Victor Kuznetsov, Deputy Technical Director of Real TV channel in Azerbaijan, in the annual review TKT1957.
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What trends will be the most important for the industry in the next five years?
Multiplatform and Cross-platform Accessibility
In the present times, it is imperative for television companies to create and develop content for multiplatform and cross-platform accessibility. This naturally drives technological advancements in the entire infrastructure. Contemporary trends involve engaging the audience through the internet, social platforms, online television, mobile devices, transforming them into users and participants. To stay current, television companies must operate on all available platforms, including terrestrial, satellite, and cable broadcasting, as well as integrating websites, social networks, mobile apps, widgets, applications for smart TVs, and OTT, among others.
However, this extends beyond broadcasting technology and content distribution on these platforms. It also involves:
- Adapting to the unique characteristics of each platform
- Tailoring content accordingly
- Ensuring the autonomous functioning of each platform, both independently and as part of a cohesive system
- Creating interactivity and mechanisms for user engagement, considering individual preferences.
Additionally, beyond content delivery to end-users, it is essential to leverage various platforms for collecting and transmitting information for subsequent processing.
Technologies are continually advancing, and it would be remiss not to capitalize on them. Even now, a mid-range smartphone can serve as a professional tool for real-time transmission of information—streaming video, audio and video recording without loss of quality, text, and documents. A plethora of accessories is available to enhance the quality of produced content and ensure comfortable device usage.
Nowadays, a newsroom or a production center of an ordinary TV channel is no longer comprised solely of information-gathering robots, editors, and editors who shape material from this information. There is also a team that works with social media (SMM), content managers, and editors who adapt content for various platforms, both qualitatively and technically.
Separately and in conjunction with the above, it is essential to develop a centralized communication system for both television companies and various entities of interest locally and globally. While television companies compete, mechanisms for enhanced collaboration at points of mutual interest are necessary. In our country, common nodes and services have already been established for storing and transmitting audiovisual information between TV channels, news agencies, ensuring an appropriate level of security. Media centers serve as platforms for public events coverage, and both governmental and private entities create conditions for mass connections, information transmission, and distribution.
As a person responsible for the technical aspect of our work, I believe that one of the industry’s crucial development points is the transition from analog and physical structures to network-based solutions, leveraging rapidly evolving IP protocols.
Our TV channel actively utilizes technologies like NDI, SMPTE ST2110, SRT, RTMP/HLS, RTSP, and other TCP/IP and UDP protocols for transmitting audio and video data from external sources, such as cameras or smartphones, both in production, switching, and broadcasting signals between audio and video equipment locally and on remote stations.
However, many studios and TV channels still apply analog and digital solutions for signal transmission, involving a significant amount of cables, converters, and signal amplifiers. For technical departments, it is crucial to create strategies not only to maintain these solutions but to update the technical infrastructure either entirely or in stages.
Implementing IP-based solutions leads to:
- Improved quality of transmitted information
- Fewer limitations in the technical aspect
- More flexible studio design possibilities
- Reduced signal conversions
- Easier collaboration for all involved specialists in linear processes
- Budget savings, equipment space, and maintenance
- Lesser environmental impact considering equal requirements.
Utilizing Neural Networks in Production Processes
The concept of neural networks as a mathematical model originated in the 1940s; however, today we have a combination of neural network models and fuzzy logic, representing self-learning expert systems. These networks are valuable in a wide range of applications, including robotics, image processing, and natural language processing. This combination of technologies allows real-time data processing, improved automation, quality information analysis, and decision-making. Openly available systems provide the opportunity for anyone interested to learn how to use artificial intelligence in various fields.
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Which technologies and solutions hold the most promise, and what lacks significant chances of success?
Network technologies are of paramount importance in television production. There is ongoing development of existing network protocols and the creation of new ones tailored to various tasks. Depending on the objectives and considering standardization and certification, one can either utilize ready-made software and hardware solutions or engage in custom development using available IP technologies.
The advancement and utilization of artificial intelligence in the development of software and hardware products vastly enhance possibilities for tele- and filmmaking. Cameras capturing targets, software products for sorting and automated processing of photos, audio and video materials, network flow management, advertising handling for broadcasting, social networks, websites, and mobile applications – all equipped with user preference analysis – are critical solutions for the media industry.
It’s challenging to pinpoint specific solutions that lack potential for success. Perhaps those developed by individuals or teams that disregard innovations and hesitate to apply them in production might face difficulties.
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How did the year 2023 affect your company? What are the most significant events of 2023 that you could highlight?
In Azerbaijan, 2023 was rich in both local and international events:
- Several international agreements on the use of renewable energy were signed
- Ministerial meeting of the Coordination Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement
- The 10th Global Baku Forum
- Global Media Forum in the city of Shusha
- The 74th International Astronautical Congress
- SPECA Summit
- Full restoration of the territorial integrity of the country was completed
- Opening of the Karabakh University in Agdam
- Award ceremony of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) in Baku
- The 1/8 finals of the Azerbaijan Football Cup took place in Hankendi, where FK “Karabakh” and CSKA Baku (MOIK) faced off.
For our television channel and other information agencies, both Azerbaijani and international, this year provided excellent opportunities for high-quality coverage of events and the creation of a large amount of content.
Additionally, we have overhauled our main shooting pavilion, implemented significant changes to our broadcasting schedule, transformed the format of news presentation, and introduced new analytical programs. We increased the quantity and quality of live broadcasts, both from within the country and from various corners of the world, aiming to cover as many global events as possible.
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What are the plans for your enterprise in 2024?
Throughout the year, we plan to increase the number of analytical programs, finalize the restructuring of the program grid, enhance viewer engagement, and establish and expand interactive mechanisms on various social media platforms.
As for the technical aspect of the channel, our plans include:
- Reviewing network routes, technologies, and network security policies within the company.
- Initiating the transition to the routing of video and audio signals over IP, maintaining a combined approach with the use of SDI, gradually reducing the proportion of cable connections.
- Enhancing the quality of streaming services, consolidating everything into a centralized and interchangeable system.
Given that 2024 has been declared the “Year of Solidarity for a Green World” in Azerbaijan, we aim to align with the requirements and trends in the development of processes focused on preserving the Earth’s natural resources and mitigating the harmful impact of various factors. It is imperative to reduce the amount of equipment used by leveraging all available modern technologies, ensuring an increase in quality without compromising it.
Full year-end review here
