Kevin Joyce, TAG Video’s Zer0 friction officer, explains why quality of service is becoming more important to the media industry, and why he believes the roadmap ahead isn’t about minor tweaks but about re-envisioning the entire model.
What industry trends have particularly stood out for you in 2023, and why?
Customer expectations are changing rapidly in response to the constant technology evolution in our industry requiring us to adapt and innovate quickly and continuously. Quality of Service (QoS) is paramount and supports a company’s ability to retain customers and attract new ones. Prioritising QoS leads to better Quality of Experience (QoE) for the consumer and ultimately growth and profit for the broadcaster.
Broadcast itself is undergoing a massive and fast-paced switch from traditional to streaming and with it a shift to IP workflows. That said, the current trends driving our industry include working remotely, adaptability, agility, sustainability, AI, automation, cost-efficiency, scalability and of course – cloud. Broadcasters, content owners, and distribution and delivery service providers are turning to cloud-based solutions to unlock greater performance, increased availability, and operational cost savings through improved resource allocation and streamlined workflows.
TAG develops software that is enabled by COTS hardware or the cloud for the ultimate in flexibility and resourcefulness with a nod toward reduced CPU and power consumption. Our technologies ensure our customers can take advantage of the latest, most efficient solutions and products from cloud and hardware manufacturers allowing them to use the most recent hardware and cloud instances.
What impact are you seeing those trends having on the media and entertainment industry?
Cloud migration presents its own challenges that need to be addressed for a successful transition. Engaging the right people and acquiring the proper resources and tools to ensure a smooth migration process are significant considerations. This includes training employees on new systems and technologies and potentially re-architecting existing applications for the cloud environment.
Data security is a top priority and potential security concerns must be addressed when moving operations to the cloud. Cloud providers offer comprehensive security measures, including robust data encryption, advanced access controls, and regular security audits. It is crucial for organisations to select reputable cloud service providers that comply with industry regulations and standards to ensure data privacy and protection.
In addition to cloud migration, the rapid adoption of IP workflows is transforming the media and entertainment industry. Traditional SDI workflows are being replaced by IP-based solutions, which offer greater reliability, scalability, and flexibility. IP workflows allow for seamless integration of different systems and devices, enabling efficient content creation, management, and delivery across multiple platforms. This transition to IP workflows further enhances the agility of broadcast companies, enabling them to respond quickly to changing market demands and reach wider audiences.
How do you see those trends developing further in 2024?
Members of the media and entertainment community must keep up with the pace of change to remain competitive and successful. In the coming year look for built-in capabilities that optimize on-prem, cloud, or hybrid workflows that will reduce operational costs and risks inherent in a rapidly changing industry. More technologies will integrate seamlessly with business intelligence and analytics tools, and more advanced open-source data analysis tools with AI capabilities will be developed to enable the well-informed decisions needed to build improved business strategies.
Do you expect to see any new trends within the industry in 2024, and what will they be?
The industry might look very, very different a year from now because technology is evolving faster than we can think and each change can result in different needs in terms of equipment and resources. The digital ecosystem is growing and becoming more complex – requiring interoperability between numerous resources and vendors and an increased need for real-time monitoring tools to optimize operational efficiency. Media companies and vendors must be more sustainable and be able to change and adapt without waste. Solutions must be developed that evolve and don’t involve discarding hardware, material, or resources.
The roadmap ahead isn’t about minor tweaks but about re-envisioning the entire model, pushing boundaries, and establishing bold objectives seamlessly blending efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and unparalleled quality.
