
By Simon Clarke, CTO, Telestream
The road ahead for most of the M&E industry points toward a hybrid reality. This shift from bespoke, isolated IT infrastructures to unified systems will combine the best aspects of cloud and on-premises technology.
Virtualization will play a central role in this future. By transforming hardware-driven processes into virtualized tasks that can be managed from anywhere, this new model drives efficiency without sacrificing operational control. Broadcast operations take a front-row seat in these developments, benefiting from AI tools to enhance workflows while maintaining the flexibility to deploy resources where and when they're needed most.
Telestream is joining forces with industry leaders like NVIDIA to promote this shift towards a data center-driven approach. Instead of maintaining separate on-prem and cloud-based systems, the goal is to treat everything whether local or remote like a unified, cloud-based data center. This enables organizations to streamline costs, boost efficiency, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive environment. The hybrid future is here and now is the moment to begin shaping it.
Future-proofing media data centers with a unified approach The separation between on-premise and cloud systems has long been a staple of IT infrastructure. Historically, organizations have chosen one or the other based on operational needs, security requirements, and cost considerations. But the signal is shifting. In fact, 60% of media and broadcast professionals believe that hybrid workflows, combining the best of on-premise and cloud technologies, represent the future of the industry.
Recent trends also indicate a growing interest in cloud repatriation, where workloads are moved from public clouds back to on-premise infrastructure. A recent Barclays CIO survey revealed that 83% of enterprise CIOs planned to repatriate some workloads in 2024, a significant increase from 43% in 2020.
In the M&E industry, today's distinct entities are converging into a unified model where on-premises systems adopt a cloud-like architecture, offering seamless integration between on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments.
Why on-prem infrastructure is becoming cloud-driven Current on-premises and cloud systems often operate as separate silos with distinct engineering and management approaches. On-prem infrastructures are typically tailored for specific operations, while cloud systems are designed for scalability and flexibility.
Broadcasters are transitioning from traditional Serial Digital Interface (SDI) infrastructures to embrace Internet Protocol (IP) workflows. This shift enables seamless integration of cloud-based applications with existing on-prem systems. The adoption of SMPTE ST 2110 standards accelerates this evolution, streamlining remote production and enhancing system interoperability. These advancements lay the groundwork for a more flexible and scalable media ecosystem, equipping broadcasters to meet the demands of an increasingly dynamic industry.
Thanks to efforts by organizations like the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), frameworks such as the Distributed Media Framework (DMF) are helping the M&E industry streamline interoperability and scalability across systems. These innovations, combined with cutting-edge solutions from providers like Telestream and NVIDIA, are making hybrid infrastructure not only feasible but essential.
Let's explore how unified hybrid workflows are shaping the future of media operations to overcome traditional challenges unique to the M&E landscape.
One size does not fit all Each M&E workflow situation is unique. The key is for each organization and department to find the right balance for leveraging cloud innovations where they provide the most value. Consider a broadcaster equipped with on-prem infrastructure for live studio production. Instead of building new facilities in remote regions, they could rely on cloud-based tools for regional studios while managing centralized operations on-prem. This hybrid approach ensures consistent quality, scalability, and reduced costs compared to investing in additional physical infrastructure. The following are some common considerations.
Live production vs. cloud-based editing: Live production depends on low-latency, on-prem systems for real-time switching, while post-production often favors the collaborative flexibility of cloud-based tools. Hybrid workflows bridge the gap, ensuring real-time synchronization between live and cloud-based operations.
Archive storage vs. cloud media libraries: On-prem legacy systems excel at long-term archival storage, while cloud libraries offer instant access and smart indexing. Hybrid models enable efficient transfers between these systems, ensuring cost-effective and compliant storage solutions.
Play-out servers vs. OTT platforms: Linear broadcasters use reliable on-prem playout servers for frame-accurate content delivery, whereas OTT providers use flexible, cloud-based platforms for dynamic ad insertion. Unified workflows bring these technologies together to optimize operations.
Render farms vs. cloud rendering: On-prem setups offer predictable rendering capabilities, while cloud rendering provides scalable solutions for peak demands. A hybrid infrastructure balances both, ensuring cost efficiency and adaptability.
Broadcast engineering vs. cloud IT operations: Traditional broadcast engineers manage SDI-based infrastructure and handle hardware-centric troubleshooting, while cloud media workflows fall under the expertise of IT and DevOps teams. These teams rely on skills like API management and orchestration tools, often exposing cultural and operational divides between these domains. Bridging this gap requires careful workflow design to harmonize expertise across domains.
By recognizing these functional discrepa
More from TV-Bay
09/07/2025
MetaBroadcast, the UK's leading metadata management specialist, announced today that it was awarded a three-year contract from TAM Ireland (Television Audie...
09/07/2025
More than 700 professional devices and applications already integrated through open software
Bitfocus, the specialist in media control and monitoring, is show...
09/07/2025
Actus Digital, a LiveU company, will demonstrate how broadcasters can transform compliance monitoring from a necessary expense into a strategic revenue driver a...
09/07/2025
The broadcast industry stands at a pivotal moment. As viewing habits evolve and production demands intensify, LiveU is helping customers navigate these challeng...
09/07/2025
Daniel S. McCoy, a Production Sound Mixer and Sound Consultant for cinema, commercial and live events, has utilized DPA Microphones for over 25 years. In the ea...
09/07/2025
- A Celebration of Optical Excellence Uniting the Lens World's Leading Optical Minds -
CVP, one of Europe's leading resellers and providers of profe...
08/07/2025
Broadpeak, a leader in streaming and monetization at scale, announces that major French media group RMC BFM has selected Broadpeak's server-side ad insertio...
08/07/2025
MBS, a leading service integrator and managed gateway operator, has announced an agreement with SES to acquire a part of its media services in Germany and the U...
07/07/2025
Riedel Communications today announced the launch of RefSuite, a powerful new Managed Technology solution tailored to professional sports workflows. RefSuite com...
07/07/2025
Regional base will foster client engagement, partner collaboration, and executive touchpoints
Skandha Media Services, a leading provider of cloud-native media ...
07/07/2025
Advanced Systems Group, LLC (ASG), a technology and services provider for media creatives and content owners, announced its Against All Odds - ASG Builds Cutti...
07/07/2025
Agreement secured on the strength of Skandha's proven track record in delivering reliable managed services across the full content life cycle for existing h...
03/07/2025
Acclaimed filmmaker, educator, and industry veteran Jay Holben has released his most ambitious work to date: The Director's Guide to Everything a sweeping...
03/07/2025
For Los Angeles-based photographer Scout Pruski, documenting the annual Dyke Day LA is a way to honor and give back to the city's legacy queer community and...
03/07/2025
Modular, Travel-Ready Solution Matthews Studio Equipment launches the new Chimera V-Flat Panel Frame Kit, the lightweight and modular, ultra-durable alternativ...
03/07/2025
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the release of Dalet Flex 2025.6 LTS (long-term support), introdu...
03/07/2025
Lightware's LARA Wizard makes it quicker and easier than ever to set up audio-visual (AV) room automation and control configurations, ensuring anyone, from ...
03/07/2025
Alfalite, the only European manufacturer of LED screens, has obtained both the NCAGE Code (NATO Commercial and Government Entity) and TAA (Trade Agreements Act)...
03/07/2025
nxtedition is implementing a new solution for WIN Network, based in its headquarters in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. The nxtedition integrated platfo...
03/07/2025
ORS Group and Insys Video Technologies today announce the launch of a new joint brand identity: Big Blue Marble. The move reflects the evolution of a long-stand...
03/07/2025
Evergent, a global leader in customer lifecycle management and monetization solutions for subscription-based businesses, today announced the successful results ...
03/07/2025
LYNX Technik, provider of modular signal processing solutions today announces an executive leadership transition, effective July 1, 2025. Markus Motzko has been...
01/07/2025
Compact new converter lets users capture live NDI and streaming sources into software over a USB interface
Video interface and IP workflow innovator Magewell ...
01/07/2025
Disguise, the award-winning tech company driving visuals for Broadway and West End hits including Redwood, Stranger Things: The First Shadow and Disney's Fr...
28/06/2025
LAKE FOREST, Calif. June 19, 2025
What's New:
Sonnet Technologies today announced the certification of its Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock as an Engin...
28/06/2025
MASV (massive.io), the fastest and most reliable large file transfer platform for media professionals, has been named an IDC Innovator in the IDC Innovators: Me...
28/06/2025
Grass Valley today announced that TV SKYLINE GmbH, one of Europe's top mobile production providers, has expanded its camera inventory with 30 LDX 135 UHD/HD...
28/06/2025
AgileTV, a European leader in TV and video technology solutions, signed an agreement with Austrian telco LIWEST to develop and implement its TV service in Austr...
27/06/2025
TAG Video Systems, the leader in software-based IP media probing, monitoring, visualization, and analytics, has announced a new collaboration with Gencom Techno...
27/06/2025
Pixel Power (A Rohde & Schwarz Company) has recently been working with France T l visions, the French national public TV broadcaster, on a number of projects fo...
27/06/2025
DPA Microphones' U.S. team, a partner of Wisycom SRL, is hosting a free webinar focused on Wisycom's innovative RF distribution technology for wireless ...
27/06/2025
Avid today announced the release and immediate availability of its fully integrated, industry-leading news platform, uniting MediaCentral and Wolftech News in...
27/06/2025
PlayBox Neo is only half way through the year and has already experienced sustained demand for the company's wide range of smart media solutions, reporting ...
25/06/2025
KRK introduces the Kreate Series Studio Monitors, the newest addition to the brand's wide range of audio offerings. The Kreate monitors bring extraordinary ...
25/06/2025
Collaboration with space-branded real estate specialist brings next level offshoring agility to broadcasters, OTT platforms, media tech and software companies ...
25/06/2025
NUGEN Audio will host Can You Hear Me Clearly, an online panel discussion on speech intelligibility and why it matters, on Tuesday, July 8 at 2 p.m. EDT (7 p....
25/06/2025
Utelogy Corporation, a global leader in connected workspace management, monitoring, and analytics, is excited to bring Legrand | AV into its Utelligence Allianc...
24/06/2025
The Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT), one of the leading professional theatre companies in Asia, recently deployed Clear-Com 's Arcadia Central Station, r...
24/06/2025
Brightline Lighting introduces an all-in-one, low voltage control system for variable white lighting over a single DMX cable. Designed to provide seamless compa...
24/06/2025
Who Is Troveo? Troveo is a video licensing platform helping creators monetize unused footage through AI licensing: Content owners such as creators, filmmakers, ...
24/06/2025
Applications Now Open for Groundbreaking UK Leadership Initiative Closes 31 July
Rise AV, the advocacy group championing gender diversity and professional de...
24/06/2025
Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Sarawak, the central regional division of Malaysia s state broadcast network, has chosen DHD audio mixing consoles and digital s...
24/06/2025
Friend MTS, the number one anti-piracy provider in media, sports, and entertainment, today announced it is partnering with MNC Media & Entertainment, Southeast ...
24/06/2025
Wooden Camera, a leading innovator in camera accessories, is proud to announce the launch of Elite Handheld Accessories that includes new innovative designs for...
24/06/2025
Experience Commerce, a leading full-service digital agency and part of the Cheil SWA group, has won big at the Afaqs! Marketer's Excellence Awards 2025. The...
24/06/2025
LiveU has announced the successful completion of the European FIDAL/B5VideoNet (B5GVN) project. The project demonstrated pioneering advancements in remote video...
20/06/2025
Pixellot, the world's largest streamer of sports video - transforming three million annual hours of gameplay into personal stories of individual success - t...
20/06/2025
Rise, the award-winning advocacy group for gender diversity in the broadcast and media technology sector, is pleased to announce the global cohort for 2025. The...
20/06/2025
ZOE Broadcasting Network, Inc. (ZBNI/ZOE TV), a valued customer of PlayBox Neo for over a decade, has further solidified its position among global television ne...
19/06/2025
Avid today announced an extended agreement with Amazon MGM Studios to integrate Avid's industry-leading creative tools, Media Composer and Avid NEXIS , on...