Price does matter: Slomo.TV on why IP is a cost effective solution for media production
By Igor Vitiorets, CTO at Slomo.TV.
The year 2024 was a period of significant changes, with major shifts towards democratisation and cost reduction in IP remote content production. Let’s delve into the details of how and why these transformations occurred.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting isolation had a profound impact on various sectors, including media production. It acted as a catalyst for major change. Remote production over IP has become increasingly popular because it offers more attractive logistical and economic parameters for media. As a result, we now have a much clearer understanding of where workflow improvements can be made and the impact on the quality and price of the end product.
One of the key findings from this shift towards IP remote production is that many of the strict requirements traditionally associated with classic broadcast production have proven unnecessary. This realisation has led even large TV companies to adopt technologies and techniques typically used in the world of streaming and small productions.
TV companies started using personal mobile phones for professional video production, and it turned out that the picture quality was quite satisfactory for the end consumer. It also turned out to be economically viable. Millions of mobile phones are being produced and the technical quality is quite good. However, there is one problem with using regular gadgets for professional video production purposes — video latency. When live streaming without delay is critical, a lag of 1-1.5 seconds can be detrimental.
The move to remote production over IP during the pandemic has shown that it can be a cost-effective solution without significantly compromising quality. While there are still challenges to overcome, such as minimising video latency, the trend towards IP remote production shows promising potential for the future of media production. In addition, this approach allows for significant reductions in equipment and staff costs, as well as the ability to produce high-quality content from remote locations.
Advantages of IP remote video production
Cost reduction: There’s no need to invest in new hardware, as most studios are already properly equipped. Staff do not need to travel, which minimises travel and accommodation expenses.
Efficiency: Fewer business trips are required, so more events can be covered with the same number of people. Equipment use becomes more efficient: it is connected to the network and works for longer periods of time. In addition, installation and disassembly of network AV equipment take less time.
Scalability: The LAN is infinitely scalable, so adding more hardware to your AV circuit becomes easier. Adding IP switches expands the settings, if necessary.
Security: Encryption, firewalls and authorisation methods ensure safety of AV networks controlled via software. The risk of hacking is lower compared to analogue systems.
Again, one of the key benefits of remote production over IP is the ability to use everyday equipment for sending footage to the production site. This eliminates the need for expensive OB vans, their crew and maintenance, allowing for a more efficient use of resources. However, one of the main concerns with this approach is still latency – the delay between the original signal and its delivery to the end user. Traditionally, expensive low-latency professional solutions have been used to ensure smooth delivery. Modern streaming over IPTV or SRT implies significantly more delay than traditional TV production.
Examples of using remote IP video production in real time
IP live broadcasting: Media companies are moving away from using large OB vans with broadcasting equipment. A small group of technicians is needed to install the necessary equipment at the venue, while the film crew can shoot the event from a remote studio. The remote group processes and transmits the final video to the broadcast network or online.
Remote monitoring and live streaming allow companies to broadcast multiple events simultaneously without being physically present.
Studios for real-time corporate video production: The demand for live video streaming in business is growing. Companies use it for internal and external communication. Instead of hiring film crews, corporate clients install permanent equipment in meeting and conference rooms and control the recording remotely. Thanks to this, CEOs can give television interviews right in their offices and conduct several of them in one day. This approach helps save time, money and effort.
Another important aspect of IP production is the use of H.264 (AVC) and H.265 (HEVC) video compression standards when working over the public internet. While this method of signal delivery may involve some delay, it offers significant cost savings. This approach has been adopted not only in television broadcasting, but also in other areas such as video assistant referee (VAR) systems in sport. By using low-cost equipment and delivering signals via IPTV, VAR systems can reduce the cost of accommodation, transportation, staffing and other related expenses.
Despite some initial doubts, it has been found that the delays are not significant enough to prevent successful broadcasts, especially in situations where they do not have a major impact on the final result. This has led to a considerable reduction in media production budgets, making it more affordable for a wider range of organisations. Progress in minimising latency and improving synchronisation is expected in the near future. Delays will continue to be minimised, and H.265 quality will improve with a smaller bandwidth. Synchronisation will also improve, allowing for more efficient collaboration between teams located in different places.
The adoption of IP technologies in large-scale productions marks a new era in media production. It offers a cost-effective solution that does not compromise on quality, making high-quality content accessible to a wider audience. In our opinion, as technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more advancements in remote IP broadcasting methods, further reducing costs and improving efficiency in media production.