2016: REBOOTING MINDSET ON IP
Many of the leading broadcast trade shows highlighted IP in 2016, including Inter BEE 2016. With Japan edging towards full-scale 8K
transmissions in 2020, in time for the Tokyo Olympic Games, it would appear that IP will have a key role to play in building broadcast
infrastructures.
IP continues to make
significant strides
With the continued emergence of technologies
such as 4K/Ultra HD, HDR and VR, 2016 has
proved to be an exciting year for the broadcast
industry. While these technologies continue
to generate much discussion, IP has somehow
overshadowed these as the key technology
development in 2016. And as a growing number
of proofs-of-concept and industry initiatives
continue to push IP into the broadcast domain,
SHAWN LIEW reflects on this profound gamechanger.
Despite the global uncertainty surrounding financial markets
arising from the fracture of the European Union and the
impending leadership transfer in the world’s biggest economy,
broadcast trade shows such as NAB Show and IBC will continue
to be assiduously attended.
The reason for the continued relevance of these shows to
key stakeholders in the broadcast industry is clear — trade shows
remain the most accurate barometers to gauge technology trends
and chart future roadmaps.
For example, let us take Inter BEE 2016 held in Japan last
month. While still lacking the international allure of NAB Show
and IBC, Inter BEE 2016 nevertheless provided a timely update of
where Japan stands in terms of technology advancements.
The Land of the Rising Sun, after all, is arguably not just a
benchmark for the rest of Asia-Pacific — Japan is also out-racing
many countries in the deployment of emerging technologies.
When APB visited Inter BEE in 2015, the discussion was
centred on 4K/Ultra HD (UHD), high dynamic range (HDR) and
8K transmission; IP, surprisingly, was conspicuous by its relative
absence.
Inter BEE 2016, however, saw an increase in exhibitors
highlighting their latest IP-based solutions, and conference
sessions were dedicated to examining how IP can be successfully
integrated into broadcast workflows. Perhaps more tellingly, Inter
BEE 2016 witnessed the debut of a Japanese subgroup of the
Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS).
Mike Cronk, chairman of the AIMS board, explained: “Japan
is home to key vendors and customers who contribute to the IP
transition effort, so naturally AIMS wants to be as effective as we
can in communicating with these important stakeholders.
“We have a strong message for a common set of IP
interoperability standards and specifications … The formation of
a Japan subgroup is one step towards ensuring that our message
reaches a global audience.”
Aiming for interoperability and open standards in IP
Formed in December 2015, AIMS is an independent trade
alliance advocating for open standards and interoperability in
broadcast IP. Speaking with APB earlier this year, Cronk reiterated
AIMS’ mission statement: Fostering the adoption of a common,
ubiquitous set of protocols for interoperability over IP, of which
SMPTE SD-2110 is likely to be the unifying standard moving
forward.
AIMS is also not just about a group of broadcast equipment
manufacturers banding together for a common goal; while only
about 10% of AIMS’ current membership comprises broadcasters,
Cronk invites broadcasters to come forward to be part of AIMS.
“The more people who support a common standard, the more
choices broadcasters have. This helps in pricing, in selection
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