Published 11/1/2021

As the broadcast television industry continues its migration towards computer and IP-based technology, the SMPTE 2110 standard provides a bridge that broadcasters can use to transition from traditional Serial Digital Interface (SDI) to Video over IP. In our previous blog, we discussed how ST 2110 gives broadcasters the ability to transport high resolution video over IP networks with similar reliability and interoperability to what theyve come to expect from SDI.

Broadcast studios and remote venues also require transport networks capable of preserving high Quality coupled with low Latency. The operational benefits of ST 2110 stem from its ability to use lower cost Common Off-the-Shelf (COTS) IP network switches and components, as well as to send uncompressed video, audio, and data as separate streams rather than the entire SDI package.

This means theres a strong case to be made for relying on a hybrid mix of SDI and ST 2110 for the near-term. They are currently a great technology complement. Since ST 2110 carries uncompressed video, its well-suited to supporting the production of primetime shows and other high-value premium TV fare.

At Hitachi, we provide camera systems that let broadcasters capture pristine, uncompressed picture quality. From the control room, video operators can paint and match pictures from multiple cameras for a consistent look. And the CCU then outputs and feeds SDI video and XLR audio as high-quality, uncompressed video to the rest of the production workflow. If an IP-based workflow is desired, ST 2110 can continue carrying these uncompressed video signals over IP networks to downstream devices that will further process them.

Then, for those applicationslike video editing or signal distribution to the cloud or OTT destinationswhere some signal compression or latency can be tolerated, broadcasters can then opt for other IP-based networking protocols that compress and packetize video to minimize bandwidth.

So, rather than one-size-fits-all networking throughout the facility, this hybrid approach lets broadcasters deploy whatever type of signal transport their applications demand. Wherever high-resolution, evergreen quality is needed, broadcasters can begin to transition from SDI-based transport of uncompressed video to ST 2110 around their studios and production sites. From the point of the CCU, ST 2110 provides an economical Video over IP transport solution. This provides cost-efficiency and flexibility, while maintaining pristine video quality where it counts.

Our Hitachi CU-HD1300FT family of CCUs can be configured to output ST 2110 video signals as well as SDI. The CCU can then feed the pristine-quality, uncompressed signal to the production switcher for further processing in either SDI or IP. If an IP-based workflow is desired, ST 2110 is a networking solution that moves the media with the broadcast quality and reliability the industry has come to expect.

Learn more about our Hitachi CU-HD1300FT series CCUs here and be sure to check out our multi-part series of Short Takes videos about ST 2110 networking here. At Hitachi, we take pride in delivering high-end broadcast solutions that support todays hybrid SDI/IP environment.