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Advanced Assembly and Rendering Ahead - The Advantages

‍

Rendering file based content ahead of time provides a Broadcaster with huge advantages over the traditional live playout process and despite misconceptions that there are disadvantages, there really are none.

The process

Most TV we watch, other than Live events and News, is pre-recorded and arrives at the Broadcaster as files. Rather than put this non-real time content through a traditional live process, it is assembled and pre rendered ahead of time, often as soon as it is received which could be several days ahead of it is on -air time and date.

Advantages of pre-rendering

The content can be comprehensively and automatically quality checked ahead of time and any issues detected and fixed. In the case of Vipe there are 80 QC checks performed in 3 dimensions; Timing, Content and File Integrity. Errors are reported on an exception basis, so that the error can easily be navigated to and the issue fixed.
The QC checking can be done ahead of time and concentrated into office hours, reducing the requirements for 24hr shifts and enabling mainly ‘lights out’ operations at times when there is no live programming.
The render engine can make all of the required distribution format versions, linear, streaming and VoD, including QC and compliance checking. This greatly simplifies the supply chain, with all versions derived from a common content pool.
Content can be rendered into the transmission stream format, removing the requirement to perform live encoding and reducing the storage requirements for prepared content.
Content is only rendered once, which reduces total compute required. The same file can be used multiple times if it appears in future schedules and in addition the same file can be distributed to main and backup channels as part of a redundancy strategy.
The playout process becomes very lightweight and simple, merely splicing together transmission streams files and the files can be distributed to caches on small playout servers at the point of distribution, greatly improving reliability by reducing the chances of technical issues in the servers or network.
The playout process is greatly simplified and does not need to be eyeballed live, removing a huge source of stress for operators and in turn dramatically reducing operator induced on-air errors.

Misconceptions of pre-rendering addressed

Late breaking content can be handled seconds before on air. The render farm has no concept of channels, merely a list of render jobs with priority given to the content closest to on air, so late breaking would go straight to the top.
The playout servers can playback growing files, so as soon as the schedule is received it can be played back.
The render farm is capable of autoscaling, so if it gets overwhelmed due to multiple late breaking items on several channels, it can scale up in a few minutes to meet whatever demand is thrown at it.

Switching to and Managing Live content

Inserting and managing live content is not an issue. For scheduled live events, VIpe is packed with easy to use and logical user interfaces so operators can switch to and from file base content and manage live events.
Think of Vipe as disassembling the playout process, similar to what it was like in the pre-channel-in-a-box days. If the content needs a DVE for live Picture in Picture, Squeeze Zooms, etc, more compute power is acquired to do that. The render engine applied to the live content is scaled according to the type of content and the scheduled breaks, operating in faster than real time, so the live content is in the correct format in time to be inserted into the transport stream by the playout engine.

Utilizing the Cloud ‘properly’ makes it a multiplier

By deploying cloud native software that utilizes the dynamic scaling of the cloud ‘properly’ the efficiency of the software is multiplied by deploying and releasing resources as the schedule warrants means resources are available when required, but not wasted when not.
Cloud vendors have armies of security experts protecting their clients' content - this is why banks, financial institutions and credit card companies have flocked to use their services - why not take advantage of this knowledge and scale.
The cloud also increases robustness and reliability; installs can be built with redundant self synchronizing architectures across different regions and availability zones, whereby the Cloud vendors bear the brunt of managing much of the redundancy.
The flexibility and agility of the cloud vendors is unrivalled, resources can be turned on and off in minutes, enabling pop up channels to be spun up on demand and thematic file based channels converted to manage live events in minutes.

The end results

Rendering ahead truly unlocks the Holy Grail in playout: increased efficiency reduces costs; reduced stress and simplified technical architecture at the point of playout increases reliability, and with SaaS and pay as you go models a new level of flexibility and agility is here.

Advanced Assembly and Rendering Ahead - The Advantages

‍

The process

Advantages of pre-rendering

The content can be comprehensively and automatically quality checked ahead of time and any issues detected and fixed. In the case of Vipe there are 80 QC checks performed in 3 dimensions; Timing, Content and File Integrity. Errors are reported on an exception basis, so that the error can easily be navigated to and the issue fixed.
The QC checking can be done ahead of time and concentrated into office hours, reducing the requirements for 24hr shifts and enabling mainly ‘lights out’ operations at times when there is no live programming.
The render engine can make all of the required distribution format versions, linear, streaming and VoD, including QC and compliance checking. This greatly simplifies the supply chain, with all versions derived from a common content pool.
Content can be rendered into the transmission stream format, removing the requirement to perform live encoding and reducing the storage requirements for prepared content.
Content is only rendered once, which reduces total compute required. The same file can be used multiple times if it appears in future schedules and in addition the same file can be distributed to main and backup channels as part of a redundancy strategy.
The playout process becomes very lightweight and simple, merely splicing together transmission streams files and the files can be distributed to caches on small playout servers at the point of distribution, greatly improving reliability by reducing the chances of technical issues in the servers or network.
The playout process is greatly simplified and does not need to be eyeballed live, removing a huge source of stress for operators and in turn dramatically reducing operator induced on-air errors.

Misconceptions of pre-rendering addressed

Late breaking content can be handled seconds before on air. The render farm has no concept of channels, merely a list of render jobs with priority given to the content closest to on air, so late breaking would go straight to the top.
The playout servers can playback growing files, so as soon as the schedule is received it can be played back.
The render farm is capable of autoscaling, so if it gets overwhelmed due to multiple late breaking items on several channels, it can scale up in a few minutes to meet whatever demand is thrown at it.

Switching to and Managing Live content

Inserting and managing live content is not an issue. For scheduled live events, VIpe is packed with easy to use and logical user interfaces so operators can switch to and from file base content and manage live events.
Think of Vipe as disassembling the playout process, similar to what it was like in the pre-channel-in-a-box days. If the content needs a DVE for live Picture in Picture, Squeeze Zooms, etc, more compute power is acquired to do that. The render engine applied to the live content is scaled according to the type of content and the scheduled breaks, operating in faster than real time, so the live content is in the correct format in time to be inserted into the transport stream by the playout engine.

Utilizing the Cloud ‘properly’ makes it a multiplier

By deploying cloud native software that utilizes the dynamic scaling of the cloud ‘properly’ the efficiency of the software is multiplied by deploying and releasing resources as the schedule warrants means resources are available when required, but not wasted when not.
Cloud vendors have armies of security experts protecting their clients' content - this is why banks, financial institutions and credit card companies have flocked to use their services - why not take advantage of this knowledge and scale.
The cloud also increases robustness and reliability; installs can be built with redundant self synchronizing architectures across different regions and availability zones, whereby the Cloud vendors bear the brunt of managing much of the redundancy.
The flexibility and agility of the cloud vendors is unrivalled, resources can be turned on and off in minutes, enabling pop up channels to be spun up on demand and thematic file based channels converted to manage live events in minutes.

The end results

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Blog

Survival of the Smartest: Cloud Playout as a Strategic Weapon in Market Shakeups

Market consolidation, the rise of multi-platform content delivery, economic and political turmoil and increasing cost pressures are forcing many broadcast decision-makers to rethink their strategies. Amidst these challenges, one truth is emerging clearly: adaptability and innovation are no longer optional; they are essential survival tools.

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How Cloud Playout Technology Powers Seamless Content Delivery

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BCNEXXT Innovates Playout in the Cloud with Amazon Web Services (AWS)

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The Benefits of Advanced Cloud Playout Systems for Broadcasters

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How Advancements in Cloud Playout Technology Are Transforming Broadcast Operations

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Playout Done Properly!

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BCNEXXT Expands Global Reach Into Japan

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AWARDS

BCNEXXT Wins IBC Best of Show Award with Vipe RT at IBC 2024

Cloud-native playout solution for live sports and events workflows, simplifies operations and reduces overhead by as much as 60%

ANNOUNCEMENT

BCNEXXT Showcases Vipe RT and Native Adobe After Effects Integration at IBC

Beyond streamlining playout, simplifying operations, and significantly reducing overhead, Vipe delivers rich on-air graphics as envisioned in the design studioThe Netherlands - September 11, 2024 - At the upcoming IBC Show, BCNEXXT will showcase the latest version of Vipe, introducing for the first time Vipe RT, a dedicated, real-time playout engine that supports the most complex live event and sports scenarios. IBC attendees can experience Vipe’s native Adobe® After Effects® integration at the BCNEXXT exhibit in Hall 3, Stand 3.B23.Already deployed in hundreds of entertainment channels around the world, Vipe delivers major savings to organizations of all sizes by consolidating silos, streamlining resource usage, and increasing their automation and reliability levels.Vipe also enables differentiating on-air graphics, preserving the rich designs envisioned by the artists through its native Adobe® After Effects® integration. Typical playout workflows flatten rich 3D graphics into a single .MOV file, which is then keyed over the content. As a result, the graphic loses much of its dynamics. With native After Effects integration, Vipe’s rendering engine takes all design elements, including the timing markers, and renders them in 3D exactly as the designer envisioned.“Having native graphics integration as part of a playout solution enables a workflow that supports stylish, dynamic graphics to better differentiate a channel,” states Graham Sharp, CEO of BCNEXXT, USA. “In today's multi-channel world not only are we trying to make our users more efficient, but also enable them to creatively differentiate their channels, all with 99.9999% uptime.”Vipe can be deployed across public and private clouds, on premises as well as hybrid. With its highly optimized compute usage, Vipe ensures lower-energy consumption leading to more sustainable operations and significantly reduced costs whilst delivering unmatched reliability. To learn more about the Vipe playout workflow, please visit: https://www.bcnexxt.com/approach.Learn about Adobe After Effects and give it a try by updating the app today. To enhance your workflow even further, explore the many extensions that are available as part of the Adobe Video ecosystem today.‍Book a Meeting at IBC 2024To book a one-on-one meeting to learn more about this modern playout service and technology, please contact: ibc@bcnexxt.com.About BCNEXXTBCNEXXT, based in the Netherlands, brings over a century of combined experience in developing Vipe, a virtualized, cloud-native system for Linear, VoD, and OTT publishing. This platform sets a new efficiency benchmark, using significantly fewer resources and achieving near-perfect uptime.‍

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How Rethinking Playout Can Redefine Your Media Supply Chain

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ANNOUNCEMENT

BCNEXXT Introduces Vipe RT at IBC 2024

BCNEXXT Introduces Vipe RT at IBC 2024‍ Cloud-native playout solution revolutionizes live sports and events workflows, simplifying operations and reducing overhead by as much as 60%

BLOG

Achieving maximum quality of service

Everyone knows the adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This rings particularly true in broadcast playout, where on-air errors can be hugely disruptive and costly to the broadcaster.Traditional systems assemble video, audio, and graphics components in real-time, even when schedules are pre-set. Any glitch during this live assembly can lead to on-air errors, requiring constant vigilance from Master Control Room (MCR) operators, who need to be on standby 24/7.By pre-assembling and QC checking as much content as possible ahead of on-air time, far superior Quality of Service (QoS) can be achieved effectively reducing operational expenses and the need for around-the-clock monitoring. This pre-assembly approach can be used for all distribution requirements, enabling the consolidation of Video on Demand (VOD), Over-the-Top (OTT), and Linear playout operations, dramatically reducing operating costs further.

interview

IABM interview with Graham NAB 2024

On the Sofa with the IABM at NAB - using technology to solve business problems!

awards

Product of the Year Award 2024

The Netherlands - April 18, 2024 - BCNEXXT is pleased to announce that Vipe has won the 2024 NAB Show Product of the Year Award in the Asset Management, Automation and Playout category. The official awards program recognizes some of the most significant and promising new products and technologies showcased by exhibitors at the 2024 NAB Show. Vipe is a cloud-native, software-only offering that simplifies and speeds up the deployment of fully automated linear playout (including live), OTT streaming and VOD offerings. It removes multiple silos and simplifies media supply chains. Clients experience up to 60% cost reductions. “Vipe enables broadcasters and content owners to dramatically improve their operational efficiency,” states Graham Sharp, CEO, BCNEXXT USA. “Vipe intelligently scales resources to match the complexity of the content, consolidates linear, streaming and VOD silos under a single point of technical management, and automates most common playout tasks, increasing reliability and reducing costs.. We are honored to be recognized by the NAB and take home this prestigious award!” The 2024 NAB Show Product of the Year Award Winners were selected by a panel of industry experts in 15 categories. “NAB Show is the ultimate marketplace showcasing the latest trends and technology spanning creation, distribution and monetization in the broadcast, media and entertainment industry,” said senior vice president and chief customer success officer Eric Trabb, NAB Global Connections and Events.“Congratulations to BCNEXXT for winning the prestigious 2024 NAB Show Product of the Year Award, a testament to the groundbreaking innovation embodied by Vipe. Its profound impact on the content lifecycle underscores its pivotal role in empowering storytellers to navigate present challenges and embrace the opportunities of tomorrow.” BCNEXXT’s customer Comcast Technology Solutions was also recognized with an IABM BaM award at the 2024 NAB Show for their advanced playout workflow, which relies on Vipe. About NAB Show NAB Show is the preeminent conference and exhibition driving the evolution of broadcast, media and entertainment, held April 13-17, 2024 (Exhibits April 14-17) in Las Vegas. Produced by the National Association of Broadcasters, NAB Show is the ultimate marketplace for next-generation technology inspiring superior audio and video experiences. From creation to consumption, across multiple platforms, NAB Show, ranked as one of the top fastest-growing shows in the United States, is where global visionaries convene to bring content to life in new and exciting ways. Learn more at NABShow.com. About BCNEXXT BCNEXXT, based in the Netherlands, brings over a century of combined experience in developing Vipe, a virtualized, cloud-native system for Linear, VoD, and OTT publishing. This platform sets a new efficiency benchmark, using significantly fewer resources and achieving near-perfect uptime.

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BCNEXXT at NAB 2024

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New hire Arthur!

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IBC Content distribution innovation award 2023

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team

Advanced Assembly and Rendering Ahead - The Advantages

Advanced Assembly and Rendering Ahead - The Advantages

The process

Advantages of pre-rendering

Misconceptions of pre-rendering addressed

Switching to and Managing Live content

Utilizing the Cloud ‘properly’ makes it a multiplier

The end results

Advanced Assembly and Rendering Ahead - The Advantages

The process

Advantages of pre-rendering

Misconceptions of pre-rendering addressed

Switching to and Managing Live content

Utilizing the Cloud ‘properly’ makes it a multiplier

The end results

Read More

Survival of the Smartest: Cloud Playout as a Strategic Weapon in Market Shakeups

3 Ways to Improve Playout

Experience the Future of Playout with BCNEXXT at the 2025 NAB Show

BCNEXXT Celebrates 10 Years of Innovation as Customers Continue to Increase Cloud Deployments

Ensuring Reliability in Media Orchestration and Playout Systems

How Cloud Playout Technology Powers Seamless Content Delivery

BCNEXXT Innovates Playout in the Cloud with Amazon Web Services (AWS)

The Benefits of Advanced Cloud Playout Systems for Broadcasters

How Advancements in Cloud Playout Technology Are Transforming Broadcast Operations

Playout Done Properly!

BCNEXXT Expands Global Reach Into Japan

BCNEXXT Wins IBC Best of Show Award with Vipe RT at IBC 2024

BCNEXXT Showcases Vipe RT and Native Adobe After Effects Integration at IBC

How Rethinking Playout Can Redefine Your Media Supply Chain

BCNEXXT Introduces Vipe RT at IBC 2024

Achieving maximum quality of service

IABM interview with Graham NAB 2024

Product of the Year Award 2024

OVERON Moves Playout Operation to Cloud-Native Vipe

BCNEXXT at NAB 2024

New hire Arthur!

IBC Content distribution innovation award 2023

New hire Leroy!

BCNEXXT Inc

IBC 2023

NAB 2023

New hire Dennis!

New hire Stijn!

New hire Marc!

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Technology Partner status