M2A Media, leading experts in cloud-based live video solutions, today announced the collaboration between Amazon Web Services (AWS), Videon, Singular.live, TAG Video Systems and Spalk in a first-of-its-kind, multi-vendor proof of concept demonstrating how next-generation hybrid cloud technologies are pushing the boundaries of traditional live broadcast workflows.

The video innovators came together during the London-based roadshow, Connecting in the Cloud: Shaping the Future of Live Broadcast, for an extensive demonstration using multiple live video sources, including a cloud hand-off from ATP Media, the broadcast and media arm of the ATP Tour, and a live BT Sport feed acquired into AWS from BT Media & Broadcast in London.

The purpose of the demonstration was to showcase the ease with which valuable live video can be contributed via the AWS cloud and transformed using progressive new cloud technologies. In addition to showing secure receipt and control of the live video streams, the workflow was augmented through a range of transformations including remotely switching from one source transport stream to another transport stream for B2B distribution, the addition and control of live graphics, live commentary, and the transformation to B2C streams and delivery to an AWS CloudFront for its onward journey to viewers and sports fans worldwide.

The Videon Compute Platform (VCP) is key to creating true hybrid:cloud live video architectures, bringing compute power to the origination of the video source and allowing for unique workflows in live sports. The platform’s native functions, including LiveEdge® Core, sit on-premises and allow users to package streams in multiple formats, insert SCTE-35 ad markers, graphic overlays, UTC time codes, and user-defined KLV metadata into live video feeds. The addition of LiveEdge Compute enables developers to create and run powerful functions as docker containers on the platform. The management layer, LiveEdge® Cloud, provides remote health monitoring and management for entire fleets of VCP devices. This flexible architecture not only offers low latency, lowered end-to-end operating costs, stability, and security––but also the head room and extensibility for future heavy compute functions such as Machine Learning inferences––all wrapped up in a small form factor with low power consumption for energy-efficient operations.

The orchestration of the AWS cloud for workflow flexibility and scalability was shown by M2A Media’s live IP transport product, M2A CONNECT. As well as offering visibility of workflows for dynamic public cloud resources, M2A’s user-interface rewards operations teams with levels of control and set-up previously only suited to engineers.

TAG Video Systems has become the de facto provider for video and data monitoring by offering products that are both comprehensive and configurable. The proof of concept demonstrated how TAG can be used to fully monitor and visualise a cloud workflow, and benefit from scalability, agility, and custom orchestration.

Singular.live provides broadcast quality graphic templates, from creation to live control and automation via its web based HTML5 overlay platform. This control was shown in real-time, using a series of custom templates created for the event.

Spalk showcased how their Virtual Commentary Studio can allow broadcasters, production companies and rights holders to easily produce customised and localised broadcast feeds for specific markets whilst lowering the cost of entry to reach new market segments without sacrificing production quality.

Marcus Box, CEO, M2A Media, commented, “M2A Media has a keen understanding of the value that cloud technology is bringing to the media and entertainment industry. With this proof of concept, it was our aim to bring together leading innovators in the field to educate and to inspire the industry by presenting the technologies that are disrupting the broadcast landscape. We were delighted that the POC was so well received, and we look forward to future collaborations as we continue to disrupt and innovate.”

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