Traditional point-to-point dark fibre remains the best transport option for 4K and 8K, says Frank Jachetta, President, MultiDyne
The broadcast industry is in a constant state of transition. However, the changes we are seeing today – notably IP migration and the rise of high-resolution UHD formats – are compelling broadcasters to take a broader look at how their end-to-end architecture today measures up to tomorrow’s opportunities.
In broadcast and production facilities – fixed and mobile – broadcasters are testing and applying new ways to more efficiently move video, audio and data in alignment with today’s emerging trends.
In the fibre transport universe, moving 4K and 8K requires more efficient point-to-point bandwidth management to accommodate higher data rates.
In surveying the landscape today, point-to-point dark fibre transport remains the standard.
This means the deployment fibre strands to move signals from Point A to Point B, with supporting conversion and distribution gear to facilitate transport.
As we look at 4K and 8K in the short run, we expect that the traditional point-to-point dark fibre approach will remain the best signal transport option.
When we look toward the IP transition, it’s helpful to frame the progression of fibre to this point.
In the simplest sense, the basic copper-to-fibre conversion established the foundation for the broader opportunities associated with IP connectivity.
The fact is that by moving to IP, the broadcaster may even use the same fibre connection to add network traffic. Instead of being limited to point-to-point distribution, the migration to IP allows the broadcaster to join or establish a broader multipoint network. And just like in an office environment, there is now an easy way to move all kinds of video, audio and data signals on and off that IP network.
We view this as an exciting new business opportunity for broadcasters and production teams working with fibre today.
It’s exciting to bring these developments to IBC this year.
As an American company, IBC is our gateway to the world. It is the premiere international broadcast show, and we find that both our domestic and international customers enjoy the slower pace and longer timeframe of IBC in comparison to other shows.
This gives them more time to explore trends and developments such as above in greater detail, while allowing a more leisurely pace for exploring new products. We look forward to sharing in the IBC experience with our customers, partners and peers.
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