Broadcast News

Bookmark and Share
16/10/2017

dB Broadcast – The View From IBC2017

News Image
The announcement at IBC by SMPTE that the IP standards ST-2110 parts 10, 20 and 30 are now formally approved is good news, says dB Broadcast.

For some time, dB has been working to select and implement broadcast solutions based on IP and open technology, and actively works with vendors and standards bodies alike to develop and steer vendor developments to be aligned with open standards. There is still a little way to go on approval of ST-2110-40 and -21 standards, but these are expected to be concluded within the near future.

At IBC, the major manufacturers were demonstrating their current understanding of the ST-2110 specification in equipment. There is likely to be some refining and hardening of implementation post IBC now that standards are ratified, and before production versions are available, but this is unlikely to have a negative impact on projects starting in the next few months. However, carriage of essence via IP streams is not the end of the story – network discovery and registration, connection management and (in-band) network control are all crucial to enable safe and secure operation. To that end, it was encouraging to see a significant increase in the list of participating manufacturers within the IP Showcase at IBC. Video, audio and control system vendors were working in close co-operation to demonstrate commitment to IS-04, IS-05 and beyond. The increase in the number of suppliers and wider technology base shows how much the industry has moved on in the space of 12 months.

dB Broadcast is currently delivering one of the largest IP projects in Europe, and is at the forefront of the industry transition to the use of IP in live, uncompressed video and audio systems. Several other large systems have already been delivered, based on current or precursor standards such as ASPEN, Dante and SMPTE 2022-6. dB Broadcast has a Director-level commitment to deliver customer projects and staff development around IP platforms.

dB recognises the importance of industry bodies and sees them as pivotal in the realisation of IP as a practical platform. The company is committed to developing and training staff, and to date the whole of dB's engineering team have completed one or more of the IABM Broadcast Networking training courses. dB Broadcast has a very close relationship with the IABM: its Engineering Director and senior engineers worked with the IABM to develop the syllabus that forms the Advanced Networks for Broadcast Engineers course, and participated in its first delivery.

dB Broadcast adopts a proactive approach to working with vendors in product development, to ensure that their products are fit for purpose in IP systems, and that interoperability is proven. From previous experience of taking responsibility for the integration of IP products, the use of a dB 'test lab' has proved invaluable in the development and ratification of proposed solutions using the selected equipment. This also allows pre-production testing of software/firmware releases to assess their interaction with the overall solution.

At IBC 2017, dB Broadcast was presenting its After Sales Support capabilities that provide technical support and project enhancements for the lifetime of a system. dB offers standard SLAs and customised support packages to meet customers' specific needs, and to maintain the smooth running of their system. These include support services that may be needed during training, go-live and on an ongoing basis. In essence, the customer chooses the level of support applicable to their needs and budget. dB Broadcast uses JIRA to centrally log and manage all customer support requirements. All communication methods by email, phone call or via the online portal, result in a new request being opened. Everything is captured and tracked in one system. Automated workflows, triggers and dashboards are utilised to drive performance and to ensure that SLAs are met.

The IP transition is creating demand for dB Broadcast's consultancy services as clients strive to understand this changing environment and how best to leverage the benefits. Broadcasters require advice that is independent of particular hardware and software providers, and insight into vendor roadmaps for the latest solutions. Many now engage in 'Proof of Concept' testing before determining their technology strategies. An understanding of media workflows and the design of efficient migration strategies adds further value for clients.

Recent examples of dB Broadcast's consultancy services include a multi-site HD technology refresh, DPP-compliant file delivery workflows and 4K/UHD production/playout. dB has recently been engaged as consultants for the re-location of a major international broadcaster, and for a green-field media facility based upon emerging IP standards.

Image: dB Broadcast at IBC2017.

Article by Tom Swan, Sales & Marketing Director, dB Broadcast.

www.dbbroadcast.co.uk

This article also features in the October edition of Broadcast Film & Video.

(JP)
Solidmate Ltd Memory Card Hire London

Top Related Stories
Click here for the latest broadcast news stories.

12/12/2017
Evolving IP Standards
The earliest deployments of IP video transport began around 2001, when one large cable company sought ways of reducing the quantities of coax associat
10/08/2018
AIMS Returning To IBC For IP Showcase
The Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS) is returning to IBC this year to help host the IP Showcase. AIMS members are working toward standards-based
25/10/2021
Audio-Technica Unveils New Microphones
Audio-Technica is launching its new BP28 14-inch (355.6 mm) and BP28L 22.4-inch (569 mm) Line + Gradient Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones. These
06/09/2018
Sony Expands Solution Capabilities To Unlock Full Potential Of IP
Sony has expanded the capabilities of its IP Live Production System solutions by announcing further support for SMPTE ST 2110 in both HD and 4K. "The
19/06/2012
dB Broadcast Showcase MERlin At Broadcast Asia 2012
dB Broadcast, the leading UK independent systems integrator and manufacturer will be showcasing the MERlin DVB-T2 receiver at Broadcast Asia 2012. MER
05/12/2007
dB Broadcast To Debut Ethernet SNMP Control For Hawkeye Range At Broadcast Live & VideoForum
Leading UK independent system integrator and manufacturer dB Broadcast is to introduce Ethernet SNMP control for its Hawkeye range of modules on its s
13/09/2005
dB Broadcast chooses Suitcase TV for broadcast logging at new London play out facility
Suitcase TV, the experts in monitoring and logging products for the broadcast industry, have been chosen to supply their Purple Logging for the monito
21/06/2019
Consulting for IP Systems
Broadcasters that invite systems integrators to pitch for the modern IP-ready broadcast production environment need to be confident in the tenderer's
09/07/2018
IP Showcase Returns To IBC
Major technical and standards organizations within the broadcast industry — Audio Engineering Society (AES), Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS), A
18/07/2019
Time To Consider Our Environmental Responsibilities
Leading system integrator dB Broadcast shares some suggestions There are few issues more topical than minimising our impact on the planet, and we hear
19/07/2006
dB Broadcast to send staff to university
Independent system integrator dB Broadcast, which set up its own self-funded in-house apprentice programme for wiring technicians in 1999, has taken a
03/09/2018
Artel To Demonstrate SMPTE ST 2110-30 Compatibility In IBC IP Showcase
Artel Video Systems is to demonstrate SMPTE ST 2110-30 and AES67 compatibility in the IP Showcase at IBC 2018. The demonstrations will highlight the i
08/09/2003
dB Broadcast launch MDF management & documentation system
At this year's IBC, dB Broadcast will launch a powerful, yet simple-to-use, Windows-based application for the management and documentation of MDF fram
30/08/2018
PHABRIX To Take Part In IBC IP Showcase
PHABRIX is to take part in the IP Showcase at IBC 2018, demonstrating SMPTE ST 2110 support on its handheld Sx and top of the range Qx Series. The IP
16/02/2015
Journey To The New World – Part 2
In the second of two articles, Tom Swan, Sales and Marketing Director at leading systems integrator dB Broadcast, considers the challenges of the tran