IP to the Camera – Completing the Broadcast Chain – Part 1

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Abstract

Extending studio data networks to cameras located anywhere around the globe is the logical endpoint of work currently underway to develop standards for future studios. Not only does this reduce the number of signal formats that need to be supported, but also enables significant cost savings by reducing or eliminating the need to deploy people and equipment to remote venues for live productions. Mobile production and ENG teams can reduce or eliminate their dependency on mobile production trucks. This paper will describe technical details of the Stagebox system developed by BBC R&D including:

• Multicamera video and audio synchronization enabled by IEEE 1588 PTP
• Video and audio encapsulation
• Support for ancillary services including timecode, talkback, tally, and camera control
• Direct integration into live workflows, including editing, archiving, and live-to-air production
• Direct Deployment on the camera back with battery power

This paper will describe several live events around the globe that have already been successfully produced using this system, including “lessons learned” along the way.

Introduction

Traditional baseband video contribution in remote production is on the cusp of significant change.  In an economy of saving costs and time, more and more television, sports and film production is transitioning to an IP workflow.  In this paper we will discuss bringing the IP Ethernet network directly to the camera for television and video contribution.  These systems will eliminate the need for bulky Coaxial and Triax cables.  We will discuss the utilization of inexpensive category networking cable and networking switches.  The BBC R&D development team is bringing the Stagebox IP Camera Back to the North American market.  We will discuss the simplified workflow using a synchronous IP network.  Remote production, satellite and ENG vehicles may be eliminated or reduced in size with the efficiencies of IP workflows.  We will discuss how it is possible to centralize television production while drastically reducing on-site production costs.  The use of AVCI-100 and AVCI-50 encoding formats minimizes ingest times permitting editing on-the-fly during live events.

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