CCTV to deploy virtualised Aperi platform to enhance and futureproof remote production
China’s state television broadcaster, China Central Television – known around the world as CCTV – will implement the media virtualisation functionality of Aperi’s IP-based live media processing platform. The broadcaster, which outputs more than 50 channels of programming, will use the platform to deliver more than 120 bi-directional links of high bandwidth, low latency 4K, 3G-HD and SD media between its current and former headquarters in Beijing, some 15km apart.
As CCTV adapts to the changing nature of today’s media landscape, it must address new challenges of growing codec standards, increased bandwidth and channel counts as well as differing video formats and the movement of generic IP data traffic across networks. This new Aperi-based network will provide instant interchangeable SMPTE 2022 gateway functions, high quality J2K and H.264 compression and transparent channelling of IP traffic.
The implementation, which includes the SMPTE 2022-7 hitless protection mechanism, also enables CCTV to add future IP and video format demands instantly without needing to input additional cabling or hardware.
Aperi’s live media processing virtualisation platform is integrated with a floating license scheme which optimises the infrastructure for CCTV’s multi-tenant network usage and lets them deploy the network for any number of program or production scenarios. This means CCTV can simply load new software microservices or applications in a matter of seconds.
With the changing pace of the media industry, fast and efficient connections are the foundation of today’s live production infrastructures.
During the planning stages of the installation, CCTV undertook extensive testing of multiple transport solutions but opted for Aperi due to the advantages of speed and low latency that its technology enables.
“The needs of broadcasters like CCTV are changing; the ways we address them however, are becoming much more effective,” said Joop Janssen, Aperi’s ceo. “CCTV is leading the way in deploying this kind of high bandwidth network and will act as proof to other broadcasters all over the world that the move towards software-based live production and contribution networks isn’t a theoretical idea but the start of a different way of producing the best live programming.”
This CCTV network comes shortly after Aperi announced that it would be opening its first office outside of the US. The new Australian office in Melbourne has been set up so that Aperi can better service clients in Asia-Pacific following several new customer deployments across in the region.
Deployment of the network will follow the BIRTV show held 23-26 August in the China International Exhibition Centre at which Aperi will be present. It will also be presenting its latest technology advancements on stand 2.C27 at IBC 2017 in Amsterdam from 15-19 September.