Rather than increase server business cloud-based playout is going to redefine what a server is.
New York While standalone video servers will continue to find a home in broadcast and content distribution facilities for some time, theres no denying that the advent of remotely-located data centers that handle much of the same playout functions is slowly eating into sales.
Thats not good news for companies like Avid, Evertz, Grass Valley, Imagine Communications, Snell, Playbox Technologies and others, and a sign of the times for companies like Cisco, Ericsson and Harmonic, which incorporate off-the-shelf servers from companies like IBM and HP as part of an overarching IP-based distribution platform.
Over time, we expect a general decline of appliance-based video servers, as software-based products become more potent, and also as IP transport moves towards Software Defined Networking, said Joachim Bergman, Head of Operations and Global Solutions, Ericsson Broadcast Services. This means that the function/application of a traditional video server, manufactured by Grass Valley, Harmonic, Imagine Communications etc. will become open and can be moved into normal virtualized IT based hardware platforms, run on commercial off-the-shelf products (COTS) or even in the public cloud.
Ericsson Next Generation Playout (made up of partner and Ericsson solution components and sold as a service with an SLA) offers broadcasters managed or hosted playout services that can be delivered worldwide. It gives broadcasters access to major data centers across the world, with signal distribution through hundreds of co-located carriers, distributors and connectivity providers. This connectivity network, coupled with a software-defined workflow, helps broadcasters to overcome the geographic dependencies that have previously limited playout. It supports a typical virtualized software environment and can eventually be optimized to run off a cloud-based infrastructure using Open Stack.
Avids AirSpeed 5000 is a dedicated server platform and a core component of the Avid MediaCentral Platform.
Avids AirSpeed 5000 is a dedicated server platform and a core component of the Avid MediaCentral Platform. It can be deployed as a standalone video server or tightly integrated with Avid ISIS storage and Interplay Production media asset management that, in turn, can be deployed as a cloud solution. Thus far Avid has not seen a decrease in its server business, although its standalone servers are not optimized for virtualization in a data center.
There are market indicators that the video server business is on the increase, said Kevin Usher, Director of Broadcast & Media Product Marketing at Avid. He cited a recent Frost & Sullivan report that indicates that video servers as part of a Production Asset Management (PAM) solution bring big benefits to broadcasters and content creators.
The Avid AirSpeed 5000 family of video servers (there are three core models and several software options such as DNxHD and Low Res proxy) supports four channels (configurable inputs and outputs).
Embracing virtualization, Grass Valley offers its Stratus Playout with a Densit SSP-3801 solid-state playout module. Stratus Playout is a cloud-enabled Software as a Service (SaaS) playout technology that uses Microsofts Azure platform as a service, hosted in Microsoft Data Centers.
Sam Peterson, Product Marketing Manager, Grass Valley, said that, in terms of performance, resilience and scalability, these centers are vastly superior to anything that can be reasonably built within a broadcast facility. All GV Stratus Playout metadata is stored three times in each data center and then replicated in real-time between data centers, for redundancy.
The Grass Valley Stratus Playout is a cloud-enabled Software as a Service playout technology that uses Microsofts Azure.
Customers want the advantages of virtualization without losing control of their content, said Peterson. The SSP-3801 solid-state playout module for the Densit modular platform enables broadcasters to leverage the flexibility of the cloud. The card is easily installed at the edge of any network and provides frame accurate playback, displays still and animated logos and high quality pre-rendered graphics pulling content from the customers data cache, whether that is a local NAS or SAN, or a cloud-based storage architecture.
Imagine Communications markets its Versio integrated playout server, either standalone or as a cloud-based solution. Going beyond basic server, graphic branding and automated playout features, Versio offers graphics, DVE and mix effects, combined with Imagine Communications automation and server technology. The result is a high-quality image with media flexibility and the power of control systems that tie into the entire playout workflow, from content creation to archive.
Meeting customers business goals for their cloud and virtualization initiatives requires a solution that goes beyond simply running playout servers in the cloud, said Stephen Smith, PLM Workflow, Asset Management & Integrated Playout Solutions for Imagine Communications. Our customers are looking for a pathway that enables them to realize the full benefits of cloud-based playout.
The optimal solution is a unified software and IP-based platform designed specifically for the cloud and virtualized environments, Smith adds. It must also integrate seamlessly with customers on-premises playout systems in hybrid architectures to enable customers to continue to leverage their existing investments while moving to the Cloud at their preferred pace to match their changing business needs.
Imagine Communications markets its Versio integrated playout server, either standalone or as a cloud-based solution.
PlayBox Technology offers its AirBox, which will include a version suitable for virtualizatio
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
04/07/2026
April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...
04/06/2026
Sony Electronics is introducing the SRG-AS10, a 4K 60p-compatible PTZ auto-frami...
04/06/2026
This recent grad from Spring, TX, led creative-video output for the Aggies' men's basketball team last season and has been producing video and creating ...
04/06/2026
For the first time at a women's golf major, every player in the field will r...
04/06/2026
Three Panasonic PT-RQ45 40,000-lumen 3-Chip DLP projectors made their first live...
04/06/2026
Bitmovin and Akamai have announced a collaboration with NRJ Group, a French mult...
04/06/2026
Telestream will exhibit at InfoComm 2026 (Booth N7952), demonstrating media work...
04/06/2026
Sony has announced the development of RIALTO 65, a 65mm format image sensor block for the VENICE 2 digital cinema camera, targeting release in the first half of...
04/06/2026
KOKUSAI DENKI Electric America will exhibit at InfoComm 2026 (Booth N8025, June ...
04/06/2026
Bell Media's TSN and RDS are the exclusive Canadian broadcasters of FIFA Wor...
04/06/2026
The Challenge: Receiving Heavy Media Files From Road Games Quickly and ReliablyT...
04/06/2026
MASV, a managed file transfer platform used in broadcast and live sports product...
04/06/2026
NESN has announced the appointment of Fahad Haider as Vice President of Operations and Engineering. Haider returns to NESN, where he previously served as Vice P...
04/06/2026
David J. Halberstam, who spent almost 50 years in sports as a broadcaster and an executive, died June 2 after a years-long battle with brain cancer.
Over his l...
04/06/2026
Although collegiate production programs are tasked with delivering high-quality ...
04/06/2026
California studio, two production trucks, global distribution system are combine...
04/06/2026
New global program empowers and supports storytellers through scriptwriting course and access to industry experts
TikTok and Sundance Institute today announce...
04/06/2026
Steinberg DAWs now boast in-depth Tonalic integration
Celemony's innovative virtual session musician plug-in has just received an update that brings ARA...
04/06/2026
Get Hands-On With Over 20 Mic Brands
GearExpo UK is fast approaching, and if you've been looking for a chance to check out some new mics, then you'r...
04/06/2026
Combos feature new Amplifier Intelligence engine
Positive Grid's latest release sees the company introduce two new combo amplifiers that promise to offe...
04/06/2026
Is Your Job Making You Work this June?
4 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS Launches the World Cup Watchers' Rights Association to Stand Up For Australians&...
04/06/2026
Statement regarding unauthorised use of SBS logos on third party social content
4 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS has become aware of social media posts in c...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
Bitmovin, a leading provider of video streaming infrastructure, and Akamai, the cybersecurity and cloud computing company that powers and protects business onli...
04/06/2026
American Underground (AU), the Startup Hub of the South and a community of mor...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/06/2026
NVIDIA and Microsoft Reinvent Windows PCs for the Age of Personal AI
Brie Clayton June 3, 2026
0 Comments
RTX Spark - a 1-Petaflop Superchip, the Full...
04/06/2026
Inside the Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man Grade
Brie Clayton June 3, 2026
0 Comments
Simone Grattarola discusses shaping the look in DaVinci Resolve...
04/06/2026
Cine Gear Expo Announces 2026 Awards of Excellence Recipients
Brie Clayton June 3, 2026
0 Comments
Ed Lachman ASC, Caleb Deschanel ASC, and M. David M...
04/06/2026
St. Vincents Live with Orchestra Tour to Feature Berklee Alum Ruby Plume Berklee alumni St. Vincent and Ruby Plume will appear on the same bill across seven d...
04/06/2026
Back to All News
All the Truth in My Lies Coming to Netflix on August 28
Entertainment
04 June 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
Download the imag...
04/06/2026
Back to All News
Larry Tanz, VP of Content, EMEA, Delivers a Keynote Speech at ...
04/06/2026
Back to All News
Turn Your Living Room into a Stadium With the New FIFA World ...
04/06/2026
Keeping conversations real on LinkedIn Published on Jun 4, 2026 Categories: Product News
LinkedIn Corporate Communications
Share
LinkedIn
Facebook ...
04/06/2026
BackStory follows four Irish young people as they travel back to their parents' homelands
Modern Irish identity is enriched by cultures and influences from...
04/06/2026
June's forecast with GeForce NOW: 100% chance of gaming.
GeForce NOW is lining up new adventures for the month, from big-name blockbusters to quirky indies...
03/06/2026
SES and Viva, Mexico's ultra low-cost airline, have launched multi-orbit satellite inflight connectivity on Viva's Airbus aircraft. A total of 60 A320s ...
03/06/2026
The College Football Playoff, ESPN, and TNT Sports have announced kick times and...
03/06/2026
RED Digital Cinema will exhibit at Cine Gear Expo 2026 (Booth 33, June 5-6, Universal Studios Lot), hosting three panels and hands-on product demonstrations.
P...
03/06/2026
Roku has announced the Soccer Zone, a dedicated hub for FIFA World Cup 2026 content available across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Argent...
Rather than increase server business cloud-based playout is going to redefine what a server is. 
