Increasing Desire for Dynamic Media Operations Becoming More Prevalent

In the rapidly evolving world of media broadcasting, a significant shift is underway towards software-defined workflows using commodity-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware. This transition, however, is not without its challenges.

One of the key issues that broadcasters are facing is the underutilization of their media facilities. A European public service broadcaster, for instance, estimates its studio utilization to be less than ten percent, highlighting a worrying trend of inefficient use of resources. This observation is echoed across the industry, as broadcasters recognise that their media facilities are only in use for short periods of time.

These issues are considered significant barriers to the transition to software-based operations. However, the report titled "Media infrastructure utilisation matters" emphasizes the growing demand for dynamic media operations. The solution, it suggests, lies in the adoption of flexible, software-on-COTS solutions.

These solutions, the report indicates, allow media companies to rapidly reconfigure resources to meet changes in demand. This agility could negate the financial penalty of underutilization, a concern that some in the industry have been facing with regard to forecasting total cost of ownership.

Moreover, the report points out another issue that has been causing uncertainty in the industry - charging with pay-as-you-go software licensing models. However, shifting to flexible, software-on-COTS solutions could potentially alleviate this concern.

The adoption of these solutions could also lead to a reduction in wastage of resources like rackspace, electricity, and cooling. By minimizing costs and management efforts, leading providers of software-based media infrastructures, such as Cinegy, Grass Valley, and Avid, are gaining preference among broadcasters.

In conclusion, the transition to software-defined workflows using COTS hardware presents a promising solution to the issue of underutilization in media broadcasting. By embracing dynamic, flexible solutions, media companies can not only optimize their resources but also future-proof their operations to meet the growing demands of the digital age.