A smarter approach to remote production workflows   

Signal transport technologies like JPEG XS and HEVC are transforming how production teams manage video streams, delivering high-quality, low-latency content regardless of bandwidth constraints. This shift empowers outside broadcasters to maintain production standards even in challenging environments.Ìę

“ Anybody who’s been involved in the remote production space has learned the lesson that not every venue is built the same. We’re seeing more and more use of low-bit-rate, low-latency, high-quality codecs like HEVC to complement JPEG XS transmissions. So, you can get the same number of streams or even more streams utilizing a fraction of the bandwidth.”
Deon LeCointe, Director of Product, Networked Solutions, Sony

Gone are the days when operators had to travel to every site. Distributed production models allow teams to collaborate from anywhere, with operators virtually connecting to on-site equipment. This approach reduces costs and increases flexibility, allowing creative teams to focus on storytelling rather than logistics.

For Ross Production Services, this shift means 90% of their graphics operators now work from home—proof that production quality doesn’t depend on proximity to a production control center, just a high-quality internet connection. 

“Right now, ninety percent of our shows have graphics operators working at home—they don’t travel anymore. And most of the time, the team connects with the truck remotely to handle everything. It’s a better solution than a traditional REMI setup where you send feeds back to a control room and then back out. By having operators stay home, we’re cutting costs and creating a more streamlined workflow.”
– Stephen Repass, VP of Ross Production Services   

IP & cloud technology: Balancing progress with complexity 

Cloud-based tools are unlocking new possibilities. By moving key production elements to the cloud, teams can take on projects that might have been unfeasible due to budget or logistical constraints. Emerging leagues and digital-first platforms are tapping into these workflows, creating opportunities for growth and innovation.  

“Our clients are always looking for savings, asking how we can reduce costs while maintaining high-quality productions. With cloud-based solutions and distributed workflows, we’ve been able to open new doors and tap into opportunities with more minor leagues and digital-first platforms that might not have had the budget for traditional setups.” 
– Stephen Repass, VP of Ross Production Services   

The transition to IP-based workflows is streamlining live production, but integrating multiple IP standards presents challenges. Companies like NETGEAR are stepping in to simplify the setup, offering tools to manage hybrid networks effectively. For producers, this means less time wrestling with technology and more time creating engaging content. 

“The transition to AV over IP using various codecs, like ST 2110, NDI, and Dante, creates mixed environments that require careful configuration to avoid performance issues. The network should not be a barrier but facilitate the transition to AV over IP, eliminating complexity with certified switch platforms and simplified configurations“
– Laurent Masia, Senior Director of Product Line Management, NETGEAR

What’s next for remote production? 

The future of remote production is filled with potential. The industry is poised for continued transformation, with developments like 5G promising even greater connectivity, and mobile production units like 91ÌÒɫ’s RPS9 bringing more flexibility and advanced capabilities to production sites. 

Technology can only succeed if it’s easy to adopt. Solutions that replicate the feel of a traditional production environment—like ultra-low-latency connections and familiar control surfaces—help operators and clients feel comfortable with new remote or distributed workflows. This balance of innovation and familiarity ensures smooth transitions and reliable outcomes. 

As the panelists emphasized, the key to success lies in creating workflows that adapt to client needs while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The takeaway? The best solutions don’t just save time and money—they elevate storytelling. 

The post Innovating remote production: Insights from 3 industry experts appeared first on 91ÌÒÉ«.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, the Latin American (LATAM) broadcasting sector has faced its share of challenges, from fluctuating cash and credit availability to high interest rates aimed at curbing inflation. Yet, as we enter 2024, LATAM’s live video production landscape is teeming with innovation and is poised for significant growth. As 91ÌÒÉ«’s newly appointed Director of Sales in the region, I’m here to share insights into the transformation we’re witnessing and the opportunities that lie ahead.Ìę

Despite economic hurdles, we’ve adeptly navigated these times by offering our customers flexible solutions through our partnerships, particularly with experienced business partners, system integrators and local graphics agencies like . Now, we observe a shift as customers seek more efficient alternatives to traditional broadcasting equipment. The demand for live video production continues unabated, with sports, news, and festivals continuing to draw substantial audiences. Sectors outside traditional broadcasting are also increasingly leveraging professional video solutions, aiming for the same high-quality outputs that the broadcasting industry delivers.Ìę

LATAM’s vibrant festival and live event scene drives the Outside Broadcasting van market, a segment in which we’ve quickly established leadership. The audience’s eagerness for live experiences post-pandemic is filling venues swiftly, which we anticipate will fuel robust demand for our solutions.Ìę

This year, I am particularly enthused by the infrastructural renewals across LATAM and the growing adoption of IP technology. Our approach balances innovation with cost-effectiveness, ensuring our solutions not only future-proof production operations but also optimize customer investment. Our capability to integrate diverse technologies uniquely positions us in the market. It enables us to address the specific challenges our customers face better than our incumbent competitors.Ìę

The forthcoming NAB Show is a focal point for 2024, offering us a much-needed opportunity to connect face-to-face with our customers, business partners, and system integrators. As LATAM business grows, our team is expanding quickly to be ready to support our customers in realizing their project ambitions, combining technical comfort with sensible and innovative solutions. 

In LATAM, customers frequently confront challenges related to rapid project timelines and the integration of mixed technologies. Enhancing ROI for our customers through our technology is a cornerstone of our strategy. Our commitment to supporting them with the industry’s best technology, technical expertise, and customer support underscores our dedication to their success.ÌęÌę

You can learn more about our solutions and growing LATAM business and connect with me directly at one of the links below: 

The post The Broadcasting Evolution in LATAM: A Director’s Perspective appeared first on 91ÌÒÉ«.

Picture this: a dynamic blend of precision, speed, and creative prowess, all seamlessly orchestrated to bring your events to life like never before. In a world where traditional camera setups limit your vision, discover solutions that can overcome these challenges — robotic cameras. 

Join us as we explore how these cutting-edge systems can propel your live event and video productions to unparalleled heights, offering a new era of audience engagement, immersive shots, and the freedom to explore creative possibilities you’ve only dreamed of before.Ìę

Be More Discreet
One of the primary advantages of using robotic cameras is their ability to eliminate the need for a camera operator and grip, resulting in a more discreet setup. With no obstructions between the audience and the performance, viewers can enjoy an uninterrupted view. This enhanced visibility improves the experience and opens up valuable seating space, which can generate extra revenue. 

By utilizing technology like the Furio+ system’s unique StableTrac platform, operators can ensure smooth and precise movements, even on temporary flooring or uneven track surfaces, allowing for uninterrupted shots without compromising stability. By minimizing the physical footprint, robotic cameras provide an unobtrusive solution that blends seamlessly into the production environment.Ìę

Capture Visuals that are Fast, Dynamic, and Engaging 
Robotic cameras offer the option to pre-program moves and apply presets, resulting in faster, more dynamic, and more engaging visuals. By automating camera movements, event producers can achieve consistent shots with accurate movement from point to point at the push of a button, regardless of the camera’s position. This repeatability ensures that the same captivating shots can be recreated for each performance, enhancing the overall production value. 

With the ability to precisely control pan, tilt, and zoom functions, robotic cameras allow for smooth and seamless transitions between shots, enhancing the visual storytelling of the event. Operators can make manual adjustments on top of programmed movements, offering unmatched flexibility over traditional cameras, and empowering event producers to capture the perfect shots consistently, enabling them to deliver visually stunning and memorable experiences.

Robotic cameras can also be positioned where a staffed camera would be impractical or impossible to reach. That allows event producers to capture perspectives that would otherwise be unattainable. Whether it’s capturing aerial shots, immersive close-ups, or dynamic tracking shots, these looks enhance the production value and unlock new creative possibilities.

Get into Position QuicklyÌę
Compared to manual cameras, robotic systems allow for quicker positioning, enabling producers to cover more shots with a single camera. For example, the Furio+ system can move at speeds of up to 2.5m/s without compromising the quality of the shots. This agility reduces the setup time needed for camera and operator positioning within a specified area.Ìę

Furio+ also includes built-in power bars and cable management features, further simplifying the setup process. By eliminating the need for multiple cameras and operators, event producers can achieve greater efficiency and streamline their workflows, and ensure comprehensive coverage without sacrificing time or quality of the shots.

Create Jib-Like Shots with Minimal Footprint
Robotic camera systems offer the ability to create jib-like shots without requiring significant amounts of space. By using a system like the Furio+, event producers can reduce the real estate required for hardware, thereby increasing their return on investment. The system’s versatile lift height and fast pan and tilt speeds provide opportunities for more creative shots. Whether it’s capturing sweeping arcs or dynamic vertical movements, robotic cameras offer flexibility and precision in achieving jib-like shots. By maximizing the creative potential of camera movements, productions can deliver visually captivating sequences that add depth and excitement to the overall experience.Ìę

Accurately Recall Shots at the Push of a Button
With robotic camera systems, event producers can accurately recall both static and moving shots instantly. This automation reduces the risk of manual errors, increases efficiency, expands creative possibilities, and provides a better return on investment. 

From reproducing specific camera angles to planning out complex movements, robotic cameras ensure consistency and precision in capturing each performance. The ability to recall shots at the push of a button simplifies the production process and allows event producers to focus on other critical aspects of the event. By minimizing the complexity and potential for human error, robotic cameras provide a reliable and efficient solution for achieving consistent and high-quality shots throughout the live event.

Robotic camera systems like the Furio+ offer numerous benefits for live event productions. From enhancing audience visibility and increasing seating capacity to capturing dynamic shots and unique perspectives, these systems revolutionize the way productions are captured. By embracing robotic cameras, event producers can create immersive experiences that leave a lasting impact on audiences. With their versatility, speed, and precision, robotic cameras are a valuable tool for enhancing live event productions and delivering visually stunning performances.

Learn More
91ÌÒÉ« has the most complete robotics offering available, whether you are looking for the unparalleled smoothness of a track-based system, the unbeatable flexibility of a free-roaming pedestal, or the simple efficiency of a standalone pan & tilt head.ÌęAll Ross robotic systems are designed, developed, and manufactured in-house, using state-of-the-art technologies that provide industry-leading accuracy, precision, and payload capacity.

The post Elevate Live Events: The Power of Rail-Based Robotic Cameras appeared first on 91ÌÒÉ«.

Here’s what they said. 

1. Network and Seek Mentorship

The importance of networking and finding support from others who have achieved what you want to achieve is a common thread among our industry experts. 

Stacey Moorcroft, Director of Business Operations – Sports & Live Events, emphasized the need for networking and mentorship: ” The two pieces of advice I give any woman looking to get into any tech space would be to Network and find Mentors. Not only do networking and mentorship provide access to opportunities as you gain a foothold in the industry and look to grow, but they can also offer spaces to be your authentic self and validate your experience.” Ìę

Keri Willis, Director of Business Operations at Ross Production Services, advises: ”ÌęNetwork as much as you can to meet new people from all backgrounds and with different talents, ask questions to get others talking about what they do (so you know if that’s something you’re interested in!), follow your own passion and ensure you love what you do, set boundaries when needed (this can be an especially hard one for women, especially working mothers), and support other women – always.”Ìę

2. Trust Yourself and Be Open-Minded

Trusting in oneself and maintaining an open mind are key factors in achieving success. 

Erica Watts, Director of Communications, underscores the importance of self-belief: “Trust your instincts. No matter what point you’re at in your career, there will come a time when you doubt yourself. Have faith in yourself, you’re on the right path.” 

Chee Nwosu, R&D Operations Specialist, Team Lead, advises keeping an open mind: “Keep an open mind. You most likely have skills that you can utilize in the video production industry.” 

Hayley Farrar, Demonstration Artist and Trainer – EMEA, recommends courage: “Be brave. Brave doesn’t necessarily mean tough or loud, it’s about taking up space and backing yourself.”Ìę

3. Be Curious and Pursue Your Passion

Curiosity and a passion for learning are crucial for success in any industry, particularly one that is evolving as rapidly as video production and broadcasting. 

Maryam Tse, VP Product Development, encourages a broad curiosity: “Be curious about technology, people, sports and entertainment, how things work behind the scenes, how to optimize the way things are done. Connect with people from many walks of life. Imagine what the world might look like 20 years from now, and think about how we can create the future.” 

Hui Min Seow, Technical Support Specialist, APAC, also emphasizes following your passions: “Do not be afraid to pursue your passions. When you are doing what you enjoy, you tend to excel at it.” 

Karen Walker, VP at Camera Motion Systems, highlights the industry’s diversity: “This industry is so diverse, from filming famous and not-so-famous people, to creating innovative technology and solutions, there is something for everyone to get passionate about. You can make a difference.”Ìę

Women are propelling the broadcast industry forward. By amplifying women’s voices and contributions, we believe we can drive innovation and broadcast technology, contributing to a more equitable and vibrant industry. If you’re a woman looking to start a career in video production, be willing to network, trust your instincts, keep an open mind, and pursue your passion, and you will be on track for success. 

The post Career Advice from 8 Women Who Made it in Broadcasting appeared first on 91ÌÒÉ«.

The coordination required by the production crews is worthy of an audience itself. From the Technical Director and replay operators to the content managers, graphics playback teams, and broadcast engineers who bring it all together — the success of the show hinges on their perfectly synchronized teamwork. 

In the realm of Esports, the challenge is even more significant. The presentation of real-time statistics during a live event is critical to delivering a compelling story to fans. However, the lightning-fast pace of Esports is too quick for operators to provide integrated statistics and graphics in real time.  

So, what does the control room dance look like for a premier Esports event? Here’s how one of the most significant events in Esports fans’ calendars does it. 

Behind the Scenes of the IntelÂź Extreme Masters (IEM) Cologne 2023 

Last August, the IntelÂź Extreme Masters (IEM) returned to Cologne, Germany, and Esports fans descended upon the LANXESS Arena for the final three days of the competition, dubbed The Cathedral of Counter-Strike. This significant event in the Esports calendar draws a sizeable live audience and over 700,000 fans online to watch the world’s top Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) teams go head-to-head. 

IEM entrusted Rocket Surgery with adding Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance the production and immerse the audience and fans at home deeper into the action. 

Rocket Surgery accomplished this through a combination of cutting-edge Ross AR technology, including the Voyager Unreal-Based Render Platform, Ultrix routers, a Carbonite Ultra production switcher, and an OpenGear frame equipped with a range of signal processing cards. 

Complementing this array of production room technology was the use of the spidercam cable-based camera system to provide captivating and unique visuals and feed the tracking data required to power the AR visuals. 

A Unique Challenge: Presenting Real-Time Data for Esports 

In addition to the highly skilled operators working together effectively, Esports events require particularly powerful and flexible technology to handle the pace of the action.  

To address the challenge presented by the rapid pace of online gameplay, Ross introduced a tailored solution that combines DashBoard and Datalinq to seamlessly integrate all their video game APIs and devices directly into the production workflow.  

That allowed Rocket Surgery experts to program the custom DashBoard control panel using the RossTalk protocol to enable operators to manage the whole system efficiently and automatically merge inputs and data with AR graphics in real time. Automating the integration of real-time statistics into immersive AR graphics allows IEM to keep Esports fans well-informed and elevate the entertainment value of the show without additional operators. 

AR graphics, powered by state-of-the-art technology, continue to revolutionize Esports and live event productions. The Intel Extreme Masters Cologne event is just one example of how AR is being deployed to build a meaningful story and draw audiences of all live sports and events deeper into the action.  

Subscribe to our blog here to learn about the latest developments in Augmented Reality and live video production first.  

Ross Esports Venue Production Solutions 

Ross offers a comprehensive suite of Esports venue production solutions, ranging from extensive control room hardware to LED content management systems and venue control software. These products are tightly integrated to provide Esports producers with limitless control options for their arena or studio space. 

Learn more about how Augmented Reality solutions from 91ÌÒÉ« can enhance your Esports production at /industries/esports 

The post Elevating your Esports event with virtual solutionsÌę appeared first on 91ÌÒÉ«.

In a dimly-lit control room, the countdown to live begins. LEDs blink, switchboards hum, and news anchors straighten in their seats. It’s a familiar routine – predictable and automatic.

News programming is, by now, a well-oiled machine. But in 2023, audiences expect more. They’re inundated with choices. Viewers not only have endless channels to choose between, but also multiple platforms. Journalists must convince viewers to interact with their stories in a way that captures their interest above and beyond the competition – and that competition is not only between broadcasters, but also against .

More Than Just Words

Supplementing news shows with elements such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and even Extended Reality (XR) graphics could be the answer. More visually engaging content is key to audience understanding. Simply delivering information is not enough – audiences require real-time visualisation and analysis, too.

Consider the impact of election night news programming. The real-time map graphics, charts, and even 3D sets putting journalists in new locations all ensure that audiences understand the impact of every breaking announcement.

According to a study from , humans process images 60,000 times faster than they can process text. As much as 90% of all information transmitted to the brain is visual. It’s no wonder that audiences respond so positively to newsroom graphics – we’re a species of visual learners.

But, delivering these immersive experiences successfully and at pace can be challenging. To incorporate these news technologies and remain competitive, journalists and producers need to explore and adopt new workflow solutions for modern control rooms that help AR, VR, and XR to be built into the process.

Engaging On Every Channel

Promoting active engagement is important not just during the news broadcast itself, but also on other platforms. research found that younger audiences are habitually consuming their news on social media – 50% of US respondents reported using it as a news source on a daily basis.

For broadcasters, this multichannel dilemma means that they need tools and workflows adaptable enough to use across multiple platforms. Implementing graphics is therefore a key element of any modern broadcasting strategy; graphics are versatile and adaptable, and with the right, story-centric workflow, they’re easily repurposed across multiple platforms.

That’s even more relevant in today’s news landscape, where even loyal audiences are hugely dispersed.

It’s vital to equip journalists with a flexible pipeline, allowing broadcasters to reuse elements and make content engaging – no matter where it appears.

The Ross Workflow Solution

Journalists may understandably be concerned at how quickly their ways of working are having to evolve.

And they’re not alone. Technical and production teams are having to consider the potential extra strain on their teams that such evolution could bring – teams that are still recovering from the huge changes in staffing and budgets resulting from the pandemic.

Thankfully, the right partner can provide new capabilities without introducing new pressures. Story-centric workflows and tools with intuitive interfaces are just the start.

In our recent guide to newsroom workflows, we outlined the three key phases of workflow evolution – confident storytelling, clean shows, and rapid iteration. The right workflows make it possible.

This new approach workflows helps to support control rooms in the 24/7, post-Covid era. So, the next time that ‘Live’ countdown begins, you’ll know your journalists are confident they have the tools they need to deliver an engaging story to audiences – no matter where they are.

The post Why journalists need to embrace augmented news programming appeared first on 91ÌÒÉ«.

The following are the reflections of Tedd Tramaloni, Business Development for Production Switchers and Video Servers: 

The Essence of Innovation

The Oxford Dictionary defines “innovation” as “the action or process of innovating,” which, I admit, doesn’t say much. It goes on to list almost thirty synonyms for this “action or process,” including words like “revolution,” “upheaval,” and “transformation.” Innovation, it seems, is an ongoing process rather than a static event. Truly innovative products are not just “shiny and new.” They spark a paradigm shift that can redefine an entire industry or, in extreme cases, life as we know it.  

Carbonite Makes It Debut

Carbonite production switchers debuted at NAB 2011, and during that show alone, over sixty units were ordered — an impressive accomplishment for a new product. The reason for its immediate popularity was evident: Carbonite was not simply a new product. It represented an entirely novel approach to meeting the demand for powerful, efficient, and user-friendly production switchers without breaking the bank.  

After its introduction, the Carbonite line quickly expanded, including Carbonite MultiMedia, which incorporated both digital and HDMI inputs to give users more flexibility. Even more transformative was Carbonite eXtreme, a production switcher housed in a Ross router chassis. This relationship between the switcher and router foreshadowed our current hyperconverged product line, hinting at future innovations. 

Over the years, Carbonite evolved with each generation, driven by faster and more capable FPGA hardware. This evolution brought new features and functionality, many compatible with existing hardware, allowing us to provide no-cost software upgrades to existing users. The next-generation Carbonite Black series, featuring the compact and powerful Carbonite Black Solo, and the Black and Black Plus models, offered feature sets comparable to switchers twice their size and price. Success built upon success, and Carbonite soon claimed its position as the world’s most popular mid-sized production switcher. 

But since innovative thinking is part of the Ross DNA, Carbonite has continued to evolve 
 

Carbonite Evolution Continues

In the last five years alone, three new Carbonite models have been introduced: Carbonite Ultra in 2018, Ultrix Carbonite in 2021, and at NAB 2023, the largest Carbonite switcher ever produced, Carbonite Ultra 60. Each model builds upon the innovative legacy of the original Carbonite, delivering powerful feature sets that address the evolving needs of customers. 

What makes Carbonite “innovative” is not that it provides Mix/Effects Banks or Keyers but that it addresses the real-world demands of small and mid-size facilities with tools designed to help tell engaging stories economically and efficiently.  

Don’t believe us? Hear from a range of customers worldwide who have been on the Carbonite journey with us

Visit us at IBC 2023

Discover new creative possibilities at IBC 2023 with 91ÌÒɫ’s impressive showcase of end-to-end video production solutions, including the all-new Carbonite Ultra 60. As a new class of production switcher from Ross, Ultra 60 delivers big performance in a single cost-effective hardware platform. 

Designed to tackle the most demanding productions, Carbonite Ultra 60 supports an impressive I/O of up to 60×25 in HD or UHD. Its 3RU modular design offers the flexibility to start with fewer inputs and outputs, allowing facilities to prepare for present and future needs. As production requirements grow, easy upgrades become a seamless option. 

To learn more about Carbonite, or any of our other transformative products and services, visit rossvideo.com or join one of the many comprised of end-users who have embraced Ross-inspired innovation in their facilities.

The post Exploring the Carbonite Development Journey: Real-World Innovation appeared first on 91ÌÒÉ«.

1. In what instances would a cable-based system be better suited than a drone, and why?

2. Do cable-based systems require intensive operator training?

3. Are there benefits to using both a cable-based system and a drone in the same application?

4. From an investment perspective, is there a big difference between the two?

Learn More

The spidercam portfolio of robotic camera solutions delivers extraordinary and immersive perspectives for audiences. Spidercam systems are used for sports and live events, concerts, esports, and TV productions around the globe.ÌęTo learn more about spidercam, click here to visit our product page.

The post Cable-Based Camera Systems vs. Drones: Choosing the Right Solution for the Job appeared first on 91ÌÒÉ«.

In a recent Q&A session with Jared Schatz, Senior Vice President of Vertical Markets & Solutions at 91ÌÒÉ«, and Jenn Jarvis, Product Manager for Editorial Workflow at 91ÌÒÉ«, TV Tech Contributing Editor Phil Kurz delved into the hottest trends in news production technology. The discussion revolved around the challenges that broadcasters face in transitioning to story-centric workflows, the role of AI in the newsroom and production control room, and the increasing investment in media asset management workflows. If you missed it, click here to watch the full interview. We’ll summarize the key insights from the interview here and dive deep into today’s top TV trends.

Story-Centric Workflows: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change

The conversation kicked off with a discussion about the transition from rundown-focused newsrooms to story-centric workflows that encompass social media, mobile, and the web. According to Jenn Jarvis, this transition poses two significant challenges for broadcasters. The first is having the right technology that supports story-centric workflows, allowing content to be easily repurposed across multiple platforms. This includes tools for content creation, visibility, and planning. The second challenge is the cultural shift required to implement these changes successfully. Breaking ingrained habits and changing the dynamics of content creation and responsibility can be disruptive but essential for creating more efficient and effective workflows.

Jarvis emphasized the need for a cohesive plan and alignment among the team members to overcome these challenges. While there are different approaches, such as having dedicated digital teams or integrating all teams, education and understanding the nuances of different platforms and audiences are crucial for success. She highlighted the importance of collaboration and the right tools to enable seamless teamwork.

The Role of AI in the Newsroom: Balancing Efficiency and Editorial Judgment

One of the most intriguing aspects of the interview revolved around the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the newsroom. Jarvis pointed out that while AI has been used in newsroom workflows for years, the current shift involves utilizing AI for more abstract tasks that require editorial judgment and creativity. While there are opportunities for AI to assist with repetitive and time-consuming tasks, such as metadata enrichment, speech-to-text, and facial recognition, Jarvis emphasized the importance of focusing on solving workflow problems rather than getting caught up in buzzwords or specific technologies.

Jarvis also highlighted that AI can free up journalists for more impactful work, such as investigative reporting and in-depth research. However, she emphasized the need for human involvement to ensure quality and to make nuanced decisions where AI may fall short. The key is finding the right balance between AI and human expertise.

AI and Machine Learning in Production Control and On-Air Production

Shifting gears to the production control room and on-air production, Jared Schatz shared his insights on the current and future role of AI and machine learning. Schatz noted that many production control rooms already leverage automation, with operators relying on automated systems for various tasks. While experiments with voice recognition and switching using AI have shown promise, Schatz emphasized that human judgment and control are still vital, especially in areas where creativity and timing play crucial roles, such as music cutting and reacting to unexpected events.

Following that, Schatz highlighted several areas where AI and machine learning are already making an impact. For instance, facial tracking and AI-driven graphics generation in sports broadcasting both offer exciting possibilities. He also mentioned experiments with image recognition for video indexing based on elements like jersey numbers. The group also discussed the potential for AI to streamline audio controls and automatically adjust microphones based on environmental cues.

Unlocking the Power of Metadata and Media Asset Management

Another significant trend in newsrooms is the increasing investment in media asset management workflows. Jenn Jarvis highlighted the importance of harnessing metadata to make video archives more searchable and discoverable. While applying metadata to every asset can be time-consuming, AI tools, such as facial recognition and transcription, are being used to automate these processes. However, the cost associated with these tools is still a consideration for many organizations.

Jarvis emphasized the need for a balance between manual and automated metadata processes. While automation can save time and improve efficiency, human review and intervention are necessary to ensure accuracy and relevance. Leveraging AI-powered tools can help accelerate the metadata tagging process, but human oversight is crucial to maintain quality control.

Furthermore, the discussion touched upon the importance of interoperability and integration between different systems in the newsroom. Seamless communication and data exchange between production tools, media asset management systems, and newsroom computer systems enable a more streamlined workflow. This integration allows for easy access to content, efficient collaboration, and faster delivery of news stories across multiple platforms.

The Future of Newsrooms: Collaboration, Agility, and Flexibility

As the conversation progressed, Schatz and Jarvis shared their visions for the future of newsrooms. Collaboration emerged as a recurring theme, with an emphasis on breaking down silos and fostering cross-functional teamwork. The ability for journalists, producers, and editors to seamlessly collaborate, share content, and iterate on stories is becoming increasingly crucial.

Agility and flexibility were also highlighted as essential qualities for newsrooms moving forward. The ability to adapt to changing technologies, audience preferences, and delivery platforms is key to staying competitive. News organizations must be prepared to experiment with new tools, workflows, and storytelling formats to meet the evolving demands of their audience.

Both Schatz and Jarvis expressed excitement about the potential of emerging technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, to transform the newsroom experience. These technologies have the power to enhance storytelling, engage viewers in immersive ways, and bring news stories to life. As the news production landscape continue to evolve, embracing

these trends and leveraging technology effectively will be vital for creating engaging, efficient, and future-ready newsrooms.

Learn More

To gain a comprehensive understanding of these transformative trends and their impact on newsroom technology, we invite you to watch the full interview with TVTech. to access the video and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of news production.

The post Top TV Trends of Today appeared first on 91ÌÒÉ«.

“Hey, can we record this meeting?”. – Certainly an easy task but rarely with engaging results. And the difference between “simply pushing record” and producing something truly engaging often gets brushed aside.

In legislatures and boardrooms worldwide, there’s an undeniable need to capture events: Transparency, increased engagement, accountability, or simply to inform. The viewer, however, will always engage better with something that gets them to feel involved, something that helps them understand the reasons behind what is happening on the screen in front of them – think of the difference between how surveillance would record someone stealing a car and how that would be depicted in a crime drama series.

Meetings can take many forms and serve various purposes: Legislative committees hold meetings, corporate announcements aim to engage employees, and even a group of people in a party are engaging with each other. All these meetings have important implications for individuals who are not physically present.

Legislative bodies have been at the forefront of meeting technology, elevating it from a simple means of demonstrating government transparency into a legal requirement for documenting meetings. Similarly, for keeping the business going and enhancing employee engagement. And as multiple cameras enter the picture, complexity increases while the desire for high production value and image quality grows.

Who should you turn to when it comes to organizing all of this?

Most people start with their IT or AV team, which will certainly do their best to meet your needs. Often, this involves modifying the video conferencing tool and room arrangement to adapt to the new requirements. The result tends to be a convoluted solution with temporary wires, a single person who understands the system, and a significant investment of time and bandwidth leading up to the event.

Often the end result falls short of capturing the true value of the content or being engaging at all.

The next day, someone innocently asks, “Can we record another meeting?” with a simplistic view that it should be easy – This presents interesting challenges because the IT / AV team is suddenly expected to perform like reliable professional broadcasters, but using complicated-looking boxes held together with wires and scotch tape quickly becomes unpalatable, especially when management sets high expectations, or there are legal requirements for consistent meeting footage.

A well-intended but misguided attempt at a solution

Despite being better suited for the task at hand, historically, professional broadcast equipment seemed like the wrong direction for corporate or legislative IT and AV teams, with switchers and control panels resembling something out of the Starship Enterprise intimidating newcomers (no wonder retired switchers have even been used as props in cinema due to their complex-looking nature), IT / AV teams unfamiliar with the manufacturers and skills associated with it, and equipment that are often seen as expensive.

As a result, the focus shifts to the pro-AV market, which in turn presents a bewildering array of different ecosystems, incompatible components, technical specifications and jargon. The end result is often a minimal understanding of the setup, boxes that claim to do the job but disappoint, and the IT/AV team hunting for adaptors to make everything work.

The risky single point of failure

Sometimes, really good in-house systems emerge to solve these issues. These systems leverage the power of good broadcast equipment and tools put together by someone very knowledgeable while providing the end-users with a decent and straightforward experience. However, these solutions are often highly customized and usually a mystery for anyone other than their creator to maintain.

This complexity becomes evident when the system deviates from its strict intended design, and in the real world, we often encounter highly advanced AV meeting rooms that have either been misused or tampered with, which translates to a fairly common “Brian plugged his laptop directly into the screen last week, and it hasn’t worked since.” The reality is, while these systems are helpful, they can still be tricky to configure, operate and maintain.

The best of both worlds

The ideal solution combines the power of broadcast technology with a seamless, intuitive and user-friendly experience. A configurable control system so simple that any user is free to focus on the content without the distraction of worrying about how the equipment fits together. Administrators could effortlessly manage the system without the need for constant rebuilding, while managers could devote their time to producing engaging content rather than juggling compromises. 

One of the fantastic benefits of this simplified approach is the ability to utilize multiple camera angles and positions without having to rearrange the entire room. Instead, the system should adapt to the participants’ and environments’ needs rather than the other way around. This simplicity would open up new possibilities for productions that previously lacked straightforward solutions. 

For instance, a musician operating the system allows their intimate knowledge of the music effortlessly capture an orchestra’s dramatic moments, like a melodic string passage or when the powerful sound of percussion breaks the silence. Now, picture adding robotic cameras to a rehearsal space. Suddenly, orchestras have the ability to release captivating content that drives engagement and even generates revenue. 

Using broadcast-level equipment in your content production workflow not only enhances the overall value of your meetings but also elevates audience engagement. With high-quality content at your disposal, you can steer your objectives toward new horizons, be it creating an efficient archive or establishing an entire channel dedicated to premium content. 

The future is now

91ÌÒÉ« can help you accomplish these goals and more. 

We’re excited to announce that at , we will be unveiling the next generation of our meeting control product, called Quorum. With this innovative solution, legislative bodies and corporations will have the power to take their video productions to new heights.Ìę

Quorum leverages our extensive broadcast expertise to allow you to make the most of your equipment without needing to decipher a sea of buttons, while ensuring you capture the high-quality images you expect. All of this is achieved without the hassle of rebuilding and reconfiguring meeting spaces or isolating specific skill sets. Our control systems are designed to be intuitive, flexible, and seamlessly integrated into your existing spaces and workflows. 

Get ready for an enhanced, engaging, and effortless control experience like never before!Ìę

About Jack Horry

After 20 years of experience, Jack joined Ross in July 2019 as the Automation and Control Specialist as a member of the OverDrive and DashBoard product teams and has since worked with a number of teams to improve the Ross workflow journey. Jack’s is a great resource for information on Ross’s Automation, Control, NRCS, Switchers, and Graphics products.

jack.horry@rossvideo.com

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