BT Media & Broadcast launches Vena smart broadcast network

BT Media & Broadcast has unveiled Vena, a world-first, software-defined smart broadcast network that is said to simplify how media companies produce and distribute content.

Supporting live, streaming and data needs and with integrated APIs, Vena is compatible with existing systems and supply chains, as well as future platforms and technologies, enabling users to add automation, efficiency, end-to-end control and visibility across entire media ecosystems.

Vena is set to deliver benefits to a number of organisation types, including sports broadcasters, broadcast service providers and production companies. According to BT Media & Broadcast, it offers resilience and reliability to users, and proactively looks after high-definition broadcast video and high-volume data feeds through analysing the greatest levels of availability, re-routing where and when necessary to ensure content reaches its destination and faults are addressed quickly.

Vena also optimises workflows by providing real-time, single pane snapshots of network performance, with self-serve portals enabling instant configuration. The network’s operating system is cloud-based, meaning decentralised management and ensuring content can be produced in, and distributed to, all corners of the UK.

Faisal Mahomed, director of BT Media and Broadcast, said: “We’ve developed Vena to empower organisations to evolve in an industry that is changing rapidly. Customer expectations are increasing while their behaviour is shifting to more on-demand content, and broadcasters and media companies need to adapt for these new forms of media consumption.

“With our Vena launch, we’re able to provide a smart broadcast network compatible with current and future technologies. Delivering end-to-end, Vena provides greater ability and oversight giving organisations more control about how they produce content, reducing the time and resources needed to get great content to our screens. Vena will form the backbone of broadcast technology for generations to come.”