Continual technological change in the broadcast and media industries can make it difficult to plan for the mid to long term. Typically, broadcasters and media organisation are still implementing the last set of changes to working practices when the next changes come along.
Display manufacturers and viewer expectation help drive the different technological trends and broadcasters / media organisations need to establish the most effective and most economical way of delivering what the viewer wants.
Most of the recent drive has been for the enhanced viewing experience provided by 4K, high dynamic range and wide colour gamut and behind this is the desire by organisations to embrace an all IP infrastructure.
There are risks, gains and significant investment required if moving to new technologies as opposed to staying with the traditional technologies that many are familiar with. On the other side of the argument, businesses may become more efficient and profitable if adopting newer ones.
Broadcasters and media organisations need to tread the fine line between being viable and profitable today with being viable and profitable in the future regardless of the decisions that have been made in the past and those that will be in the future.
Within the industry, manufacturers drive change to sell their own products and solutions. Some of these products and solutions help drive progress in the industry and some of these are the results of failings in agreed or desired practice. Instead of manufacturer consortiums and alliances, many in the industry advocate discussions between equipment manufacturers, broadcasters, post house and others in video and vision so that informed choices can be made for the betterment of the industry. Only at this point can all manufacturers offer solutions to help support these decisions.
Purchasers of T&M products need to look at the current functionality/compatibility of the products on offer, the approach taken by the product manufacturer to changes in technology, their road map for the future as well as their track record.
The development of the Ultra family of products was born out of the needs identified while talking to broadcasters and media organisations and this has culminated in test and measurement products that have been designed specifically to meet their needs today without compromising their future choices.
|