IP-based KVM is benefiting broadcasters

IP-based KVM is benefiting broadcasters posted: 03/12/2016

by John Halksworth, senior product manager, Adder Technology

Broadcast is an industry that demands flexibility. Whether it's trying to stay one step ahead of consumer viewing behaviours or producing a fast-paced live sports broadcast, there's an ever-increasing need for an adaptable infrastructure, and IP is playing an increasingly important role in making this a reality.

By using Internet Protocol as standard infrastructure, broadcasters can remove the limitations of traditional AV equipment and bring real-time, accurate video operation to all areas of the workflow. Although the industry was initially slow to adopt IP, more and more organisations in the sector are realising the benefits, and the speed of adoption is getting faster by the day.

IP-based high performance KVM provides a powerful proof point in the IP based evolution and has been delivering increased operational, ROI and performance benefits across all sectors of broadcast.

The outside broadcast truck

OB trucks are notoriously uncomfortable, with directors, technical directors, editors, operators, producers and more all trying to do their own jobs while crammed together in a tiny space. It's an environment that relies upon instant video and USB switching capabilities, reliability, device support and ergonomics, and therefore is one that needs a reliable, resilient and flexible platform.

This is exactly the kind of environment where IP-based KVM thrives. It allows staff to easily manage and switch between the numerous video and audio streams that are coming into the truck from a single location, so during a live sports broadcast the producer can look at various different camera angles and replays from just one screen inside the OB truck. The IP infrastructure of the KVM means it is flexible enough to be easily and instantaneously reconfigured, can integrate seamlessly with other systems and provides the resilience required to keep broadcasting.

The gallery control room

Although larger than the OB truck, the gallery control room is another small, cramped environment to work in, and lots of the space is usually taken up by computers and workstations. However, the extension capabilities of IP-based KVM eliminate the need for the physical machines to be in the same room. Instead, they can be located in a central server room, which is both secure and temperature controlled for optimal performance and lifespan. This provides instantly improved levels of flexibility, scalability and comfort.

From a more technical standpoint, every gallery control room needs to be reliable. Editors and producers need to know that they can move seamlessly between different shots in order to create smooth montages and segments, and IP based KVM provides exactly that. At the touch of a button, the gallery can be reconfigured according to a client's or team's specific needs, so that even if the control room is unfamiliar, the system itself is instantly recognisable.

Just like in an outside broadcast environment, instant switching is a major technical requirement for any gallery control room, as is the ability for a system to be able to cope with multiple types of devices. A control room can be home to any number of touch screens and external devices, and the most reliable way of managing everything in one place is via an IP-based KVM system.

The post production suite

The post production suite is quite different from the OB truck or the control room, yet it's still essential that the suite is quiet and comfortable to work in. In the much the same way as the control room, an IP-based KVM can help by eliminating the need for any physical machines in the room itself and relocating them to a central server room, where they are safe, secure and able to run at their full potential. This is particularly ideal for film and broadcast clients who are looking to prevent any potential acts of piracy or intellectual theft.

KVM also allows for the creation of an edit suite according to the needs of a specific client, whether they're working on films, adverts, television shows or otherwise. These suites can then be easily configured or tweaked, which increases the uptime of each room for the client. For those bringing their own machines to the studio, they simply just take it to the server room and integrate it with the KVM solution, with minimal technical support. Once in the suite, the client simply sits down, presses a button and finds everything they need on-screen.

With such an array of advantages, it's no wonder that IP-based KVM systems are paving the way for a wider spread adoption of IP in broadcast. It makes lives easier for users and clients across the entire workflow, and ensures a much more flexible way of working for years to come.

LINK:	http://www.live-production.tv/news/products/ip-based-kvm-benefiting-br...
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