Only recently, the use of IP connectivity in live production environments was considered bleeding edge, and potentially inferior to the developing flavours of SDI technology. Today, several broadcasters and production companies are well on their way to making IP business as usual.
ITV: A hybrid approach to IP workflows
“It’s not binary,” said ITV’s Clive Santamaria, emphasising that broadcasters now have a variety of options for production workflows. ITV still has satellite news gathering (SNG) trucks, but they are deployed differently, often in combination with newer IP-based workflows, illustrating the hybrid nature of today’s production environments. Santamaria emphasised that modular, vendor-agnostic solutions allow for greater flexibility, ensuring that broadcasters aren’t locked into proprietary systems. This openness to scalable, future-proof solutions is key for ITV’s ongoing evolution in live production.
BBC: The power of the cloud
Wagdin recounted the industry’s move from SDI to IP, and then into the cloud. He highlighted the fact that cloud-native production solutions offer significant flexibility, enabling broadcasters to scale production capacity based on demand. He noted that smaller, more agile companies are driving most of the innovation in the live production space, particularly because the risk is lower. These smaller companies are more likely to experiment with IP-based workflows because they are more cost-effective for them compared to traditional OB setups.
Limitless Broadcast: Efficiency through agility
Wilkie shared how her team is using IP to create highly efficient productions. With minimal equipment, Limitless has been able to handle complex multi-camera setups in remote locations, offering greater mobility and agility. She explained that IP-based systems allow teams to adapt quickly, making production more efficient and scalable. Her team has successfully executed 12-camera shoots using only a small rack of equipment, avoiding the need for expensive OB trucks.
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Jackshoot: IP as the new normal
Hemingway pointed out that IP has always been at the core of online broadcasting and is now influencing traditional broadcast workflows. In her view, the move towards IP is driven primarily by financial incentives - it’s cheaper and more flexible. For companies like Jackshoot, IP offers a way to streamline operations while still delivering high-quality content. She believes the shift to IP is an inevitable trend, as it provides production teams with more creative control and adaptability.
Collaboration and skills development
A recurring theme in the discussion was the importance of training and collaboration. As IP technology reshapes production, the workforce needs to evolve alongside it. Hemingway stressed the need for better integration between technical and editorial teams, ensuring that everyone can contribute to the growing potential of IP workflows. Similarly, Wagdin believes that IP is not a replacement for traditional roles but an enhancement, offering new ways to support and enrich creative processes.
The transition to IP workflows has made live production more flexible and resilient. Smaller companies, less tied to traditional models, are taking the lead in experimenting with new IP-based approaches. For these innovators, the lower cost associated with IP allows them to adapt quickly and remain competitive.
Watch more: Increased inclusivity and programme consistency among benefits of live IP workflows
Moderator:
Mark Smith, Chairman IBC Council & Head of IBC Accelerator Programme - IBC
Speakers:
Abi Hemingway, CCO - Jackshoot
Claire Wilkie, CEO - Limitless Broadcast
Clive Santamaria, Chief Architect - ITV
Ian Wagdin, Senior Technology Transfer Manager - BBC
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