Driven by the need for greater flexibility, scalability and efficiency, the broadcast industry’s migration to IP is well underway. Unlike SDI, which delivers signals in a point-to-point, one-way structure, IP-based systems allow signals to be routed from any source to any destination. This enables broadcasters to work more flexibly, and scale more easily, both of which are key components of success in today’s broadcast landscape. In addition to the increased flexibility and scalability that IP-based workflows deliver, broadcasters are also benefiting from improved efficiency and reduced operational costs.
Alongside the industry-wide move to IP and implementation of ST 2110, the standards which specify how to transmit video, audio and associated data over IP to ensure quality is maintained, there’s also a notable uptick in the use of JPEG XS. JPEG XS, a relatively new compression format, is designed to be used in IP workflows wherever uncompressed video would typically be used. It delivers visually lossless quality with minimal latency, making it an important tool in modern broadcast environments, particularly in live production.
From SDI to IP
The industry has been gradually shifting over to IP-based workflows for a good ten years, if not more. The technology is now tried and tested and the advantages it brings can’t be overlooked. IP workflows remove the need to use dedicated SDI networks and costly satellite links, which reduces the cost of transmission. At the same time, it also acts as a ramp to the cloud, which can help to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.
The transition to IP has opened up new opportunities for broadcasters and media companies, and has been a key component both in enabling remote production and in making live broadcasts and events more cost efficient. With an IP-based workflow, raw footage captured at a remote production location or live event is sent back to a central broadcast facility for processing and distribution. This significantly reduces the logistical and operational costs associated with on-site production.
The transition from SDI towards an environment that will eventually be fully IP-based is very much a gradual and ongoing process, with media companies and broadcasters all moving at their own pace. As broadcasters continue the journey toward fully IP-based environments, the need for efficient compression technologies that don’t compromise video quality becomes even more critical. This is where JPEG XS comes in. The compression format is increasingly being utilised by broadcasters, as was evident last year when it was reportedly being used for numerous high profile global events, including the 2024 Paris Olympics and UEFA Euro 2024. But what exactly sets it apart from other compression formats?
Why JPEG XS?
JPEG XS operates in a different way to other compression systems. Specifically, it prioritises visually lossless quality, ultra-low latency and low computational complexity over compression rate. This makes it ideal for certain use cases such as live production where video quality and ultra-low latency are critical requirements. It delivers pristine image quality through visually lossless compression, ensuring that every detail is preserved, a crucial feature for live production workflows such as live sports broadcasting or other high profile live events where video quality is non-negotiable.
And with ultra-low latency, JPEG XS enables real-time video transmission without any perceptible delays. The ability to use IP to transmit live video with minimal latency is a massive draw for broadcasters because concerns around latency have in the past been a key sticking point for broadcasters when it comes to using IP for live production. It’s also designed for efficiency, with low computational complexity that allows for easy integration into both hardware and software environments while consuming significantly less CPU power than codecs like AVC, HEVC, or VVC that are optimised for compression efficiency in broadcasting.
The main advantage of using JPEG XS is that its advanced compression capabilities reduce bandwidth requirements. Content is increasingly produced with higher resolutions, frame rates and bit depth, which increases bandwidth requirements and transmission costs. By reducing bandwidth requirements, JPEG XS delivers not only cost savings but also improved network efficiency.
What’s Next?
The industry’s adoption of JPEG XS is laying the foundation for a more cohesive and agile broadcast infrastructure, creating new possibilities for innovation in live production environments. The compression format’s adaptability to various network environments, and compatibility with hardware, software and cloud services, also ensures broadcasters are prepared for future technological advancements. As the shift from SDI to IP continues, I fully expect to see JPEG XS becoming increasingly prominent.
