Insights & Resources Archives - 91ĚŇÉ« /blog/topic/insights-resources/ Tue, 04 Mar 2025 18:52:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cropped-favicon-e1686711252373-32x32.png Insights & Resources Archives - 91ĚŇÉ« /blog/topic/insights-resources/ 32 32 Camera tally lights: From basic to sophisticated   /blog/camera-tally-lights-from-basic-to-sophisticated/ Tue, 04 Mar 2025 18:51:19 +0000 /?p=86726 Tally light systems are the unsung heroes of every flawlessly executed live broadcast to grace our TV screens. A camera tally light system helps producers organize the …

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Tally light systems are the unsung heroes of every flawlessly executed live broadcast to grace our TV screens. A camera tally light system helps producers organize the cameras, lights, and talent movements while live on-air.   

While today’s tally light systems are highly sophisticated with exceptional capabilities, the early systems were elementary. Dig in as we highlight the incredible transformation of the camera tally light system.   

What was the first camera tally light system?  

The first tally light system was a simple light atop the camera monitor to provide on-air information. These lights were usually red, and they came on to indicate the live camera feed.   

Directors sent cue information to the cameras to let the camera operator and on-air talent know when each camera was live. These tally lights were manually activated. An operator toggled them on or off from the control room.   

TV producers labeled each monitor by writing the camera operators’ names on tape and sticking them on the monitors.   

A brief history of camera tally lights 

Early tally systems were manually-controlled red lights stuck on the top of cameras, with limited functionality. With advancing technology, broadcasters started integrating tally lights with electrical systems, allowing for automatic control and increasing the efficiency of live broadcasts.   

During the digital era of the 1980s, red incandescent bulbs gave way to brighter, longer-lasting LED bulbs. Producers adopted multi-colored systems like red for live and green for preview to create a smooth transition.   

The introduction of software-controlled tally systems in the late 1980s was game-changing. It allowed camera tally systems to interface with routers, mixers, and multiviewers while supporting advanced capabilities.   

Wireless tally systems have led to cordless setups over the last two decades, reducing cable clutter. Advances in technology enable a modern image/video tally system to integrate with broadcasting software and process complex signals.   

What do camera tally lights do today?  

Camera tally systems have dramatically advanced over the last three decades. Today, they’ve evolved into sophisticated communication tools whose capabilities extend beyond controlling cameras.   

They integrate with programmable, software-controlled modules, giving rise to infinite possibilities. That gives them impressive capabilities besides interlinking production equipment such as video mixers, routers, and multiviewers, including:   

  • Operating wirelessly for easier setup and cable-free broadcasting experience   
  • Using multi-colored indicators for seamless transitions  
  • Facilitating remote management to allow technicians to control studio cameras from a central location   
  • Allowing users to build custom broadcasting systems that operate flawlessly using equipment from multiple manufacturers   
  • Automating production processes to allow small studios to operate efficiently with a skeleton crew   
  • Automating crucial tasks that aren’t directly related to broadcasting but affect the quality of the broadcasts   
  • Ensure uninterrupted broadcasting operation by enhancing reliability with backup systems   

The right camera tally system can help you turn every live broadcast into a masterpiece. Learn more about our tally light and control systems here.

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The crucial role of tally light systems in live broadcasting  /blog/the-crucial-role-of-tally-light-systems-in-live-broadcasting/ Tue, 04 Mar 2025 18:49:00 +0000 /?p=86723 Successful live production is an art form that requires TV producers to blend human expertise with technology while making split-second decisions. That’s why tally light systems are …

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Successful live production is an art form that requires TV producers to blend human expertise with technology while making split-second decisions. That’s why tally light systems are a vital component, helping to guide everyone and everything through the complexities of live production. Read on to learn how these systems help producers manage and control the multiple cameras, equipment, and phases involved in modern live video broadcasting.   

What is a tally light system? 

A tally light system is a signaling mechanism that enhances communication during live broadcasts involving multiple cameras. A controller uses a series of visual cues to help the production team, from the directors to the camera operators and on-screen talent, play their roles flawlessly.  

Typically, a tally light is a small signal lamp set on top of a video camera or a monitor, often above the lens or the viewfinder. When a camera is live, the tally light turns red, signaling that its feed is being broadcast to let the on-air talent know which camera to address.  

Modern tally light systems have progressed beyond controlling the tally lights and are more accurately described as tally control systems, covering a wide range of equipment and functionality. Today, we can use the tally system to control virtually every aspect of a live broadcast.  

How does a tally light system work? 

A tally light or control system comprises a controller that integrates with your video production systems. It uses a programmable software interface to communicate and control multiple on-set equipment.  

After receiving signals from routers, video switches, and other production equipment, the system interprets them to determine which camera is live. It then uses color-coded indicators to provide the production crew and the on-stage talent with clear visual clues.  

Tally control systems also integrate with other systems to enrich the broadcasting experience. For instance, you may connect them to your graphics systems and update display information, such as overlays, in real time, and even functions outside of production, like controlling studio windows, blinds, or.  

Their wide variety of control interfaces, Ethernet, Serial, , and the visibility of signal flow make tally control systems extraordinarily versatile and able to act as a core element of a production automation workflow.  

A RESTful interface to a logging system may allow tracking of camera usage throughout a broadcast to help the team assess the correct resource allocations for a production, helping to answer questions like, ‘Did we need to rent that ninth camera that was only on air for eight seconds?’   

Serial interfaces allow extensive control of legacy equipment so that it can be redeployed in less sensitive operations to maximize ROI. GPIs are infinitely flexible, from allowing direct interaction with custom circuits for auto failover to receiving basic error statuses for display on a multiviewer. 

The visibility into the accurate signal flow of the system and the versatility of interfaces and logic make a tally control system the beating heart of any production, supporting operators and the wider team. 

Why do TV productions use tally control systems? 

Broadcasters use tally control systems to build efficient video production workflows. It can automate most production processes while allowing your team to function flawlessly.  

Benefits of using a video tally system include:  

  • A matchless edge when covering live events such as elections, awards, sports, or breaking news  
  • Injecting a “live feel” into regular productions such as games and talk shows with minimal post-production work   
  • Building a bespoke video production system with no brand or manufacturer limitations  
  • Ability to automate most live production processes while enriching viewer experience  
  • Minimizing broadcasting failure to ensure smooth, continuous live broadcasts  

The right choice of a tally control system lets you unlock new heights in your live broadcasting capabilities. Learn more about our tally control systems here.  

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Finding your place in industry: Lessons from sports and sales  /blog/finding-your-place-in-industry-lessons-from-sports-and-sales/ Mon, 03 Mar 2025 16:53:41 +0000 /?p=86683 By Stacey MoorcroftDirector of Business Operations, Global Sports & Live Events, 91ĚŇÉ«  I never really said goodbye to myself as a basketball player. I just transitioned …

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By Stacey Moorcroft
Director of Business Operations, Global Sports & Live Events, 91ĚŇÉ« 

I never really said goodbye to myself as a basketball player. I just transitioned that competitive energy into my career in technology sales. 

When I think about what’s shaped my path in sports broadcasting and live production, it always comes back to teamwork, pressure, and passion — three things I learned early on from basketball. Growing up in Brockville, Ontario, I was lucky to play the sport I loved at a high level. I wasn’t always the leading scorer, but I thrived in defense, blocking shots, setting up my teammates, and doing the work that didn’t always show up on a stat sheet. It turns out that mindset fits perfectly in sales and business operations, too. 

At 91ĚŇÉ«, my role is all about making sure the team wins together. The best sales environments, like the best teams, are built on collaboration. I don’t see success as an individual achievement—it’s about ensuring everyone is set up to do their job. If I do my job right, I’m not just closing a deal — I’m helping our clients put on an incredible live production, and I’m making sure my colleagues have what they need to make that happen. 

Thriving under pressure

Live production is a high-stakes world. There’s always another game, another show, another deadline. There’s no “we’ll do it next week” when a broadcast needs to go live tonight. That’s something I love about this industry — the pressure, the urgency, the feeling that what we do matters. 

I still remember driving equipment across the border on a long weekend to get it to Sunday Night Football on time. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was necessary. And that’s the reality of this industry: sometimes, you step up because there’s no other option. You figure it out, you get it done, and you do it as a team. 

Advocating for clients and building relationships 

One of the biggest misconceptions about sales is that it’s just about pushing a product. But the best sales reps—the ones who really make a difference—aren’t just selling. They’re problem solvers. They’re advocates. They’re working to make sure their customers succeed, whether that’s through technology, support, or just showing up when things go wrong. 

When Bridgestone Arena (home of the Nashville Predators) suffered a flood in their control room, we had to move fast. That’s what really matters in this business; being there when things go sideways. It’s easy to take an order when everything is fine, but real relationships are built when you show up in tough moments. 

Work-life balance and mental health 

For a long time, I didn’t know how to turn that competitive energy off. And it caught up with me. In 2021, I hit burnout. Hard. I was working too much, isolated in my apartment, and suddenly realized that my entire identity had become wrapped up in work. 

That was a wake-up call. I had to learn how to separate my work and personal life — literally, by getting separate phones. I had to figure out when to push hard and when to step back. And honestly? That’s still a work in progress. I was diagnosed with ADHD last year, and it helped me understand why I hyperfocus so much on projects, sometimes at the expense of everything else. Learning how to balance ambition with sustainability has been one of the biggest challenges of my career. 

Advice for young professionals in live video production 

This industry moves fast. There’s always another event, another deal, another opportunity. But if you’re just starting out — especially as a woman in broadcasting or live events — here are some keys I wish I’d known from the beginning: 

  1. Find your people. This industry is built on relationships. Surround yourself with mentors, colleagues, and friends who will support you and push you forward. 
  1. Be the one who shows up. Whether that’s for your clients, your team, or yourself, consistency and reliability will set you apart. 
  1. Know when to step back. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Learn to recognize when you need to recharge before burnout forces you to. 
  1. Advocate for yourself and others. If you’re in a leadership role, take care of your people. If you’re just starting out, find those who will have your back. 
  1. Passion matters, but so does balance. Loving what you do is great, but your career should never be your entire identity. 

At the end of the day, I’m still the same person I was on the basketball court—playing defense, setting up my teammates, and doing what it takes to win. The difference is that now I’ve learned winning isn’t just about hard work. It’s also about showing up for yourself, too. Work hard, be a great teammate, and don’t lose sight of yourself along the way. 


Stacey recently appeared on the “On to Something” podcast with Bryan Fenley, where she tells her story in full. Watch it for free on YouTube below:

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Sports Audience Statistics: The Data Behind Changing Fan Behavior  /blog/sports-audience-statistics-the-data-behind-changing-fan-behavior/ Wed, 12 Feb 2025 20:57:23 +0000 /?p=85865 Sports broadcasting is undergoing a seismic shift, with global audiences consuming live events in new and diverse ways. From multi-screen viewing to the rise of social media …

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Sports broadcasting is undergoing a seismic shift, with global audiences consuming live events in new and diverse ways. From multi-screen viewing to the rise of social media engagement, modern sports fans are more connected—and selective—than ever before. 

According to our recent research, conducted in partnership with , sports audiences are adapting to new technologies and media formats at an unprecedented rate. These behaviour shifts present challenges and opportunities for broadcasters and rights holders. 

Here are some of the most compelling statistics from our latest research and what they mean for the future of live sports production. 

5 Key sports audience statistics you need to know 

1. Traditional TV is still dominant—but digital platforms are closing in  

While 64% of sports fans still prefer watching on television, mobile and tablet viewership is growing fast. In Ireland, 31% of fans now tune in via smartphones, with 28% in the UK following the same trend. 

For broadcasters, this means investing in adaptive content distribution strategies, ensuring that broadcasts are delivered across multiple platforms and devices without sacrificing quality. 

2. Social media engagement during live sports varies widely by region 

  • 47% of Irish viewers browse social media while watching live sports 
  • 15% of German viewers engage with social media during a broadcast 
  • 39% of UK sports fans browse social media for event-related content 

The UK and Ireland lead the way in using social platforms to enhance their viewing experience, while Germany and France remain more focused on the broadcast itself.

3. Multi-screen viewing is now the norm  

Sports fans today don’t just watch one event at a time: 

  • 17% of viewers across Europe watch multiple sports broadcasts simultaneously. 
  • With homes now equipped with multiple devices and screens, broadcasters must optimise content for dual and split-screen experiences, providing real-time goal alerts, live stats, and interactive features alongside the linear feed.

4. Younger audiences want enhanced graphics and real-time data 

  • 48% of 18–34-year-olds want more on-screen statistics and overlays.
  • 61% of French sports fans aged 18–34 want behind-the-scenes content. 
  • 55% want additional camera angles to enhance the viewing experience. 

This demand reflects the increasing gamification of live sports, with fans expecting real-time analytics, player tracking, and interactive features similar to those found in video games. 

5. The power of social sharing in sports broadcasting 

Modern sports fans are not just passive viewers—they are active participants in the conversation: 

  • 31% of European viewers message friends and family about the game while watching. 
  • A growing number of fans in Ireland (39%) and the UK (32%) actively browse social media for event-related content. 

To capitalize on this, broadcasters should integrate shareable highlights, graphics, and real-time social feeds into their coverage. 

The UK and Ireland lead the way in using social platforms to enhance their viewing experience, while Germany and France remain more focused on the broadcast itself.

1. The rise of digital-first sports consumption 

Live sports are no longer confined to linear broadcast channels. With streaming services like Amazon Prime securing Champions League rights and Apple TV offering MLS games, digital platforms are now major players in the industry. 

2. Interactive, data-driven broadcasts will drive engagement 

Sports fans expect more than just live footage—they want real-time stats, analytics, and visual enhancements. Investing in AR/VR overlays, data-driven live graphics, and alternative camera angles can enhance the viewing experience. 

3. Social media integration is key to audience retention 

With nearly half of young sports fans browsing social media during broadcasts, broadcasters should embrace second-screen engagement strategies, such as: 

  • Live social media polls 
  • Interactive Q&As with analysts
  • AI-generated highlight clips for instant sharing

Download the full report: A Definitive Guide to the Modern Sports Viewer 

These statistics only scratch the surface of how sports audiences are evolving. For a deeper dive into the data, download our exclusive Sports Audience Statistics Report, packed with insights on: 

  • The most-watched sports across Europe 
  • Generational differences in sports consumption
  • How betting influences live viewership 
  • Future trends shaping sports broadcasting 

Download the full research here and stay ahead of the game 

The modern sports viewer is more connected, engaged, and demanding than ever before. By understanding these audience trends, broadcasters, brands, and sports organisations can refine their strategies to create immersive, interactive, high-impact live sports experiences. 

Stay tuned for more insights into the future of sports broadcasting—because the way we watch sports is changing fast. 

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New Report: A Definitive Guide to the Modern Sports Viewer  /blog/new-report-a-definitive-guide-to-the-modern-sports-viewer/ Wed, 12 Feb 2025 20:56:46 +0000 /?p=85880 Our latest research into sports audiences’ viewing habits reveals a fundamental shift in how fans consume live sports. No longer confined to linear television, sports consumption is …

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Our latest research into sports audiences’ viewing habits reveals a fundamental shift in how fans consume live sports. No longer confined to linear television, sports consumption is increasingly shifting towards digital platforms, interactive content, and social media-driven engagement.  

Broadcasters, leagues, and rights holders must embrace these shifts or risk losing relevance in an era where fans demand more than just live footage—they crave immersive, data-driven experiences. 

Download the complete research report on sports audiences’ viewing habits here. 

Digital-first sports consumption is the new norm 

Traditional TV remains a stronghold in the sporting world, with 64% of fans still preferring television for live events. However, the rapid rise of mobile streaming and digital-first viewing is reshaping the industry.

For sports broadcasters, this shift is both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge lies in adapting distribution strategies to an audience that expects flexibility, accessibility, and high-quality content across multiple screens. The opportunity? Digital-first experiences open new revenue streams through targeted advertising, interactive sponsorships, and direct-to-consumer subscription models. 

The power of real-time data and enhanced visuals 

One of the most compelling developments in modern sports broadcasting is the demand for real-time statistics, advanced graphics, and more camera angles. Younger audiences, particularly those aged 18–34, overwhelmingly favour broadcasts that incorporate overlaid statistics and graphical enhancements to enrich their viewing experience. 

This reflects a broader trend: sports broadcasting is becoming increasingly gamified, taking inspiration from esports and video game interfaces. Features such as player tracking, AI-driven insights, and augmented reality overlays enhance the storytelling element of live sports, keeping fans engaged beyond the basic play-by-play coverage. 

For broadcasters, investing in data-driven storytelling isn’t just a value-add—it’s an imperative. Those who leverage AI-generated insights and real-time performance analytics will differentiate themselves in a crowded content landscape. 

Social media: The second screen experience 

Fans of sport are increasingly active participants in the conversation. Social media plays a crucial role in audience engagement, with 47% of Irish viewers browsing social platforms during live sports. Many fans in the UK and Ireland discuss the game in real-time through messaging apps or public social feeds. 

This has significant implications for sports broadcasters. A well-executed second-screen strategy—integrating live social media polls, interactive Q&As, and AI-generated highlight clips—can drive deeper audience interaction, increase engagement and viewing time, and create opportunities for sponsored engagement.  

The road ahead for sports broadcasting 

The future of sports broadcasting belongs to those who can seamlessly blend linear and digital-first distribution, interactive content, real-time analytics, and social media engagement. Broadcasters who resist these changes may struggle to maintain relevance, while those who embrace innovation will likely capture the next generation of fans of sport. 

Download the full report: A Definitive Guide to the Modern Sports Viewer 

These statistics only scratch the surface of how sports audiences are evolving. For a deeper dive into the data, download our exclusive Sports Audience Research, packed with insights on: 

  • The most-watched sports across Europe 
  • Generational differences in sports consumption 
  • Future trends shaping sports broadcasting 

Download the full guide here for free and stay ahead of the game. 

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Scaling Heights: How QTV Became Scotland’s Premier Sports Broadcaster /blog/scaling-heights-how-qtv-became-scotlands-premier-sports-broadcaster/ Fri, 07 Feb 2025 21:18:12 +0000 /?p=83543 In the past five years, QTV has gone from a modest streaming outfit to Scotland’s largest outside sports broadcast provider, delivering over 500 high-profile events annually. This …

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In the past five years, has gone from a modest streaming outfit to Scotland’s largest outside sports broadcast provider, delivering over 500 high-profile events annually. This remarkable transformation is a story of ambition, innovation, and resilience—a journey driven by a love for sport, a commitment to sustainability, and an openness to new technology. 

In a recent panel discussion at the Broadcast Sport Summit, QTV’s Chief Technology Officer, Gareth Gordon, and Jonathan Lyth, Former Group Chief Technology Officer with ES Broadcast Group, discuss the benefits of modular broadcast technology that can scale alongside the demands of modern productions.

QTV is an award-winning production company and Scotland’s premier independent outside broadcaster

Building a scalable model for sports broadcasting 

At its core, QTV’s success has been about amplifying Scottish sports. As Gareth Gordon, Chief Technology Officer at QTV, put it, “We have a deep passion for Scottish sports and a drive to increase visibility for these events.” This vision inspired a shift from single-camera streaming to a fully-fledged outside broadcast production company capable of servicing Tier 2 and Tier 3 sports alike. 

QTV’s strategy centred on a remote production model, connecting their events through a centralised hub at Clydesdale House. This “hive mind” approach improved operational efficiency and enabled their most experienced engineers to troubleshoot remotely. 

“We were able to deliver three seasons of SPFL and two seasons of VAR with zero connectivity failures,” Gareth shared a testament to the reliability of their infrastructure. By focusing on centralisation and modular technology, QTV built a scalable operation that ensured cost-effective growth without compromising quality. 

Partnerships played a pivotal role. Collaborations with 91ĚŇÉ«, ES Broadcast and BT Media & Broadcast helped QTV establish modular systems that grew with their needs while keeping initial capital investment manageable. Gareth emphasised, “Ross is also a big part of the journey we’ve gone through. From a router in the back of an industrial unit to a fully-fledged production facility, we scaled step by step with their modular approach.” 

These partnerships were more than technical; they were strategic. 91ĚŇɫ’s Ultrix platform offered the ability to incrementally upgrade, allowing QTV to expand capabilities quickly using their existing hardware, providing excellent ROI while keeping up with technological demands. 

Ultrix Advanced Routing Sytems (FR1, FR2, FR5, FR12 Models)

Maintaining quality amid rapid growth 

Scaling quickly often risks sacrificing quality, but QTV managed to maintain exceptional broadcast standards by building a robust network infrastructure that connected their remote sites to a central hub. This centralised system meant their most experienced engineers could troubleshoot issues remotely, ensuring consistent quality across all broadcasts. Their commitment to reliability is evident from their track record. Over multiple seasons, they had zero connectivity failures, even as they expanded their coverage to include major broadcasters and introduced new technologies like VAR.   

Reflecting on the early days, Gareth recalled walking into what he described as a “tin shed” operation during COVID. “Someone was managing four camera inputs into a vMix PC, operating replays, graphics, sound, and directing—all on their own. Coming from my background at the BBC and supervising events like the Champions League, I was floored by what they were able to achieve. The passion and ingenuity I saw convinced me this was something to build upon.” 

Managing finances was a big part of QTV’s growth story. They had to expand their capabilities without letting costs spiral out of control. By investing in modular technology and working closely with partners who understood their financial constraints, QTV could scale step by step.     

Sustainability as a core principle 

Sustainability wasn’t an afterthought for QTV—it was a guiding principle. From reducing emissions in operations to rethinking their fleet, QTV prioritised environmental impact. They even designed their vehicles and equipment setups to minimise environmental impact. “Our vehicles for SPFL are designed to minimise weight and copper use,” Gareth explained. “We even installed power at the stadiums we serve, so we wouldn’t need generators.”  

Their centralised hub model also meant fewer people travelling to site, and less equipment to transport around, also helping to reduce emissions. Looking ahead, QTV is exploring fully electric vehicles for future operations, supported by partners like ES Broadcast and 91ĚŇÉ«.    

Lessons in collaboration and innovation 

For QTV, success has been a team effort. Their growth is a story of trusted partnerships—with 91ĚŇÉ«, ES Broadcast, and their network of technology vendors. These partnerships provided the technology, flexibility, and support QTV needed to deliver high-quality productions while scaling sustainably. 

QTV’s journey offers key lessons for broadcasters navigating rapid growth: 

1. Embrace partnerships that enable scalable, sustainable growth without accumulating technical debt. 

2. Invest in centralised infrastructure to ensure consistent quality and efficient troubleshooting across multiple production locations. 

3. Make sustainability a core strategy, not an afterthought. 

4. Trust your people and technology, fostering collaboration with technology vendors and partners to drive innovation. 

As Gareth put it, the future is about building on these lessons: “We aim to continue growing and learning, taking what we’ve achieved and going further.” 

From a small outside broadcaster to Scotland’s leading sport producer, QTV’s story is a testament to strategic planning, innovation, and a relentless commitment to sharing the best of Scottish sport with the world. 

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Keep the Cameras Rolling: How to Avoid Downtime During Tech Transitions /blog/keep-the-cameras-rolling-how-to-avoid-downtime-during-tech-transitions/ Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:35:05 +0000 /?p=83556 Your essential guide to navigating live video production technology upgrades and replacement.  Upgrading your production tech stack is crucial for improving workflows, enhancing content quality, and staying …

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Your essential guide to navigating live video production technology upgrades and replacement. 

Upgrading your production tech stack is crucial for improving workflows, enhancing content quality, and staying competitive. But how do you ensure a smooth transition without downtime or operational disruptions? 

To help, we’ve created a comprehensive guide that explores the challenges of production technology upgrades and offers actionable strategies for achieving continuity throughout the process. 

What to Expect:

91ĚŇɫ’s Zero Downtime guide is packed with expert insights to help you plan, execute, and future-proof your technology upgrades with minimal risks. 

In this guide, you’ll find practical advice on: 

  • Addressing compatibility issues and operational risks 
  • Planning workflows and timelines to avoid downtime
  • Choosing the right technology partner

Building a future-proof tech stack that evolves with your needs 

Who Should Read This Guide?

  • Broadcast engineers & production managers 
  • Station managers and directors 
  • Solutions integrators and operations teams  

Download your free guide here for a detailed roadmap to keeping operations running smoothly while upgrading your production tech stack. 

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How 91ĚŇÉ« Ensures Reliability for Broadcasters When it Matters Most   /blog/how-ross-video-ensures-reliability-for-broadcasters-when-it-matters-most/ Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:32:13 +0000 /?p=83663 Live broadcast and media organizations operate in a high-stakes, high-competition environment where every second matters. At the heart of their success are the trusted partnerships they build …

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Live broadcast and media organizations operate in a high-stakes, high-competition environment where every second matters. At the heart of their success are the trusted partnerships they build with technology providers, who ensure reliability and help them shine during high-profile events. These successes strengthen audience relationships, build stakeholder trust, and ultimately elevate their brand. 

Broadcasters need technology partners that can help to guarantee stability and reliability in this high-pressure environment. 91ĚŇÉ« has built its reputation as a partner that helps broadcasters achieve their best. This article will explore why reliability in critical broadcast operations is so important and how partnering with 91ĚŇÉ« ensures not just operational stability, but the ability to shine in high-pressure moments. 

RĂšV, Iceland’s national public-service broadcaster, uses 91ĚŇÉ«’s OverDrive Automated Production Control (APC) and Raiden weather graphics systems.

Problem: downtime leads to financial and reputational losses 

While broadcasters strive to avoid downtime, their success often hinges on small wins—delivering flawless broadcasts, incorporating creative elements that elevate their content, and exceeding expectations during high-pressure events. These moments build trust with viewers, advertisers, and stakeholders, solidifying a broadcaster’s reputation in a competitive industry. 

In live events, where every second counts, even the smallest technical failure can lead to catastrophic consequences, with financial losses piling up fast. An extreme example would be an outage during the NFL’s Sunday Night Football coverage. An outage would upset millions of fans and directly impact high-profile advertisers who pay a staggering during these broadcasts.  

An outage of that magnitude doesn’t just cause short-term headaches. It causes potentially irreparable damage to the trust that viewers and advertisers have for that broadcaster, leading to long-term revenue losses, a potential decline in viewership, and strained partnerships and investor relations.  

This, of course, is an extreme example. However, broadcasters know that trust is built over time, often through small, consistent wins that ensure reliable broadcasts and create opportunities to deliver something extra—a creative edge that leaves a lasting impression. 

The reality for broadcasters is that viewers expect real-time content with zero interruptions. Miss a key moment in a live event, and audiences will quickly switch channels or platforms. Audiences are unforgiving—one failure can turn a loyal viewer into a competitor’s viewer for life. 

But, as mentioned, the real cost of unreliable broadcast systems often emerges over time. While issues can create challenges, they also provide opportunities for broadcasters to strengthen trust with their stakeholders—when equipped with the right technology and support to consistently deliver.   

If those issues are ongoing, constant cycles of troubleshooting and fixing can drain resources and drive up the cost of operations. Failing systems will need to be replaced, and partnering with the wrong company may require you to replace that equipment sooner than expected. 

In an industry where reliability is everything, outage-prone technology isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a liability that broadcasters simply can’t afford. 

Solution: partnering with a reliable technology partner 

To mitigate the risks of downtimes, broadcasters should actively seek partners with a strong track record in technological innovation and reliability.  

The importance of reliability in broadcasting is obvious. This is how you ensure that your operations run smoothly, even during peak events and periods of high stress on your systems.  

Innovation, however, is equally important. Technology companies that prioritize innovation allow you to continuously evolve and improve your broadcast content and engagement strategies, helping you stay ahead of the competition and pivot as the market changes.  

Innovation built on top of reliability is the one-two punch that all broadcasters deserve. This allows them to extend beyond their status quo and test new broadcasting techniques and platforms, while being confident that their technology stack will be able to handle the extra workload.  

In this context, let’s look at the specific benefits of partnering with a company like 91ĚŇÉ«, where reliable technology and a dedicated team work together to ensure your broadcasts stay on the air, no matter what. 

Here are four specific benefits of doing so. 

  1. Consistent reliability builds trust at every level. Viewers rely on broadcasters for uninterrupted content, and broadcasters rely on trusted technology partners like 91ĚŇÉ« to deliver results. By helping our customers pull off flawless daily operations and standout moments, we help them build trust with their audiences and stakeholders. Whether it’s a major sports event or breaking news, trust is broken when a broadcast falters. Audiences won’t hesitate to switch to a competitor’s channel, and it’s hard to win them back once they’re gone. By working with a technology partner that prioritizes reliability, broadcasters ensure their viewers stick with them because they know they’ll get uninterrupted, high-quality coverage every time. 
  1. Reliability reduces costs and maximizes efficiency. When technology works as expected, you spend less time troubleshooting, replace equipment less frequently, and ultimately reduce the occurrence of costly emergency maintenance. 91ĚŇɫ’s modern broadcast technology is designed to mitigate downtime risks. This kind of reliability cuts down on operational disruptions, preventing the financial hits that come with unexpected downtime.  
  1. Reliability and innovation allow you to focus on content, not problems. When broadcasters can trust their systems, their focus shifts from managing technical issues to creating high-quality content. Productivity also increases when technical teams aren’t always fighting fires. Reliable technology partners like 91ĚŇÉ« make this possible by ensuring that broadcasters can run their operations smoothly, without the distractions of failing equipment or operational breakdowns. 
  1. Ultimately, you get stronger ROI over time. Investing in reliable broadcast technology delivers long-term ROI by reducing operational costs and minimizing frequent system replacements. Over time, broadcasters benefit from fewer emergency repairs and less downtime, allowing for greater productivity and profitability. And, most importantly, fewer (or no) downtime means fewer (or no) catastrophic hits to revenue or viewership.  

We’ve touched on how 91ĚŇÉ« helps to deliver the right blend of reliability and innovation above. Now, let’s explore how we do that in more detail.  

91ĚŇɫ’s long track record of operational reliability  

At 91ĚŇÉ«, we take immense pride in the technology we deliver and the people who stand behind it. We understand the rigorous demands of live broadcasting and collaborate closely with our customers to ensure their success—technologically and operationally. We’ve worked hard over decades to establish ourselves as a broadcast technology leader, focusing on building trustworthy and reliable technology in high-pressure broadcast environments.  

Here’s how we’ve done it.  

Decades of industry expertise 

91ĚŇÉ« brings five decades of experience in the broadcast industry, crafting technology solutions that are not only cutting-edge but built to withstand the rigours of continuous live broadcasting. Every day, Ross products power live production for billions of viewers around the world for news companies like BBC World and SKY, sports organizations like the MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL, and awards shows like the Oscars and Grammys.  

This experience means Ross knows exactly what broadcasters need in terms of reliability and performance at the highest levels of the broadcast industry, and we have a deep network of clients, partners, and industry experts to draw input from when developing new offers.  

Rigorous testing and quality control 

Every piece of technology that Ross develops undergoes rigorous testing and quality control, starting at the design phase and flowing through to manufacturing. Our in-house manufacturing capabilities ensure that every product is built to the highest quality standards, providing reliability and performance that our customers can depend on. 

This commitment goes beyond meeting industry standards and regulations. It reflects our dedication to creating products that can withstand the most demanding broadcast conditions—from the unpredictability of live sports to the ruggedness of in-field reporting and the precision required in breaking news coverage. 

Built-in risk management capabilities 

91ĚŇɫ’s approach to risk management is built into every stage of our vertically integrated operations—from market research and design to manufacturing and onsite services. This end-to-end integration ensures that our products are designed to meet the rigorous demands of 24/7 operations and crafted with features that actively mitigate risks. 

Round-the-clock global customer support  

In addition to technical stability and redundancy, Ross has support systems in place to help ensure systems remain steady during live events and peak broadcast periods. We provide 24/7 global customer support, meaning that broadcast operators are never left without immediate assistance during a critical event. 

Products built to handle the toughest conditions 

The 91ĚŇÉ« team handles all stages of production and manufacturing for our suite of products, helping us ensure that they are well-crafted and able to withstand the toughest and most demanding broadcast conditions.  

Each product is designed to handle continuous live production without missing a beat or losing connection with other components in the broadcast tech stack. This is true for all of our on-premise broadcast products. 

Continuous improvement and innovation 

We’re committed to continuous improvement and innovation in our products and production suites, backed by always-on feedback loops from customers and industry partners.  

This continuous drive for improvement and innovation means that broadcasters always have access to the latest updates, features, security, and industry advancements, helping them stay ahead of the competition and consumer demands—all while ensuring their broadcast systems are stable and secure.  

The real-world impact of reliable broadcast technology  

Broadcasts around the world—more than 100 countries, to be more specific—rely on 91ĚŇÉ« technology for both its production quality and stability.  

CINELIVE, a mobile production company in North America, is one example. Before partnering with 91ĚŇÉ«, they faced significant challenges managing diverse production needs across multiple verticals,  including corporate AV, traditional networks, and Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD).  

CINELIVE – Live Mobile Production Unit

By integrating 91ĚŇɫ’s Ultrix platform, CINELIVE was able to optimize its mobile production truck for 4K HDR content, saving thousands in setup costs and streamlining operations with the ability to handle multiple streams simultaneously.  

This allowed them to deliver high-quality broadcasts for major live sports events and concerts, while minimizing complexity and ensuring reliability  and uptime across every production cycle.  


“We talked to a lot of different manufacturers, and when you compare apples to apples, it was an absolute no-brainer that Ross Hyperconverged Ultrix with Acuity was the answer for us. Not just from a dollar amount but for the quality.  

— Zack Pittman, President, CINELIVE 


QTV is another example. They’re a leading sports broadcasting company in Scotland who needed scalable and reliable technology to handle its growing operations, particularly during high-pressure live events.  

QTV is an award-winning production company and Scotland’s leading independent outside broadcast facility.

By leveraging 91ĚŇÉ«’s Ultrix FR2 router and Carbonite production switcher, QTV significantly expanded its coverage capabilities, delivering seamless sports broadcasts. The flexibility of 91ĚŇÉ«’s technology allowed them to scale without replacing hardware, leading to operational efficiency and long-term financial benefits.  


“Our partnership with 91ĚŇÉ« and ES Broadcast has been a game-changer for us at QTV. Their cutting-edge solutions have not only allowed us to produce top-quality content but have been instrumental in our expansion and success in the sports broadcasting sector. Their exceptional support and innovation are invaluable to our operations, and we look forward to many more years of successful cooperation.” 

— Gareth Gordon, Chief Technology Officer at QTV. 


QTV’s turnover grew from ÂŁ1.7 million in 2018 to ÂŁ5.3 million in 2023, demonstrating the substantial impact of investing in 91ĚŇÉ«’s reliable solutions  

Partner with a reliable broadcast technology provider today 

Broadcasting is a high-stakes, ever-changing industry where success depends on trust—trust in technology and in the team behind it. At 91ĚŇÉ«, we don’t just provide reliable tools; we provide a dedicated partnership to help you shine. Whether it’s pulling off a high-profile event or elevating your daily broadcasts, we’re here to ensure your success every step of the way.

91ĚŇÉ« has five decades of experience as an innovation and reliability leader in broadcast technology. Our technology drives broadcast experiences for billions of viewers and supports the biggest events in the world.  

Broadcasters can’t compromise on uptime, and shouldn’t compromise on the technology partnerships they keep. 

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The Importance of Reliability in Critical Broadcast Operations   /blog/the-importance-of-reliability-in-critical-broadcast-operations/ Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:30:17 +0000 /?p=83658 Consumers today expect broadcast content to be available whenever, and wherever they want. Broadcasters are under increasing pressure to create and disseminate content in real-time and on-demand …

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Consumers today expect broadcast content to be available whenever, and wherever they want. Broadcasters are under increasing pressure to create and disseminate content in real-time and on-demand across an ever-growing number of platforms and formats. If they don’t, their competitors will. 

In this environment, downtime is not an option, and reliable broadcast operations are a must. This article will explore the impact of broadcast outages and the resulting downtime and explain what to look for in a technology partner to prevent it.  

Key challenges facing media companies today

The broadcast industry faces a litany of challenges today that impact both business viability and production quality. Mounting consumer expectations and an increasingly complex broadcasting landscape continuously put pressure on broadcasters to be everywhere, all the time.  

Some factors at play include:  

Increased audience demand for instantaneous and continuous coverage 

Consumer habits have shifted dramatically over the past three decades thanks to the rise in handheld mobile devices, streaming platforms, and near-universal access to WiFi or network connections. In this landscape, consumers expect instant access to live and on-demand content across multiple platforms.  

This expectation for real-time and packaged content amplifies the pressures on media companies to maintain flawless operations and uptime, while also producing high-quality and engaging content for a growing list of platforms and devices.  

Increasingly complex production demands  

Because of this evolving—and accelerating—consumer landscape, production workflows have also become more complex. Production techniques have had to evolve to keep pace with what consumers expect from certain platforms, meaning the technology that’s used to create that content also needs to evolve.  

To create more engaging and dynamic content, broadcasters may expand their production stack to include more dynamic camera shots and moves, AR graphics, and other interactive visual elements. Production workflows may also pivot from on-premise to cloud or hybrid environments. As this complexity ramps up, more possible points of failure emerge. 

91ĚŇÉ«’s Voyager virtual graphics engine

Steep competition and budget constraints 

This increased demand comes against a backdrop of steeper competition and budget constraints in the broadcasting industry—particularly in news production.  

In this environment, organizations have to make the most out of the revenue they have. They must be intelligent to boost the quality of their content, the efficiency of their workflows, and their ability to disseminate across multiple channels in real-time and on-demand. This is on top of the need to work remotely in an increasingly dispersed talent environment.  

Downtime is not an option. It’s a high-pressure, high-paced world with significant consumer demands and an ever-deepening competitive market that includes content creators from outside of traditional broadcasting channels.  

The consequences of operational failure in broadcasting 

The impact of technology downtime is felt in virtually every business, in every sector. Society has become deeply dependent on our technology infrastructure, making even the smallest outage a major inconvenience.  

Broadcasters, however, face even heavier pressures to remain operational at all times. When other platforms go down, broadcasters are expected to be the source of real-time information. If they’re down, too, the impact on the company’s reputation can be severe. 

Here are four consequences of significant operational failures in broadcasting.  

  1. Loss of audience trust and engagement. When downtime or technical failures occur, audiences lose confidence in the broadcaster’s ability to deliver consistent, high-quality content. In a crowded media landscape, viewers are quick to switch to competitors, leading to a loss in both immediate and future viewership. This can mean a reduction in live viewership and decreased loyalty over time, weakening the broadcaster’s position in the market.  
  1. Financial and contractual ramifications. Live broadcasts, especially high-profile events, are tied directly to advertising revenue. For instance, the during the NFL’s Sunday Night Football in the 2023/2024 season was around $882,000. A single broadcast failure during such a high-stakes event can lead to massive financial losses, and even expose the broadcaster to legal complications and strained relationships with current and future advertisers.  
  1. Missed opportunities for exclusive coverage. When broadcasters experience downtime during live events or breaking news, they miss out on delivering exclusive, real-time coverage. This can result in lost opportunities for major scoops or key moments that attract high viewership, especially for news organizations. Competitors with more reliable systems may capitalize on these moments, gaining a reputation and audience advantage, leaving the original broadcaster with diminished viewership and industry relevance. 
  1. Increased operational costs. Frequent technical issues lead to downtime and raise the overall cost of operations. Emergency repairs, replacement of faulty equipment, and constant troubleshooting demand additional financial resources, which exponentially raise the cost of downtime. Moreover, downtime increases the need for overtime work or hiring additional technical staff to manage crises, further inflating operational budgets.  

The above is a list of worst-case scenarios. Operational failure, however, can come in much smaller packages, like accidentally putting up the wrong camera shot or consistent lag time in a specific production workflow. These minor operational failures can add to significant time loss and headaches for engineering and production teams. While less dramatic, they’re still costly in the long run.  

Downtime is seriously costly on a variety of different fronts. Over time, these costs accumulate, making it harder for companies to maintain profitability while still investing in future technological innovations. Unfortunately, while the cost of downtime is severe, there is no shortage of factors that might cause it.  

Internal and external factors threatening media operations 

Broadcasters face a variety of internal and external factors that increase complexity and introduce new points of potential failure. These factors—and potential failure points—must be identified and actively controlled to avoid costly downtime.  

Internal factors include:  

  • Managing broadcast gear and IT systems in the cloud or on-premise. Balancing on-premise and cloud systems can lead to inefficiencies and disruptions if not managed properly. This is an example of how accelerating consumer demands can lead to a rapid, and potentially uncontrolled, adoption of complex broadcasting infrastructure that can introduce complexity and failure points.  
  • Maintaining performance with leaner teams. At the same time as this growing technological complexity, broadcasters are facing budget constraints that often require them to shrink and decentralize their production teams. Smaller, remote teams face increased pressure to produce content faster, and on increasingly complex infrastructures. Without streamlined tools and proper training, companies risk broadcast delays, diminished performance and content quality, and errors that may lead to downtime. 
  • Skills gaps when adopting new technologies. As media production increasingly relies on advanced technologies, a lack of skilled personnel can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. 

At the same time, companies face a variety of external factors, including:  

  • Technological disruptions and cybersecurity threats. Events like the , which impacted thousands of businesses globally and caused mass downtime for dozens of broadcasters, demonstrate the severe risks of unplanned system failures. The incident caused a global ripple effect, with financial damages estimated to exceed $10 billion​. Without proper security and redundancy measures in place to mitigate against future events, media companies face similar risks of financial and reputational harm due to system outages or cyber-attacks. 
  • Competitor pressure to innovate. Consumer demand and platform variety fuel innovations in content delivery, with major broadcasters leading the charge. Major, widely adopted innovations create a new standard in content consumption, which ramps up expectations for smaller broadcasters to follow suit. Failing to keep up with technological advancements can result in losing market share and relevance, making it harder to attract and retain audiences. 
  • Supply chain and equipment shortages. Delays in sourcing critical equipment can stall production and lead to missed deadlines, especially in live events where timing is essential. This was made especially apparent during the pandemic when the global economy. In this environment, cloud and hybrid deployments became a necessity, forcing many companies—and broadcasters—to rapidly pivot their tech stacks.  

While companies can, and do, take steps to mitigate the challenges listed above, the reality is that growing complexity and diversified threats to infrastructure stability introduce a variety of potential failure points. The best way to prevent them is to partner with a trustworthy broadcast technology partner that understands the importance of uptime, and has built their products and services around the promise of reliability.  

What to look for in a trustworthy broadcast technology partner 

To ensure reliability in critical broadcast operations, you need a partner with a proven track record of delivering consistent performance under pressure.  

Systems must be designed for uptime with rigorous failover strategies that keep broadcasts running smoothly even when issues arise. The ability to handle live, high-stakes events without failure is non-negotiable. 

Your technology partner must provide reliable systems and adapt to the constantly changing broadcasting landscape. Innovation is key, but it must be balanced with stability.  

Partners who embrace cutting-edge advancements like cloud integration and IP workflows without sacrificing reliability are the ones who will help you future-proof your operations. The ability to evolve while maintaining performance is critical in an industry where staying ahead is essential for survival. 

To help you find that perfect broadcast technology partner, look for:  

  • A history of reliable performance. Choose partners with a proven track record of consistent uptime, backed by case studies and testimonials from similar broadcasters. This provides confidence that they can handle demanding conditions without downtime. 
  • Round-the-clock support. Ensure your partner offers 24/7 customer service with dedicated teams ready to troubleshoot. Quick response times prevent small issues from escalating into costly failures. 
  • Industry-specific knowledge. A strong technology partner should understand the unique challenges of broadcasting and offer customized solutions tailored to your specific workflows, whether for live news or sports. 
  • Robustness and redundancy. Broadcast systems must be built with robust and rugged systems to withstand demanding broadcast environments and resource usage. Integrated workflows and automation also help minimize human error. 
  • Active security protection. Modern broadcast technology is vulnerable to a broad range of security threats that can compromise systems and data. Look for providers that prioritize hardware and network security as part of their offering, and actively push out updates to their products to ensure ongoing protection.  
  • Training and support. A trustworthy partner prioritizes training to ensure teams are prepared to handle unexpected issues in real time, helping keep broadcasts seamless even in high-pressure situations. Training and support experts don’t just know the products, but also deeply understand the industry and the challenges that engineers and operators face. This allows them to support both technical issues, and offer guidance on how to solve wider workflow problems.  

Trust is built on reliability. In the world of broadcasting, you need partners who are as dependable as the systems they provide. Choosing a partner with proven reliability, comprehensive support, and the ability to adapt to your needs ensures that your broadcasts remain smooth, high-quality, and on the air, no matter the stakes. 


The Ins & Outs of Today’s Signal Transport

As the Media & Entertainment (M&E) industry stands at the crossroads of technological transformation, the choices you make today will define your operational success in the future.  

Whether you’re planning to build or upgrade new facilities, our comprehensive whitepaper, “The Ins & Outs of Today’s Signal Transport,” provides the essential insights you need to make the best decision for your organization today and tomorrow.

Learn how the right transport tech can lead to significant workflow improvements from industry experts who advised the world’s largest companies. 

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How 91ĚŇÉ« Turns Customer Feedback into Cutting-Edge Solutions /blog/how-ross-video-turns-customer-feedback-into-cutting-edge-solutions/ Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:27:34 +0000 /?p=83603 Rapid innovation and disruption are now the norm in broadcasting, live events, and content production, forcing media companies to rapidly adapt their existing workflows and onboard new …

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Rapid innovation and disruption are now the norm in broadcasting, live events, and content production, forcing media companies to rapidly adapt their existing workflows and onboard new technologies to keep up. The speed at which these changes happen leaves these companies vulnerable to miscalculation, making it essential for individual innovators, broadcasters, and technology providers to work together to adapt workflows and integrate converging technologies without disrupting proven processes. 

What’s needed in this environment is trust and collaboration. Broadcasters and media companies must trust that their technology partners are developing the right tools for today and tomorrow. And, even more importantly, those tools must be developed with real-world challenges and use cases in mind.  

David Ross, CEO, and Jeff Moore, Executive VP and Chief Marketing Officer, meet with ARET at IBC 20244

91ĚŇÉ« understands this dynamic, and actively incorporates customer feedback into our innovation roadmap. This article will explore why and how that has resulted in cutting-edge tools and platforms for our customers.  

The problem: technology that misses the mark  

In an industry driven by constant evolution, staying still isn’t just falling behind—it’s actively stifling innovation. Too often, manufacturers prioritize comfort over progress, relying on legacy workflows that fail to address new industry demands. 

While live broadcast and media organizations are pushing forward, many manufacturers remain anchored to outdated workflows, hesitant to embrace change. This reluctance to forge ahead results in tools and technologies that fail to address broadcasters’ real-world challenges. 

The gap between what broadcasters need and what is available in the market is growing, as legacy approaches and an aversion to risk prevent true innovation. This leaves broadcasters grappling with inefficient workflows and technology that merely meets the status quo rather than enabling growth, adaptability, and success in a competitive landscape. 

Here are three main consequences of misaligned broadcast technology that stifles innovation:  

  • Operational inefficiencies. Tools developed without proper alignment with customer needs may not integrate seamlessly into existing workflows and systems. This can slow down production and introduce system complexities that can result in workflow breakdowns or even broadcast downtimes during critical moments. 
  • Wasted investments. Broadcasters that purchase tools without considering future scalability, integration capabilities with their existing systems, or relevance to their daily operations often find themselves needing to replace systems sooner than anticipated. These unplanned expenditures take away resources that could have been used to improve content quality or expand into new markets. 
  • Loss of competitive edge. Fumbling with misaligned technology can cause broadcasters to miss key innovation and growth opportunities. For example, a broadcaster that is slow to embrace new simplified workflows or multi-platform streaming will likely see its audience and advertiser pool erode over time as those individuals jump to higher-quality and more accessible content from competitors.  

To avoid these consequences, broadcast technology needs to be closely aligned with where the industry is today, and built to quickly and easily adapt to future requirements. This means deeply understanding consumer demands and habits, the implications of new technologies, and how broadcast solutions can help simplify and enhance day-to-day operations for end users.  

Collaborative innovation between individual innovators, broadcasters, and technology producers is essential. By working together to identify workflow challenges and leveraging converging technologies like UHD and HDR, the industry can achieve better results, faster and more efficiently. Feedback from individuals on the frontlines helps technology partners, like 91ĚŇÉ«, create tools that solve real operational challenges and drive meaningful improvements. 

This dynamic is a central component in how we at 91ĚŇÉ« interact with our customers, and decide on future innovations to our broadcast technology.  

The solution: driving innovation through customer insights  

True innovation stems from the collaborative efforts of individual broadcasters, technologists, and innovators, driven by a shared understanding of unique workflow challenges and the need for converging technologies to work seamlessly together.  

91ĚŇÉ« excels in this area by working directly with customers to develop solutions that truly meet the demands of live broadcast environments.  

We do this through:  

  • Continuous feedback loops. 91ĚŇÉ« holds continuous, open conversations with customers about our solutions and their company’s current and future needs. This real-time communication enables Ross to adapt its technology based on actual needs, not just hypothetical industry trends. 
  • Solutions built for real-world applications. Every 91ĚŇÉ« product is designed to solve specific pain points. Whether it’s ease of use, scalability, or integration with existing systems, Ross delivers purpose-built solutions that enhance operational efficiency and allow broadcasters to operate confidently at the cutting edge of our industry. 
91ĚŇÉ«’s Mira Replay System combined with PIERO Sports Graphics Analysis for Sports Broadcasters
  • Flexibility in innovation. 91ĚŇÉ« builds solutions that are both innovative and adaptable. Ross’ technology is designed to scale and meet future needs as the broadcast industry evolves, ensuring long-term operational success. 

When customer needs and product development are aligned, it leads to great things for both parties.  

This includes:  

  • Operational efficiency. Customer-driven innovation results in solutions that directly address operational challenges, reducing manual workarounds and streamlining workflows. With tools designed to fit seamlessly into day-to-day operations, broadcasters can increase productivity and focus on content delivery rather than troubleshooting technical issues. 
  • Less downtime. Technology designed to address real-world challenges integrates seamlessly with existing systems, minimizing errors and downtime during live events. This reliability ensures uninterrupted broadcasts, which is critical in high-stakes environments like live sports or breaking news. 
  • Scalable growth. Systems built on customer feedback, and through incremental innovation, are designed with flexibility and scalability in mind. This enables broadcasters to scale as their production needs change. Whether transitioning to cloud workflows, adopting new formats like UHD/4K, or handling increased content demands, customer-driven solutions are adaptable for future industry shifts. 
  • Cost efficiency. By purchasing tools that specifically address operational needs and future challenges, broadcasters avoid unnecessary investments in new systems. Customer-driven solutions help broadcasters avoid frequent technology overhauls, reducing replacement costs and delivering long-term ROI through future-proofing. 
  • Better user experiences. When customers have a say in product development, the technology is easier for operators to use, reducing the learning curve and minimizing training time. This user-friendly design helps broadcast teams operate more effectively, leading to faster adoption and fewer on-air errors. Simply put, when technology developers listen to their customers, those end users tend to like the products they create more, enjoy working with them, and stay as a client of that company longer. 

With this customer-driven approach to innovation, the team at 91ĚŇÉ« can ensure that each product and platform we create is planned, developed, and refined to address specific pain points and operational goals that are relevant to our customers. Without this focus, we—and other technology partners like us—risk chasing the hottest trends that ultimately fail to deliver the best outcomes for our customers.  

6 examples of 91ĚŇɫ’s customer-centric innovation  

 Innovation at 91ĚŇÉ« is driven by close collaboration with individual broadcasters and innovators. This collaboration informs the two primary forms of innovation: first, the creation of individual products and platforms tailored to specific needs, and second, the integration of these tools with existing technologies to optimize workflows and create seamless, scalable user experiences. 

Both forms of innovation aim to extend the capabilities and production quality for broadcasters, and to simplify their workflows so that productions are easier to manage.  

Let’s explore six tools from 91ĚŇÉ« that help demonstrate this commitment to innovation in modern broadcasting. 

Ultrix 

Ultrix is a software-defined media processing platform and routing system that offers high-density UHD form factor capabilities. It replaces traditional, bulky routing systems with a more streamlined, scalable solution that can handle 12G, IP, and hybrid workflows. 

Ultrix allows broadcasters to manage signal routing, multiviewers, and processing within a single, compact platform. It provides UHD support, meaning broadcasters can easily handle 4K HDR content streams while reducing the required hardware. 

By the hyperconvergence of multiple functions into a single system, Ultrix helps broadcasters reduce their hardware costs, simplify workflows, and scale their operations more easily while continuing to maintain a high level of content quality and reliability from their systems.  

Artimo 

Artimo is a full-motion camera robotics system designed to deliver dynamic, fluid shots across any studio floor. It supports a full broadcast payload, including cameras, lenses, and teleprompters, while eliminating the need for extra equipment like dollies or jibs.  

Artimo Camera Robotics System at IBC 2024

With features like built-in touchscreen controls, internal cable management, and smooth movement on varied surfaces, Artimo simplifies production workflows and reduces downtime. This flexibility makes it ideal for creating high-quality, engaging visuals in modern broadcast environments​. 

OverDrive 

OverDrive is an Automated Production Control (APC) system designed to improve speed, accuracy, and consistency in live news environments. This system automates all live production tasks, such as camera control, audio mixing, graphic overlays, switching, video playout, and more, allowing customers to deliver more complex shows. These capabilities make OverDrive particularly valuable in fast-paced environments like live news, where precision and speed are crucial.  

Additionally, OverDrive helps to reduce human error and increase production consistency. This enables broadcasters to deliver high-quality broadcasts faster, with fewer mistakes, and with smaller teams. 

openGear 

openGear is an open-standard modular frame system that allows broadcasters to integrate hardware from multiple vendors within a single frame. 

openGear Signal Processing Platform

This provides a flexible platform where broadcasters can use cards from different manufacturers to customize workflows. This versatility eliminates the need for proprietary systems and gives the customer a choice from a wider range of technology options.  

XPression 

XPression is a real-time graphics system designed for live broadcast environments, enabling the creation and playout of 2D and 3D graphics, animations, and clips. The tool’s intuitive workflow and real-time capabilities allow broadcasters to generate high-quality graphics quickly, even during fast-paced live events. This speed and flexibility enhance viewer experience and production quality. 

XPression is especially useful in sports and news broadcasting, where real-time graphic overlays and studio video wall graphics are essential for keeping viewers engaged. 

91ĚŇɫ’s virtual solutions 

91ĚŇÉ« offers two standout virtual solutions.  

Voyager is an unreal-based render platform that gives you the ability to make anything happen in your broadcasts, anywhere you like. It gives you the ability to create stunning virtual environments using AR, Virtual Studio and XR Virtual LED workflows. 

91ĚŇÉ« Virtual Set at NAB Show 2024

Lucid Studio is a highly flexible virtual control platform built around an intuitive graphic interface for Augmented Reality, Virtual Studio or XR Virtual LED Studio environments. This simplifies operations and removes the requirement for an operator to be an Unreal expert. This includes the ability to manage virtual-set camera calibration, scene manipulation, media replacement, event triggering, MOS newsroom integration, animation control, robotic camera movement control and much more. 

Both tools dramatically extend your team’s virtual production capabilities, without the need for additional expertise or staff.  

Partner with a customer-driven technology innovator today 

Not all new technology is good technology. Without a deep understanding of customer needs, and a long history of collaboration with the industry, this technology often misses the mark and causes more problems than it solves. This is why 91ĚŇÉ« works closely with individual innovators and broadcasters throughout our production cycles. By listening to those shaping the future of the industry, we ensure that our products aren’t just technologically advanced but designed to simplify workflows and achieve better results, faster and more efficiently.

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