Nick Ryan

What is the MXL - the Media Exchange Layer? Great question… one I hope to explore on an upcoming #InsightsInto podcast episode. In the meantime, Russell Trafford-Jones Techex has published a great introduction to #MXL and the potential of this future landscape… https://lnkd.in/eeg5eg-k #MXL #DMF

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With this article, BCi Digital continue to provide thought leadership and insight in the addressable advertising space. Next week, I’ll be at Connected TV World Summit in London, focussing on advertising solutions in a hybrid Broadcast/Broadband (HbbTv) world. The following week, John Bartlett and I will be at DVB World in Amsterdam, delivering a session on Addressable advertising using open standards, DVB-TA, HbbTV-TA for DAI. If you’d like to meet up for a chat about how BCi are innovating with our Ocelot and Opportune Ad management and decision systems, coupled with our Otter HbbTv client for connected TVs, or if you just fancy a coffee to discuss the Industry trends, please do reach out.

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Is cloud production hard? Not anymore. On the contrary - setting up your switching in the cloud means: - no dedicated hardware - instant access to production ready machines - access for your entire team - tools like SRT, multi steaming and NDI ready to go And so much more. I’ve been using vMix in the cloud for daily productions and doing it on my Mac. With my local Stream Deck controlling everything. Team members have the same access as me. Remote guests come in from everywhere. And when I’m done? Shut down and I’m ready for the next show. I’m no longer limited to where I produce from. I can do it in a web browser, on a Mac or from an Airport lounge and hotel room (yes, I’ve done it). *this is not a paid endorsement* and I say that because it will surely sound like it :) How? Thanks to Michael Lange and his Cloud Studio Masters courses. I’m a big fan of leaning on the experience of others to learn and hit fast-forward on my learning. This was by far the best investment of the past five years and has allowed me to open the door to whole new type of client and production. Now he’s made a production ready machines click away in the AWS Marketplace. One less step in getting going. Very cool Michael Lange - keep it up!

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Why Broadcast and IT Teams Must Learn to Speak the Same Language As broadcasting increasingly adopts IP-based infrastructure, the relationship between broadcast engineering and IT teams has become more important than ever. Yet in many organisations, these two groups still operate with different assumptions, priorities, and communication styles. Broadcast engineers traditionally focus on signal continuity, latency control, and operational reliability. Their environment demands immediate response to faults, because disruptions are instantly visible to audiences. IT professionals, on the other hand, are accustomed to scalable systems, software management, and network optimisation. In many enterprise environments, brief service interruptions can be tolerated while systems are updated or maintained. When these two cultures meet in modern broadcast infrastructure, misunderstandings can emerge. A routine network change that appears harmless from an IT perspective may introduce packet loss or timing issues that affect video delivery. Conversely, broadcast teams may expect levels of determinism that traditional enterprise networks were not originally designed to provide. These differences are not failures — they are reflections of two disciplines that evolved independently. Successful organisations bridge this gap by building shared understanding. Broadcast engineers learn the fundamentals of networking and system administration, while IT teams gain deeper awareness of live media workflows and their operational sensitivities. Common language becomes essential: discussing latency, redundancy, monitoring, and fault tolerance in ways that both teams can interpret clearly. When this alignment occurs, the result is powerful. Broadcast reliability is strengthened by modern network design, while IT teams gain a deeper appreciation for real-time operational environments. The future of broadcasting does not belong solely to broadcast engineers or IT specialists. It belongs to teams that can integrate both perspectives effectively. Technology convergence is already happening. Organisational collaboration must follow. — Broadcast Technology Executive | Satellite, IP & OB Systems © OWASPACE | Original Content #OWASPACE #OWASPACEBroadcast #OWASPACEInsights #IPBroadcasting #BroadcastEngineering #ITInfrastructure #MediaTechnology #BroadcastTransformation

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The biggest obstacle to Private 5G has pivoted. Finally, a shorter lead time for spectrum makes it less prohibitive to use on events. Haivision devices supporting the n40 band such as the #Pro460 or #FalkonX2 will enable Ultra Low Latency (80ms E2E!) workflows.

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𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀: 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗔𝗺𝗽’𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 (𝗥𝗠𝗦) 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗸𝘆𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀’ 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. What does this mean for broadcasters and engineers? ✅ Real-time visibility across coax & fiber signals ✅ Custom dashboards + SNMP alarms ✅ Faster diagnostics with card-level insights This collaboration makes signal health easier to track, troubleshoot, and automate—without adding complexity. The PatchAmp Frame Monitor connector is live in the DataMiner Catalog today. 👉Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/ebPZbVy4 #PatchAmp #DataMiner #Broadcasting #Monitoring #SkylineCommunications

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ATSC (B2X) Multicast Broadcast Neutral-Host O-RAN System Architecture First paper to be published IBC 2025 https://lnkd.in/eRyCBMza ABSTRACT ATSC 3.0 is the most advanced digital broadcast standard. This paper introduces Broadcast-to-Everything (B2X), a new physical layer Radio Access Network (RAN) standard being developed by ATSC. B2X enables multiple users to share multiple radio frequency (RF) carriers in various IMT and broadcast bands (ranging from 5 MHz to 50 MHz). B2X is optimized for battery-powered devices. B2X builds on ATSC 3.0's Layer 1 (L1) and Layer 2 (L2) protocols where applicable and includes new L1/L2 control signalling. It operates within a Neutral-Host shared Open RAN (O-RAN) system, supporting a variety of services such as wearables, IoT, and Smart City applications with flexible Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) sizes of 128, 256, 512, and 1024. To ensure reliable and scalable performance, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) is used, breaking the physical layer into Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs), each containing 24 subcarriers spaced 3 kHz apart. A scheduler allocates PRBs based on service needs, with Virtual Bandwidth Parts (VBP) assigned to each application. B2X is designed for efficient multicast and broadcast with carrier aggregation to increase capacity. It enhances mobile performance using intelligent Single Frequency Network (SFN) topologies, allowing content delivery over a wide-area SFN or cloud-based edge networks. For 5G/6G interworking and traffic offloading, B2X uses the O-RAN F1 interface to encapsulate the 5G/6G-PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) layer 2. The data is transmitted via B2X baseband over O-RAN fronthaul to SFN transmitter sites for emission. Dual-connected user equipment (UE/UBE (User Broadcast Equipment)) retrieves and passes the PDCP layer 2 to the 5G/6G UE PDCP buffer, completing the offload process.

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It’s the same for those of you pitching music. When does your target station do the playlist? Have you sent quality audio? Have you suggested that they’re missing out because their competitors are playing it? (Don’t do that). Pitching and plugging is more than PR. It’s identifying and targeting your audience.

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A brief history of TV audio: from mono to stereo, then digital TV with compressed data and wider bandwidth. Digital audio supports up to 5.1 channels but requires bit rate reduction. Lossy codecs discard inaudible information using masking curves. Dolby Digital frames consist of 1,536 audio samples. Next-generation audio (NGA) supports immersive, personalized audio and enhanced dialogue. Adopted by ATSC 3.0, DVB, ISDB, cable, satellite, and TV 3.0 in Brazil. NGA enables new features and improved audio experiences. #TVaudio #DigitalAudio #DolbyAtmos #NextGenAudio #ATSC3 #AudioTechnology

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Exciting news from Ross Video! 🎉 We’ve acquired LAMA, a leader in advanced audio mixing and cloud audio technology. This strengthens our ability to offer customers end-to-end solutions in live production. Can’t wait to share what this means for future projects and partnerships. See their software in action at the Ross Video booth (8.B91) at IBC2025. 📖 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eyxZCcrT #RossVideo #LAMA #Acquisition #LiveProduction #AudioInnovation #CloudAudio #IBC2025 #BroadcastTechnology

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Jenny Priestley calls MXL a major topic at #IBC2025—that’s great fun! Why? Because it brings people together. Let me explain. Many have called it a chance to “jump on the train,” while some are still asking who’s coming along for the ride. Are you in or out? It can sound a bit risky. I, however, prefer Willem Vermost’s description: he called it “rails for an ecosystem.” “An open framework for real-time, in-memory media exchange that allows seamless integration across compute nodes, production clusters, and broadcast platforms. In essence, it is the rails for an ecosystem, and their use is free of charge.” One thing I’m sure of: working on this through open source is the right way. Beyond the freedom, transparency, and community-driven innovation that open source offers, it brings something more. Here’s my point: instead of saying we should avoid vendor lock-in, we're all calling for increased vendor collaboration. And as a bonus, the field opens up for more companies to join in—companies that didn’t start in hardware but step in and understand our challenge faster than we realized we had one. Let’s build the best possible railway, with the biggest brain possible, and once we’re all on board, we can compete and push each other forward much easier. #opensource #rethinkproduction

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Why GPU‑Accelerated DVNR Is a Game Changer for Broadcasters In today’s fast-paced broadcast environment, delivering crystal-clear video is non-negotiable. Noise not only compromises visual quality, but also hinders compression efficiency—driving up distribution costs. That’s why Wavelet Beam’s GPU‑based DVNR solution, powered by CUDA and scalable HPC architecture, is so vital. It effectively removes noise without sacrificing detail, ensuring both live feeds and archived footage look their best. * Sharper picture quality * More efficient encoding = lower bitrates & costs * Scales to high‑volume workflows with ease For broadcasters and post-production teams operating at scale, this tech offers a tangible boost to output quality and system performance. Ready to optimize your workflow? Learn more at waveletbeam.com. #Broadcast #DVNR #GPU #CUDA #VideoQuality #BitrateOptimization #UHD #HDR #PostProduction

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Streamline your audio monitoring with the D*AP8 MAP by Jünger Audio. This compact processor combines Dolby® metadata handling, loudness compliance, EQ, and bass management in one unit, giving studios precise control over multi-channel audio while saving space and setup time.

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🎥 PCR & MCR: Democratizing Broadcast for Every Creator in the New Cloud‑Native Creator Economy 📡 The broadcast industry was once gated by hardware‑heavy control rooms, multi‑million‑dollar studios, racks of iron, and teams tied to a single location. That model limited who could create, and who could deliver. And the truth is, we cannot and should not attempt to cater to every creator using that legacy approach. Today, the shift to software‑defined media pipelines has changed the equation. The two pillars of broadcast, PCR (Production Control Room) and MCR (Master Control Room), are no longer locked inside physical rooms. They are apps, dashboards, and cloud workflows that anyone can access. 🎥 PCR (Production Control Room): Once a gallery of mixers and monitors, now fitted in a single app on a laptop. Mission: Real‑time production, camera coordination, audio mixing, graphics. New Era: Newsrooms and sports productions can be directed remotely, enabling creators to deliver professional experiences without legacy infrastructure. 📡 MCR (Master Control Room): Once a transmission fortress, now a cloud‑native control plane. Mission: Playout, quality assurance, compliance, and ad‑insertion. New Era: A single engineer can oversee hundreds of channels, ensuring broadcast‑grade resilience from anywhere. 🚀 The Goal: *** Enable More Creators *** Scale without Capex → Remove barriers of cost and location. Democratize Distribution → Let small teams deliver to global audiences. Focus on Creativity → Shift from managing machines to orchestrating workflows. 🎯 The Reality PCR is the Art, the creative discipline of shaping stories in real time. MCR is the Science, the precision and rigor of ensuring flawless delivery. Together, they form the virtualized nervous system of modern media, empowering a new generation of creators to deliver broadcast‑grade experiences to audiences everywhere. #MediaTech #PCR #MCR #Broadcasting2026 #FASTChannels #OTT #IPTV #SystemArchitecture #StreamingEngineering #CloudNative #VideoArchitecture #CreatorEconomy

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Really looking forward to seeing the community come together for TAMSCon this March 👏 If you’re interested in the future of media workflows, cloud-native infrastructure, and open standards in content storage, this is one to watch. Hosted by Time Addressable Media Store, the event brings together innovators, engineers, and media leaders to explore how time-addressable architectures are reshaping the way we store, access, and move media. What I love about this initiative is its focus on interoperability, collaboration, and building practical solutions for real-world media challenges. If you’re in media tech, broadcast, streaming, or cloud infrastructure definitely worth checking out. Who else is planning to attend? #TAMSCon #MediaTech #OpenStandards #CloudMedia #BroadcastInnovation #ASGLLC https://lnkd.in/ezEcdqud

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It’s been a few weeks since Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) , but a few conversations from across Broadcast AV in Barcelona have stayed with me, with many of them coming back to what happens after deployment. Not just what systems can do at launch, but how they adapt once they’re live and under pressure - how they fit within existing workflows and whether they enable or start to constrain teams over time. Most teams don’t hit limits at launch, but they do 6 months later, usually when expectations have already moved on. With #NAB2026 kicking off this time next month, it will be interesting to see how much of that carries through and whether the same questions continue to show up across Broadcast AV as a whole. I’ve pulled together a few reflections on where those constraints show up and how teams are navigating them: https://lnkd.in/ep-C9aCz Grass Valley #BroadcastAV #Enterprisemedia

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Last night, I had the pleasure of attending an insightful SMPTE United Kingdom Section event at Amazon UK, diving deep into the latest advances in cloud applications for media. As engineers in the TV and broadcast industry, we're always chasing efficiency, low latency, and scalable workflows—this evening delivered on all fronts! 🚀 Spotlight on Time Addressable Media Store (TAMS) This API-driven gem could revolutionize how we handle media in the cloud. 🤖 Kicking off with John Biltcliffe, we explored TAMS' origins from BBC R&D (open-sourced on GitHub since 2023). TAMS breaks media into small, easily addressable chunks, slashing latency and CPU overhead by avoiding endless full-file copies. Key advantages? Direct access to specific segments for ultra-fast workflows. Use cases are developing—from press conferences and social media clips to live production, post-production, streaming, and yes, even AI integrations! We've heard about real-world demos with partners like BBC, Vizrt, Sky, Techex, Adobe, Cutting Room, and Drastic TV. 🚨 Look out for a interesting demo at IBC this year involving Reuters and UK Parliament! Next, David Mitchinson, Solutions Director at Techex, highlighted how existing transport stream-based apps struggle with large files, eating up time and CPU. TAMS flips the script: 🎥 Imagine an HTTP-accessible media store with intrinsic timing, metadata richness, and robust security. Store once, access/manipulate only what you need—for lighter, collaborative systems bridging linear and non-linear functions. Techex's tx.darwin solution shines here: Result? Storage as a true media function, ideal for cloud, any format, even uncompressed manipulation. It aligns beautifully with EBU's Dynamic Media Facility and could supercharge containerized processes. Bonus: Watch for MXL advancements at IBC 2025 for minimal-processor data exchanges! 💾 Lastly, Amazon's Project Kuiper. Michael Rack blew minds with their Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation—3,200+ satellites to connect 2.9 billion offline people worldwide. 🌍 Already launching its first satellite, Kuiper promises 1Gbps downlink, 400Mbps uplink, and ~50ms latency (way better than geostationary sats!). Secure by design, with direct-to-cloud workflows and enterprise-grade SLAs at 99.9% reliability. Suitable for broadcast pros? Think committed bandwidth for news, disaster response, sports leagues, and remote productions—slashing costs dramatically! 💰 Antennas start at a compact 18cm², with services rolling out in select nations Q1 2026. Events like this remind us how cloud and satellite tech are reshaping our industry. 🌐 Huge thanks to SMPTE United Kingdom Section, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Techex, John Ellerton, Ian Trow and the speakers for the knowledge drop. 💡 What are your thoughts on TAMS or Kuiper—game-changers or just the start? 🤔 #SMPTE #CloudMedia #BroadcastEngineering #TAMS #ProjectKuiper #IBC2025

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From Broadcast Operations to IT Skills – Learning Windows File Commands As a Broadcast Engineer working in MCR/PCR, managing media files, logs, and system workflows is part of daily operations. In modern broadcast environments, understanding file and directory operations in Windows is very important for: - Managing media content - Handling playout logs - Organizing storage systems - Troubleshooting file-related issues To support this, I created a learning video explaining Windows File & Directory Commands using CMD, including: • cd, dir, mkdir, rmdir • copy, xcopy, robocopy • move, del, ren • type, more, tree • attrib, where These commands are useful not only for IT professionals but also for broadcast engineers working with media servers and playout systems. 📺 Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/g6w5UuEM I’m continuously learning and sharing knowledge about broadcast technology, IT systems, and command-line tools. #BroadcastEngineering #MediaTechnology #ITInfrastructure #WindowsCMD #TechLearning #Playout

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