The broadcast world has been undergoing a transformation as workflows migrate toward IP-based environments, and at the heart of this change is the SMPTE ST 2110 standard. SMPTE ST 2110 revolutionises how audio, video, and metadata are transported over IP networks, introducing flexibility, scalability, and interoperability to an industry steeped in tradition. However, while this standard unlocks new possibilities, it also surfaces a critical non-negotiable requirement—redundancy.
European broadcasters are driving the adoption of SMPTE ST 2110, setting benchmarks in both system design and operational efficiency. Modern technologies enable this transition, but as broadcasters adapt, redundancy has emerged as a vital mechanism to mitigate risks and ensure smooth delivery of content.
Why redundancy is mission-critical
The stakes for broadcasters today are higher than ever. Live broadcasts demand near-perfect uptime, and even a fleeting disruption can tarnish reputations and erode audience trust. Single points of failure, whether in network routers, switches, or playout systems, can derail entire workflows if not preemptively addressed. A robust redundancy strategy eliminates these risks, providing alternative pathways and ensuring operational continuity in the event of equipment failure or network outages.
One of Europe’s most notable early adopters, BBC Wales, deployed the SMPTE ST 2110 standard when building its new Cardiff headquarters—marking one of the first full-facility implementations of the standard globally. This decision underscored the region’s forward-thinking approach to technology. Yet, even with meticulous planning, challenges can arise, such as troubleshooting systems with interconnected IP streams. These early lessons highlighted the critical role of redundancy in maintaining broadcast stability. Fortunately now there are many more tools to manage AVoIP connected systems.
Standards such as SMPTE 2022-7 complement SMPTE ST 2110 by enabling seamless protection switching—diversifying data paths to ensure real-time synchronisation and preventing disruptions during live events. Failover mechanisms are a must for broadcasters, enabling automated rerouting of streams without noticeable interruptions to the viewer.
Evaluation and testing shape European success
One recurring theme across European broadcasters is the importance of rigorous evaluation and testing. Many organisations have prioritised deploying small-scale test systems before rolling out full SMPTE ST 2110 implementations. Having access to cost-effective test systems with devices that have fully functional ST 2110 implementations and full feature sets is a key requirement when planning to implement a move away from traditional SDI-connected devices. Testing not only ensures compatibility across devices but also allows broadcasters to identify pain points specific to their operational needs.
Europe’s progress is due in part to the region’s willingness to innovate collaboratively. Control systems that support NMOS discovery and routing, for example, are being embraced for their ability to simplify system integration. Technologies like these, coupled with robust redundancy frameworks, uniquely position European broadcasters to reap the full benefits of SMPTE ST 2110.
Modern solutions are proving invaluable in addressing some of the most pressing concerns in SMPTE workflows, such as packet loss and latency. By integrating systems that seamlessly identify and route data across backup networks, broadcasters reduce operational complexities while bolstering reliability.
The unique challenges facing Europe
Broadcasting in Europe is deeply tied to public service mandates, where failures not only affect reputation but also impact critical public safety communications. This heightens the need for bulletproof reliability. Many broadcasters are now leveraging the region’s growing ecosystem of experienced vendors, who offer solutions designed specifically for the intricacies of IP-based environments.
Infrastructure renewal is also driving adoption rates. Several flagship broadcast facilities in Belgium and the UK recently opted for SMPTE ST 2110 during new building projects, underscoring how infrastructure investments can be a natural catalyst for adopting innovative standards. Globally, broadcasters are not just implementing technology for the sake of modernisation—they’re using it to future-proof themselves.
Europe’s leadership in SMPTE ST 2110 is also fuelled by cost efficiency. Modern consoles, which are flexible and affordable enough to double as both production systems and test platforms, allow broadcasters to innovate even on limited budgets—a theme consistent in recent years.
Redundancy as a competitive advantage
The lessons learned from early challenges are influencing how broadcasters approach future investments. Planning for redundancy is no longer seen as a luxury but as a critical line of defence in an unpredictable media environment. For live productions, where every second of downtime carries financial and reputational consequences, redundancy frameworks provide peace of mind and operational resilience.
By embedding redundancy-driven strategies into every stage of system design, European broadcasters are not only preventing disruptions but also creating scalable workflows that can adapt to future growth. Scalable networks deliver significant cost savings while minimising technical risks—a combination that’s particularly appealing in Europe’s budget-conscious broadcast environment.
The road ahead
Redundancy and testing are fuelling the European broadcast industry’s rapid evolution. By championing innovation, collaboration, and resilience, European broadcasters exemplify a model for the global community to follow.
The SMPTE ST 2110 standard is not merely a technical framework; it is a catalyst for revolutionising how content is created, distributed, and consumed. Organisations that recognise its potential and prioritise redundancy-driven strategies can unlock unparalleled reliability and scalability. For European broadcasters, the message is clear—the future of broadcasting thrives on preparation, adaptability, and technological collaboration.
