits of IP and specifically, state-of-the-art multicast techniques. By coupling this technology with distributed asset-management, network automation and custom developed content management; VT Communications is able to offer a complete, single-sourced, media-management, distribution and transmission/platform delivery service over multiple media platforms. Live or stream management is facilitated within our GMN allowing point-to-point and point-to-multi-point distribution within the network.
This new distributed model removes the traditional audio router, a single point of failure from the workflow, with all routing happening on a meshed, multiple-route infrastructure. The broadcaster benefits instantly by getting higher availability and flexibility when it comes to managing their distribution paths. This stream and file capability allows the broadcaster to chose the ideal platform to suit the programme, not the constraints of a distribution network.
‘We are very excited by the potential of our Global Media Network that will allow our customers to benefit from a simplified, cost-effective route provide global multi-platform broadcast services,’ said Bryan Coombes, General Manager, Broadcast, VT Communications.
The IP delivery infrastructure is core to VT Communications’ ability to re-purpose media: for example to reformat files to suit diverse platforms including Internet formats for pod casting, streaming, file-on-demand and mobile network delivery, or to capture and re-purpose live streams to provide like for like services for live broadcasts. Furthermore, by integrating VT Communications’ asset management capability, content delivery systems and the customer’s on-site server, the company is able to provide a complete, single sourced, end-to-end solution for every broadcast output requirement.
If you would like to find out more about the benefits of coming on board with VT Communications best-in-class content delivery solutions, contact vtcommunications@vtplc.com for further information and an in-depth look at what our Global Media Network can do for you.