Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

NAB 2019 Reflections: CenturyLink's Derek Anderson on Expanding Cloud-Based Media and Services

18/04/2019

NAB 2019 Reflections: CenturyLink's Derek Anderson on Expanding Cloud-Based Media and Services Vyvx Cloud Connect now includes Google Cloud; Streamroot is new partner By Jason Dachman, Chief Editor

Thursday, April 18, 2019 - 12:35 pm

Print This Story

Story Highlights

With the recently acquired Level 3 Communications fully integrated into the company portfolio, CenturyLink made a series of announcements at NAB 2019 expanding its cloud-based media and OTT services. The Vyvx suite of fiber-based broadcast services is integrated with Google Cloud Platform (GCP). In addition, a global agreement with Streamroot provides peer-to-peer networking solutions that can be used in combination with CenturyLink's content-delivery network (CDN); called CenturyLink CDN Mesh Delivery, the platform leverages a software-based mesh network to easily manage peak traffic loads. The company's portfolio of cloud connectivity and services also now includes IBM Cloud Object Storage platform.

At the show, SVG sat down with CenturyLink Principal Solutions Architect Derek Anderson to discuss the NAB announcements, the rising demand for 100-Gbps infrastructures, the impact of at-home production on the transmission sector, and the evolving role of CenturyLink's recently launched 53-ft. expando transmission trailer.

CenturyLink's Derek Anderson: What we're doing now is focusing on the underlying infrastructure. We are continuing to build up our fully owned fiber infrastructure into sports venues.

What are CenturyLink's big announcements here at NAB 2019?

First, we announced that we've expanded our Vyvx Cloud Connect offering, which we launched last year with AWS, to include Google Cloud. The [platform] connects our Vyvx video-infrastructure network directly with major cloud providers, now including Google Cloud. That could be a direct contribution feed from sports venues, managed 100% privately with GCP for processing, encoding, packaging, archiving, and anything else you might need. In another use case, as more master-control functions are moving into the cloud, you can also acquire content going out of GCP and then support the distribution to OTT providers on a full-time basis.

Second, on the CDN side, we've partnered with Streamroot to create peer-to-peer networking solutions that can be used in combination with our CDN. Essentially, the platform combines the CDN and a mesh network to intelligently manage the video content. We see that as being really key to enabling rapid scalability for big live events for over-the-top delivery.

Third is the addition of IBM Cloud Object Storage. We now have a massively scalable object-storage platform that connects directly into our CDN for large-scale content delivery and management.

What has the reaction been to the Vyvx Cloud Connect platform since you launched it last September at IBC?

I think we've seen an extremely high demand thus far because of the cloud economics of I want it now or I want it yesterday. I see that appetite and the timeline for building new cloud-based workflows only accelerating. That connects nicely back to our underlying control systems for real-time services, which Vyvx has always done. With that underlying infrastructure and connectivity in place and now AWS and GCP added to the equation, we can [blend] services, and we're leveraging the control systems we've had in place for a while.

I think there is a ton of experimentation in terms of what's possible in the cloud for new workflows. There are established workflows for getting compressed video to the cloud, encoding and pushing that out to our CDN. But, when you get into the more bleeding-edge virtualized production workflows and origination playout, I think there's still a lot of work yet to be done. But, from our standpoint as the on-ramp and off-ramp to put those environments in place, we're open for business.

Are you seeing the demand for 100-Gbps connectivity rising in the live-sports-transmission sector, and what are CenturyLink's plans when it comes to 100 gig?

Our first official foray into 100-Gbps architectures was for the U-21 UEFA Championships in Europe in 2017. We supported 100-Gbps backhaul for the Final from Poland to London for BT Sport: two diverse 100-gig infrastructures supporting uncompressed UHD backhaul. That was definitely positioned as a proof-of-concept technology trial, but it worked very well.

What we're doing now is focusing on the underlying infrastructure to support that. As we have been doing for a number of years, we are continuing to build up our fully owned fiber infrastructure into sports venues. About 75% of all pro U.S. sports venues are physically connected on our infrastructure. In terms of the economics, we see that as being the critical foundation for enabling ultra-high bandwidth architectures.

On our roadmap for this year, we're partnering with a few industry players to test out 100 Gbps. We're looking to [transmit] fully uncompressed native-IP [signals] out of the cameras and using that for [at-home] or distributed production workflows. Although we are not announcing any in terms of 100 Gbps, I think we will have some exciting news later on in the year.

What do you see as the primary drivers for the rising demand for 100 Gbps?

It's driven by [increased demand for] 4K. In the last one to two years, I think we've seen 4K [go] from very niche to nearly mainstream for big events, especially sports. We're past the point of asking, is this going to be another 3D? The demand for 4K is definitely on the uptick, so that is going to drive the need for increased capacity.

And then, obviously, the move to native-IP workflows and the [approval of the] SMPTE ST 2110 suite of standards will have a major impact. When you think about doing native uncompressed
LINK: https://www.sportsvideo.org/2019/04/18/nab-2019-reflections-centurylin...
See more stories from svg

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

04/08/2026

Dalet Announces Commercial Availability of Dalia, Bringing Media-Aware Agentic AI to Enterprise Productions

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

04/07/2026

Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in Dolby Cinemas Across Japan, Presented in Dolby Atmos and Dolby ...

April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...

01/06/2026

Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026

January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026 Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...

02/05/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Search, Faster Editing, and an AI-Ready Foundation for Modern Media

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

01/05/2026

NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to Integrate Dolby's Full Suite of Premium Picture and Sound Innovations

January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...

14/04/2026

ToolsOnAir and Omnistream Bring Mobile SRT Contribution into Professional 24/7 Playout and Live News Workflows

ToolsOnAir and Omnistream Bring Mobile SRT Contribution into Professional 24/7 P...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: Haivision Launches Falkon X4 5G Mobile Video Transmitter

Haivision has announced the Falkon X4, a 5G mobile video transmitter for live broadcast and remote production. The device will be showcased at NAB Show 2026. ...

14/04/2026

SVG New Sponsor Spotlight: Stripe TVs Matthew Pavey on Making Live-Production Tech More Portable, Intuitive, and Accessible

Founded by veterans of the production-truck world, Stripe TV was born out of a d...

14/04/2026

Studio Berlin Adds LDX 135 and LDX 180 Camera Systems from Grass Valley

Grass Valley has expanded its partnership with Studio Berlin, supplying 12 LDX 135 UHD/HDR camera systems and 12 LDX 180 Super 35mm cinematic cameras, including...

14/04/2026

LTN Appoints Mark Romano and Edward Cox to Vice President Roles

LTN has announced two senior appointments ahead of NAB Show 2026: Mark Romano as Vice President, Multichannel Platforms, and Edward Cox as Vice President, Sales...

14/04/2026

Agor and Sennheiser to Deploy Largest Spectera System to Date at Eurovision Song Contest 2026

Sennheiser and Italian rental company Agor have begun preparations for their Eu...

14/04/2026

DAZN and ADI Predictstreet Announce Prediction Market Partnership Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

DAZN and ADI Predictstreet have announced a partnership to integrate ADI Predict...

14/04/2026

Deltatre Completes Digital Platform for Serie A as Part of Four-Season Partnership

Deltatre has announced the completion of a direct-to-fan website and app for Leg...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: Daktronics to Exhibit with Grass Valley

Daktronics, will exhibit at NAB Show 2026 in partnership with Grass Valley at Booth C2408, Las Vegas Convention Center, April 19-22. Daktronics will showcase a...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: Backblaze to Host Partner Showcases

Backblaze will host a series of partner presentations at NAB Show 2026 (Booth N1259, North Hall), open to all exhibition hall badge holders. Showcase partners i...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: BRAHMA AI to Exhibit Enterprise AI Content Platform

BRAHMA AI will exhibit at NAB Show 2026 (Booth W2415, West Hall), demonstrating its Enterprise AI Content Platform for media, entertainment, sports, and technol...

14/04/2026

Bridge Technologies VB440 Integrated into NEP Platform

Bridge Technologies has announced that its VB440 production probe has been integrated into NEP Platform, NEP Group's software orchestration system. The inte...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: Clear-Com to Demonstrate Expanded Intercom Ecosystem

Clear-Com will introduce new products and demonstrate its communications ecosystem for broadcast and live production at NAB Show 2026 (Booth C5807, April 19-22)...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: EZDRM to Introduce Revenue Security Prism Framework

EZDRM will use NAB Show 2026 (Booth W2260) to introduce the Revenue Security Prism, a framework for combining multiple security technologies to protect streamin...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: Telos Alliance Product Preview

Telos Alliance will introduce the following products at NAB Show 2026: TV and Media Telos Infinity MK2 Panels: A new generation of hardware control panels for...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: Panasonic to Showcase IP and IT Production Solutions

Panasonic Video and Audio Systems North America will exhibit at NAB Show 2026 (Booth C3509), demonstrating IP- and IT-based production solutions for sports, bro...

14/04/2026

Behind the Mic: WNBA Adds Sue Bird, Sophie Cunningham to Networks Commentary Teams; John Buccigross Signed to ESPN Extension

Behind The Mic provides a roundup of recent news regarding on-air talent, includ...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: Blackmagic Design Announces Multiple New Products

Blackmagic Design will exhibit at NAB Show 2026 (Booth N2502). CEO Grant Petty s product announcement livestream is available at youtube.com. The company announ...

14/04/2026

Thomas Riedel Acquires ARRI, Adding Camera and Lighting Component to Riedel Group Portfolio

The deal establishes a close strategic alignment' between the iconic cinema...

14/04/2026

Taming the Untamed: Producing the 2026 Absa Cape EPIC Mountain-Bike Race

BIGSHOT Media, with support from Teradek, produced untamed African mountain-bike race' with daily coverage and highlights show The 2026 Absa Cape EPIC, an...

14/04/2026

SVG Announces Sports AI Innovation Lab to Advance the Use of AI in Live Production

The Sports Video Group (SVG) today announced the launch of the SVG AI Innovation...

14/04/2026

AIR Music Tech release Fabric Vintage Synths Vol.1

Captures a trio of renowned polysynths The latest software to join AIR Music Tech's extensive catalogue captures the sound of three sought-after polysyn...

14/04/2026

United Plugins introduce UnitedFreeBundle

Free offering includes 10 powerful plug-ins United Plugins have announced the launch of a new bundle that brings together 10 of their pro-audio plug-ins, an...

14/04/2026

Celemony update Tonalic

Julian Coryell joins virtual session player line-up Announced at NAMM 2026, Celemony's Tonalic kits DAW users out with real performances by world-class ...

14/04/2026

Supporting Safe Space Flights with WESCAM MX-Series Imaging Systems

WESCAM MX -Series EO/IR Systems Provide Critical Visibility During NASA Re-Entry Operations....

14/04/2026

L3Harris Demonstrates Autonomous Electronic Warfare Capability During US Army Experiment

DiSCO reduces uncertainty during the fog of war in modern threat environments an...

14/04/2026

GOES-19 One Year Later: Protecting Communities Through Advanced Technology

GOES-19 imagery captured by L3Harris-built Advanced Baseline Imager technology helps forecasters issue life-saving weather warnings. Credit: NOAA/NASA...

14/04/2026

Reimagining Earth Measurement for the AI Era: L3Harris and Xoople Develop a New Spacebourne Capability

For decades, understanding the physical world from space has required a trade-of...

14/04/2026

Nielsen Appoints Roberto Ruiz to Lead Measurement Science

Ruiz has helped fuel growth for both client-side and media companies, including, most recently, TelevisaUnivision. He will spearhead transformation, innovatio...

14/04/2026

LTN Appoints Mark Romano, Edward Cox to Leadership Positions

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/04/2026

Grass Valley Adds Telestream Vantage, Pulse and UP to AMPP

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/04/2026

XenData Announces Backup, Archive and Cloud-Connect for LucidLink

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/04/2026

Thomas Riedel Acquires ARRI

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/04/2026

Shotoku Introduces the World to Aura P2 PTZ Prompter Pann...

Shotoku Introduces the World to Aura P2 PTZ Prompter Panner at NAB 2026 New system removes PTZ pan restrictions for teleprompter-based productions Shotoku US...

14/04/2026

Telestream and Grass Valley Connect Live and File-Based W...

Integration of Vantage, Pulse, and Telestream UP with Grass Valley AMPP Ecosystem enables scalable, interoperable workflows spanning live production and file-ba...

14/04/2026

Dalet Appoints Brian Doheny as President and Chief Revenu...

Enterprise growth leader to scale Dalet's next phase of innovation and global expansion New York, NY April 14, 2026 Dalet, a leading technology and ser...

14/04/2026

Berklee Celebrates Prince's Legacy in Two-Night Signature Series Event

Berklee Celebrates Prince's Legacy in Two-Night Signature Series Event Directed by Tia Fuller, the Prince Project (April 16-17) brings together more than ...

14/04/2026

Arooj Aftab Is Anything but Predictable

Arooj Aftab Is Anything but Predictable The singular artist explores the juxtaposition of grief and joy, dark and light, in her distinctive sound. April 14, ...

14/04/2026

Appear Expands X Platform from Core to Edge at NAB Show 2...

Appear launches include XM estate management and new X Platform processing enhancements to add density for next-generation hybrid & IP workflows, X5 is also now...

14/04/2026

Synamedia turns OTT content into TikTok-style feeds with...

Addressing the needs of a new generation's viewing habits, Synamedia launches GO Shorts. The AI-powered module turns existing catalogues into TikTok-style ...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026 - Vubiquity and Eluvio Showcase Streaming Soluti...

Vubiquity, an Amdocs company and global leader in technology-led media services, will be showcasing a new end-to-end streaming solution in collaboration with El...

14/04/2026

LiveU Announces Expanded Collaboration with Sony at NAB S...

LiveU today announced a significant expansion of its collaboration with Sony Corporation, introducing integrated support for Sony's file-based workflow solu...

14/04/2026

BBC World Service TV selects Open Broadcast Systems for I...

Open Broadcast Systems (https://www.obe.tv/) has announced that BBC World Service has selected its decoders for IP Television distribution. The high-quality, lo...

14/04/2026

Blackmagic Design Announces DaVinci Resolve 21

Blackmagic Design Announces DaVinci Resolve 21 Brie Clayton April 14, 2026 0 Comments Major update adds new Photo page bringing Hollywood's most a...