Voices of Video

The Encoder Got Faster While You Slept | How VPUs On Akamai Cloud Change The Cost And Scale Of Video Encoding

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Cloud video infrastructure is getting squeezed from both sides: audiences expect better quality and more formats like AV1, while finance teams are staring down cloud bills that don’t scale with reality.

We sit down with Sarah Walter from Akamai for a one-year check-in on VPU-accelerated instances powered by NETINT, and what stands out is how quickly the conversation has moved from pilots to production. Sarah shares what she’s seeing across customers, from hyperscalers expanding internationally to broadcasters and streaming platforms looking for a practical step between fully managed services and running everything on-prem.

We dig into what’s driving adoption of VPUs for video transcoding and encoding on Akamai Cloud, including new locations in Europe like Frankfurt and London for higher availability designs. We also talk through the “bring your own software” challenge and how making Bitstreams available helps teams operate VPUs with a GUI instead of living in command lines all day.

For larger deployments, we break down new eight-card plan options and why density matters when you’re measuring cost per stream across live streaming, VOD, premium content, and user-generated workloads.

Operationally, we get specific about the parts nobody advertises: firmware updates, SDK dependencies, and how to balance rapid quality improvements with customer stability in an infrastructure-as-a-service environment.

Finally, we connect the dots to NAB season themes like global hardware supply chain pressure and why “getting off the cloud” often really means finding a more sustainable cloud pricing model.

Key topics

• One-year progress on Akamai Cloud VPU adoption and new VPU-backed VM SKUs
• Customer profiles including hyperscalers expanding beyond on-prem points of presence
• Live streaming and VOD workloads across premium and user-generated content
• Why Bitstreams matters as a GUI bridge for teams coming from managed services
• Partner ecosystem support for advanced requirements such as DRM
• The reality of firmware upgrade cycles in IaaS and how SDK dependencies affect rollouts
• New European footprint with London and Frankfurt for higher availability designs
• How to estimate VPU density using a 32× 1080p30 benchmark
• What NAB conversations reveal about supply chain pressure and cloud pricing sustainability

Stay tuned for more in-depth insights on video technology, trends, and practical applications. Subscribe to Voices of Video: Inside the Tech for exclusive, hands-on knowledge from the experts. For more resources, visit Voices of Video.

Swapping the Engine While It Runs | How Video Platforms Introduce Hardware Acceleration Without Breaking Production

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400

Swapping the engine while it runs sounds risky - and in production video systems, it is.

Hardware acceleration often gets positioned as “faster encoding,” but that’s not what makes engineering teams hesitate. The real challenge is introducing a new compute model without breaking workflows that already carry years of integrations, monitoring, and operational assumptions. As NAB approaches and the industry talks density and efficiency, the more important question is this: how do you evolve a platform without increasing fragility?

Leo Nieto from NETINT sits down with Dominique Vosters from Scalstrm to unpack what actually triggers the shift away from CPU-only scaling. The answer is less about technology hype and more about cost per stream across the full workflow, from transcoding through packaging and delivery. We explore why teams hesitate, what they are most concerned about breaking, and why live streaming raises the stakes compared to VOD.

We also get practical about architecture. Dominique explains how hardware acceleration fits into a broader system, where VPUs handle encoding while software layers manage resilience, synchronization, and recovery. From the outside, workflows often remain consistent. The real changes happen inside the system, where compute is relocated rather than the architecture being rebuilt.

Finally, we walk through a low-risk rollout approach: parallel environments, staging validation, and gradual channel-by-channel migration instead of big bang transitions.

If you are planning hardware-accelerated transcoding, VPU-based encoding, or broader video workflow optimization, this conversation will help you improve efficiency while protecting production stability.

Key topics covered

• why CPU-based video workflows become unsustainable primarily due to cost pressure across transcoding, packaging, and delivery
• why hesitation around hardware acceleration comes from fear of disrupting production systems, not skepticism about the technology
• differences between VOD and live streaming workflows, and why live environments require more cautious rollout strategies
• how hardware acceleration fits into existing architectures, with software layers handling resilience, synchronization, and recovery
• what actually changes when acceleration is introduced versus what remains stable for operators and workflows
• the concept of “swapping the engine while it runs” by keeping input and output behavior consistent while moving compute inside the system
• when orchestration layers add value and how that depends on platform maturity and scale
• practical deployment strategies including parallel environments, staging validation, and gradual channel-by-channel migration

You Bought A VPU, Now Where Are The Brakes | Anatomy Of A Video Streaming Stack

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0400

The hardest part of streaming isn’t picking a codec or buying faster hardware. It’s making the whole system work together.

In this episode of Voices of Video, Mark Donnigan from NETINT sits down with Joe Waltzer, CEO of Arcadian, to break down the real anatomy of a modern video streaming platform and why teams so often stall at the last mile between a working demo and a production-ready service.

They walk through the core building blocks behind real-world workflows: CMS for metadata and app experience, DAM or MAM for managing assets, transcoding pipelines for device-ready outputs, and distribution systems spanning apps, APIs, and CDNs. Joe also highlights the often-overlooked avails and compliance layer, from licensing windows to geo blocking, and why mistakes here can turn into real business risk.

The conversation then zooms out to what matters today: cost pressure, practical uses of AI, and the push to bring services built for North America and Europe to underserved global markets.

They also dig into quality of experience. How studios define quality, why “good 720p” is real, and why viewers instantly feel issues like bad lip sync or subtitle timing even if they cannot explain them.

If you are building video pipelines, streaming apps, or end-to-end media systems, this episode gives you a clear view of what actually has to connect for quality, scale, and profitability.

Key topics:

• The five core systems: CMS, DAM or MAM, transcoding, distribution, and avails
• Why “drop-in solutions” rarely exist in streaming
• How Arcadian helps teams finish the last 5% to production
• Integration vs building new platforms
• Real-world operations: QC, audio sync, subtitles, edge cases
• Cost reduction and where AI actually fits today
• Scaling to underserved markets through efficiency
• Why distribution matters more than “content is king”
• Cloud gaming and the shift of bottlenecks to encoding
• Studio quality standards and what viewers actually notice

Interested in joining Voices of Video or sharing what you're building?
Reach out here: https://netint.com/voices-of-video/

What If Efficiency Means Headroom Not Speed

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0400

The fastest benchmark number is comforting right up until your video system meets the real world.

Staging looks stable. Charts look clean. Then production introduces variability at scale: messy networks, mixed content, thermal constraints, I/O bottlenecks, memory pressure, and timing issues that never show up in controlled tests. That’s where “efficient” can suddenly mean fragile.

In this episode of Voices of Video, we sit down with Juan Casal, Partner and Chief R&D Officer at Cires21, alongside Leonardo Nieto from NETINT, to unpack what actually changes when systems move from lab results to real production environments.

We explore why evaluating isolated components such as encoder throughput, codec efficiency, or cost per stream can be misleading, and why the full video pipeline must be measured as a balanced system. Local optimization often shifts pressure downstream, turning encoding gains into decoder frame drops or network bursts that degrade quality of experience.

The core theme is operational confidence.

Predictability beats peak performance. Stable latency, stable resource usage, and clear worst-case behavior are what make capacity planning possible at scale. We also dive into observability and metrics that matter in production: variance vs averages, jitter, timestamp alignment, and how to design systems so failures can be predicted instead of simply reacted to.

Efficiency, in practice, is headroom. It is the margin that allows your infrastructure to absorb variability, whether you are running on CPUs, GPUs, or purpose-built accelerators.

If you are building or upgrading video encoding, transcoding, or streaming infrastructure ahead of NAB, this conversation will challenge how you evaluate performance.

Join the conversation:
https://voicesofvideo.netint.com/join-the-conversation

Learn more about:
Cires21 → https://cires21.com
NETINT → https://netint.com

Key topics covered:

• Why production introduces variability through scale, system interaction, and constraints like thermal limits and I/O bottlenecks
• Why end-to-end pipeline balance matters more than single-component optimization
• How local optimizations shift load downstream to decoders and networks
• Predictability as the real operational goal: stable latency and resource usage
• Why worst-case behavior and variance matter more than peak throughput
• Observability gaps: jitter, timestamp alignment, and network bottlenecks
• Real-world failure modes such as clock accuracy and jitter causing frame drops
• Efficiency as headroom: stability, burst tolerance, and higher saturation thresholds
• Designing for failure prediction and testing under sustained load

Ramageddon Meets Video Encoding Reality | When Video Becomes The New Data Center Fuel

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400

“Ramageddon” is what happens when memory pricing goes vertical and suddenly your infrastructure plans no longer pencil out.

In this episode of Voices of Video, we talk with Dell Technologies about why video infrastructure is being rebuilt around power limits, cooling realities, and purpose-built silicon like NETINT VPUs.

As video becomes the dominant data type and the foundation for AI workloads, the constraints are no longer theoretical. Power, density, and supply chain volatility are now first-order design inputs.

We dig into what it actually takes to deploy and manage video systems at a global scale without losing control of cost, security, or uptime.

• Dell’s current focus across AI and video workloads
• Why density and energy efficiency now drive infrastructure decisions
• GPUs versus VPUs and the case for purpose-built video acceleration
• Data center power and cooling options, including air and liquid cooling
• “Ramageddon” and broader component shortages affecting buyers
• How Dell uses supply chain scale and configurability to deliver systems
• Managing large fleets with deployment services, support, and automation
• Firmware updates as a pathway to real encoder improvements over time
• Supply chain security and root of trust at massive scale
• Edge computing growth across far edge, near edge, and metro

If you are building, scaling, or rethinking video infrastructure, this is a grounded, operator-level discussion of where things are actually headed.

Learn more about NETINT Technologies and purpose-built video processing, or explore enterprise infrastructure from Dell Technologies.

Designing Video Systems Around Latency Constraints

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0400

Your neighbor cheered before your stream - now what?

In this episode of Voices of Video, we move past the generic advice to “make it faster” and dig into why latency has become a structural constraint in modern video systems. It’s no longer just a performance metric. It dictates where compute lives, how encoding is deployed, how traffic is routed, and what it really takes to deliver reliable, real-time video at scale.

With i3D.net co-founder Stefan Edeler, we unpack the architectural decisions that separate stable platforms from fragile ones.

We start with the workload lens. Live sports, betting, auctions, and interactive formats cannot hide behind buffers. When user actions, commentary, or creator feedback loops back into the stream, encoding can’t sit in a distant region. It must move closer to viewers, often across multiple sites. That shift forces teams to balance geographic distribution against blast radius, cost, and the very real operational load of running many locations.

One key insight: pretty ping times don’t equal quality. What matters is sustained throughput into last-mile ISPs during peak hours, packet loss behavior, jitter, and whether your providers truly have capacity headroom when it counts.

From there, we zoom out to platform strategy. Cloud accelerates early builds, but egress-heavy video workloads can quietly crush budgets. Hybrid models and bare metal often win on cost and control, yet introduce vendor sprawl and operational complexity.

Stefan outlines a pragmatic path forward:
Prototype quickly in the cloud across a few regions. Validate failover and backhaul. Then expand step by step into the right geographies with strong peering and measurable demand.

Instrument everything - edge QoE, per-ISP performance, jitter, exit rates - and let real telemetry guide routing decisions and site expansion. The objective is not just scale, but resilience: a self-healing system that detects carrier trouble and automatically shifts users onto healthier paths.

We close with practical guardrails to avoid over-engineering:
Optimize until users can no longer perceive improvement. Choose five excellent sites over thirty fragile ones. Challenge every “we must” with observability data. And recognize that legal, licensing, and sovereignty requirements now shape placement decisions as much as physics does.

The takeaway is clear: architectural intent beats component speed.

If you’re wrestling with latency budgets, interactive encoding, or the cost of scaling globally, this conversation offers a blueprint for making durable, data-driven choices.

In this episode, we cover:

Defining latency budgets and aligning them with architectural intent
Mapping workloads to geography and last-mile ISP realities
Measuring sustained throughput, packet loss, and capacity, not just RTT
Deciding when to distribute compute and how far to push it
Placing encoding for interactive and feedback-driven streaming
Balancing resilience against operational overhead
Expanding stepwise with strong observability and real telemetry
Navigating cost trade-offs: cloud egress vs. hybrid and bare metal
Designing for automated failover and self-healing routing
Accounting for legal, licensing, and data sovereignty constraints

If you’re coming to NAB Show, come talk with our team at NETINT and explore how these architectural choices map directly to your workflows.

If this episode clarified your next move, follow the show, share it with your team, and leave a quick review so others can find it.

Your Buffering Wheel Is Not a Feature: Why Real-Time Video Lives at the Edge

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500

Real conversation dies the moment latency enters the room.

In this episode of Voices of Video, we break down what truly separates traditional streaming from interactive streaming and why the old playbook of centralized encoding, deep buffers, and best-effort delivery simply cannot support audiences that talk back, transact, and co-create in real time.

We start by defining the hard technical requirements of interactivity: ultra-low latency, low jitter, and deterministic paths from first-mile compute to last-mile delivery. From there, we explore why pushing compute closer to users is necessary, but not sufficient. Owning the backbone matters just as much as owning the servers.

You’ll hear how private long-haul circuits, strategic peering, and unique subsea routes, like a direct Fortaleza-to-Portugal path that avoids U.S. detours, can shave 50–60 milliseconds off round-trip latency, transforming global collaboration into something that actually feels local. That performance shift unlocks new many-to-many use cases across gaming, telehealth, webinars, watch parties, and live commerce, where interactivity directly drives revenue and retention.

We also get practical about architecture. Flexible bare metal with bandwidth-rich instance types, API-driven provisioning, and Terraform automation allow teams to scale capacity in minutes when demand spikes. On the network side, we explain why peering, cross-connects, and router upgrades require lead time, and how a pre-built baseline protects quality under load.

Finally, we zoom out to strategy: hybrid models that combine a dedicated edge layer with elastic public cloud, integrated through open protocols that avoid vendor lock-in. The goal is simple: give builders control, keep users close, and make real-time video feel effortless.

If you care about real-time video that actually feels real, this conversation is for you.

Topics Covered

• Linear streaming vs interactive streaming
• Why edge compute beats centralized encoding for real time
• Many-to-many use cases across gaming, meetings, and telehealth
• Backbone ownership vs CDN dependency and third-party transit
• Subsea routing strategies that cut 50–60 ms of latency
• Bandwidth-rich instance types and API-based provisioning
• Scaling network capacity ahead of demand
• Hybrid architectures combining metal and public cloud
• Open protocols that avoid vendor lock-in and build trust

Links & Resources

• Voices of Video podcast
https://netint.com/podcast

• i3D.net – Global edge and backbone infrastructure
https://www.i3d.net

• NETINT Technologies – Video encoding ASICs and platforms
https://netint.com

• Learn more about edge video architectures
https://netint.com/resources

This episode of Voices of Video is brought to you by NETINT Technologies.
If you’re building high-performance, power-efficient video infrastructure, learn more about NETINT’s ASIC-based encoding solutions at https://netint.com

When Video Leaves the Studio: Building Low-Power, High-Density Systems That Scale

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500

What if live video could be small, cool, and endlessly reliable, whether you’re in an OB van, an operating room, or a rail yard? We take you from the edge to the cloud and back again, showing how compact encoders and long-life servers turn constrained spaces and tight power budgets into stable streams that scale.

We start with the hardware philosophy: low-power, high-density edge devices built for contribution and return feeds, paired with modular servers designed to run for up to a decade. You’ll hear how SDI, NDI, SDVoE, and SMPTE ST 2110 fit together, why PCIe expansion and high-port network I/O matter, and how a “highway platform” plus partner software delivers complete solutions without locking you into a single stack. From 1U to 4U systems and storage nodes, the focus stays on resilience, interoperability, and lifecycle support.

From there, Thomas Lien, Video Product Manager at Advantech, walks through real-world deployments that push video far beyond the studio:

Broadcast news teams embedding ultra-compact, ~10-watt hardware encoders inside OB vehicles for real-time contribution
Live sports workflows combining returns, replay, and switching on dense, compact appliances tuned with third-party software
Medical streaming, where endoscopic feeds are processed outside the operating room for AI-assisted analysis and post-procedure review
Rail inspection systems streaming multi-camera feeds live, tagging detected faults with GPS coordinates so crews can respond immediately

Across every example, the priorities repeat: open standards, dense I/O, low power consumption, and infrastructure designed for long-term deployment with extended lifecycle and RMA support.

If you’re designing live video systems for broadcast, healthcare, or industrial environments, this episode offers a clear takeaway: keep the edge small, make the core dense, and build hardware that’s meant to last.

Links & references

Download presentation: https://info.netint.com/hubfs/downloads/VSD_VEGA-Netint.pdf
Advantech video solutions: https://www.advantech.com/en-us/solutions/video-solution
Advantech edge devices and server platforms: https://www.advantech.com/products
NETINT hardware video encoding: https://netint.com
Voices of Video podcast hub: https://netint.biz/podcast

Subscribe for more deep dives into practical video infrastructure, share this episode with a teammate running live operations, and leave us a review with your biggest scaling challenge. We may tackle it next.

Borrow the Brainpower: How Outsourcing Cuts Costs and Ships Faster

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500

Want to move faster without burning out your core team? In this episode, we unpack what it really means to borrow the brainpower—using managed services to turn cost savings into real product speed. By pairing immediate access to specialized talent with elastic capacity, teams can start building next week instead of waiting months to hire.

Instead of stalling on niche roles or sinking time into recruiting, HR, and IT overhead, outsourcing lets you redirect energy to the work that actually moves the roadmap. We break down the real math beyond hourly rates: reduced overhead, fewer operational distractions, and the compounding impact of faster time to market.

We get practical about where this model works best. From clearing the bottom of a stubborn backlog to spinning up focused delivery pods for three-to-six-month initiatives, managed services help protect your core team while still shipping upgrades customers notice. If you’ve ever felt trapped between hiring delays and slipping release dates, this conversation lays out a more flexible model with clear decision points and success metrics.

We also dig into why global perspective matters—especially for teams building video and app experiences at scale. Products designed around local assumptions often stumble due to network constraints, accessibility gaps, payment flows, or cultural norms. Distributed teams surface those blind spots early, helping you avoid costly rework and build products that travel.

We close with concrete takeaways: when to use dedicated teams vs project-based work, how to align rituals and SLAs, and what to measure to prove value across speed, quality, and cost.

If you’re ready to borrow the brainpower, ship faster, and widen your product’s reach, hit play. Subscribe for more candid operator conversations—and share this episode with the teammate who owns the backlog.

What we cover

Cost savings from labor efficiency and reduced overhead
Immediate access to specialized engineers and artists
Faster time to market for features and launches
Clearing backlog without distracting core teams
Elastic scaling without hire-and-fire cycles
Flexible engagement models that fit the work
Global perspectives that improve product-market fit

Download the slides:
📄 Cost-Effective Media Operations
https://info.netint.com/hubfs/downloads/Cost-Effective-Media-Operations.pdf

Learn more about Arcadian: https://www.arcadian.com

Explore NETINT video encoding solutions: https://netint.com

This episode of Voices of Video is brought to you by NETINT Technologies.
Subscribe for more in-depth insights on video technology, trends, and practical applications: 🎧 https://netint.biz/podcast

AI Hype vs. Broadcast Reality: Why FFmpeg Alone Isn’t Enough

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0500

The promise of “just add AI” sounds great until your live feed is eight seconds behind and the subtitles miss the moment.

In this episode of Voices of Video, we confront the gap between AI hype and broadcast reality. From FFmpeg 8’s Whisper integration to off-the-shelf transcription and auto-dubbing, we break down why demos often fall apart in real production pipelines, and what it actually takes to deliver broadcast-grade results.

🔗 FFmpeg: https://ffmpeg.org
🔗 Whisper (OpenAI): https://openai.com/research/whisper

Drawing on real-world experience building live captions at scale, we unpack the hard constraints that matter in live video: latency, context, accuracy, and workflow integrity. Translation needs context. Live pipelines force tradeoffs. And “video in, text out” quickly turns into a dozen-plus processing steps—voice detection, hallucination filtering, diarization, domain dictionaries, blacklists, subtitle formatting, and delivery.

That reality is why fully autonomous media pipelines still fall short. Instead, we explore a human-in-the-loop approach with Media Copilot, where automation accelerates transcription, speaker detection, highlights, summaries, and social crops, while humans retain control over speakers, entities, and house style.

🔗 Media Copilot (Cires21): https://cires21.com

You’ll also hear how live architectures balance speed and quality today: a flagship encoder feeding a live editor for recording and clipping, with near-real-time processing in Copilot. We look ahead to a direct encoder-to-Copilot workflow using chunked processing to prepare assets before a stream even ends, and how natural-language controls let producers request clips, formats, and quotes without touching APIs.

The takeaway isn’t that AI fails - it’s that reliability requires more than a single model. Invisible AI, integrated cleanly into existing CMS and MAM workflows, is what keeps teams fast without breaking what already works.

If you care about broadcast quality, human judgment, and AI that fits real production pipelines, this conversation offers a practical blueprint.

Episode Topics

• AI hype fatigue and why “video in, text out” fails
• FFmpeg 8 with Whisper: useful, but limited
• Live captions and unavoidable latency tradeoffs
• Broadcast quality vs. consumer-grade AI outputs
• The real 12+ step pipeline behind transcription
• Human-in-the-loop workflows for trust and speed
• Encoder → live editor → near-real-time AI processing
• Direct encoder-to-Copilot with chunked workflows
• Natural-language control for clips and summaries
• Avoiding AI data silos by integrating back into CMS

This episode of Voices of Video is brought to you by NETINT Technologies.
If you’re looking for cutting-edge video encoding solutions, visit:
🔗 https://netint.com

Trust, Footprint, and Milliseconds: The Real Levers of Live Streaming

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0500

What if your live stream could feel instant, look sharper at the same bitrate, and cost less to run as you scale?

In this episode of Voices of Video, we unpack how a fast-growing live gaming platform rethought its architecture, moved beyond a fully public cloud setup, and built a global hybrid model that delivered measurable results: lower egress spend, higher transcoding density, and a clear lead in end-to-end latency.

We start with a hard truth many streaming teams face too late - public cloud convenience gets expensive at scale. Our guest walks through the investigation that led to choosing a single global partner with true backbone control instead of stitching together regional providers. From there, the conversation gets tactical: identifying egress and transcoding as the biggest cost levers, shifting transcodes to dedicated VPUs on bare metal, and simplifying operations compared to GPU-heavy deployments.

The surprise? Hardware encoding matched - and in some low-latency profiles beat - software quality at the same bitrate. Higher density translated directly into dollars saved, without sacrificing visual quality.

Then we focus on what viewers actually feel. By running WebRTC over a backbone that carries traffic as far as possible before handoff, the platform shaved seconds off delivery compared to competitors - an advantage that only becomes obvious when a goal scores or a clutch play lands. We also dig into visibility: turning opaque networks into transparent systems with traffic-path insight, ACL hits, and attack telemetry. That visibility enabled faster response, fewer surprises, and stronger trust with users.

Finally, we explore the product layer. Predictive, card-based overlays only work when streams are tightly synchronized. Better quality and tighter sync led to longer watch times and stronger monetization - proof that infrastructure decisions directly shape business outcomes.

If you care about building low-latency, high-quality live video without lighting money on fire, this conversation is a practical playbook.

Topics Covered:

• why teams move away from a full public cloud model
• selecting a global partner with backbone control
• real cost drivers: egress and transcoding
• moving transcodes to VPUs on bare metal
• WebRTC for ultra-low-latency delivery
• opening the network “black box” with traffic visibility
• predictive overlays that demand tight sync
• trials, fast support, and iterative validation
• improving quality at the same bitrate
• simplified operations with consolidated vendor management

Links & Resources

NETINT Technologies
👉 https://netint.com

NETINT Video Processing Units (VPUs)
👉 https://netint.com/products

Voices of Video – Full Podcast Library
👉 https://netint.biz/podcast

This episode of Voices of Video is brought to you by NETINT Technologies, delivering purpose-built video encoding solutions designed for scale, efficiency, and real-world streaming workloads.

If this episode was useful, subscribe, share it with a teammate fighting egress bills, and leave a review to tell us what you want us to unpack next.

Rethinking Live Publishing: Templates, Roles, and Hybrid Control

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0500

What does it take to run hundreds of live events without chaos? In this episode, we open up the architecture behind G&L’s Playout Hub - a hybrid publishing engine designed for broadcasters, public institutions, and distributed editorial teams that need broadcast precision at scale. Built on decades of systems integration experience at G&L Geißendörfer & Leschinsky GmbH, the platform mixes live inputs, VOD interstitials, graphics, and multi-target outputs into a unified, dependable workflow.

We trace the evolution from bespoke integrations to a productized, composable platform grounded in three pillars:

Custom solutions,
Reusable components, and
Opinionated products that reflect real-world broadcast workflows.

Inputs span SDI, SRT, RTMP, MPEG-TS, VOD, and ST 2110 on the horizon. All sources feed into a playlist-driven orchestration layer, where editorial teams trigger transitions, mix live with pre-produced clips, and overlay graphics in real time. Outputs include HLS, DASH, RTMP, SRT, and CMAF, enabling consistent publishing to OTT platforms, social media, and syndication partners simultaneously.

At scale, repeatability becomes everything. A channel manager with powerful templates, parameters, and reusable configurations lets operators spin up channels quickly while maintaining standards across hundreds of events and dozens of concurrent streams, such as the European Parliament’s 30 parallel events or ARTE’s 600 concerts per year.

Download the full presentation: https://info.netint.com/hubfs/downloads/GnL-Beyond-live.pdf

Governance is treated as a first-class requirement. G&L’s independent access manager delivers SSO and granular role-based access control, down to individual actions like source switching or overlay triggering. This clean separation of concerns allows engineers to define codecs and I/O while editors manage timing, rundowns, and branding—preventing workflow collisions in large production teams.

The architecture is hybrid by design, deployable on Kubernetes or k3s across cloud and on-prem environments, and integrates cleanly with external encoders, CDNs, and players. A built-in studio module supports lower-thirds, logos, and rundown-based overlays, while still allowing integration with external tools like Singular Live.

Under the hood, the platform uses hardware acceleration wherever possible—including NETINT VPUs (https://netint.com/products/) for efficient high-density encoding, while also supporting GPU and CPU environments. For teams handling hundreds of events, this efficiency is not optional; it’s the difference between smooth operation and system overload.

Topics Covered in This Episode

• The three pillars: custom work → productized components → full products
• Hybrid inputs across SDI, SRT, RTMP, MPEG-TS, VOD, and future ST 2110
• Playlist-based orchestration with real-time graphics overlays
• Multi-target outputs: HLS, DASH, RTMP, SRT, CMAF
• Scaling challenges across hundreds of events and 30+ concurrent channels
• Channel manager with templates, parameters, reusability
• Hardware acceleration with NETINT VPUs, plus GPU and CPU support
• RBAC with SSO and granular, action-level permissions
• Separation of concerns for engineers vs. editors
• Kubernetes-based composable architecture for cloud + on-prem
• Lifecycle flow: reservation → templates → policies → scheduling → monitoring
• Studio module for overlays, rundowns + optional Singular Live integration
• How large broadcasters and parliaments use these workflows in the real world

Explore more about NETINT: https://netint.com
Learn about G&L: https://www.gl-systemhaus.de/

Scaling Video at the Edge: A Practical Roadmap

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Viewers won’t wait for your pipeline to catch up. This episode breaks down a practical roadmap for scaling video at the edge - where power limits, bandwidth costs, and live latency collide. With Advantech’s rugged, modular platforms (https://www.advantech.com/) paired with NETINT’s low-power, high-density ASIC encoders (https://netint.com/), we show how to move the heavy lifting closer to the camera and away from cloud bottlenecks - without compromising quality or operational control. Based on insights shared in Voices of Video Episode 72.

We detail the true cost of pushing raw feeds to the cloud for encoding and how 4K demand multiplies those bills. Then we shift to a hybrid edge model that cuts backhaul, stabilizes egress, and reduces end-to-end delay for live events. At the center is the Quadra Mini Server (https://netint.com/products/quadra/): a compact half-rack unit built for OB vans and remote rooms that can deliver up to twenty 1080p streams from a low-power, edge-ready footprint. It’s fast to deploy, easy to replicate, and engineered for environments where space, power, and uptime are non-negotiable.

What makes this approach different is co-design - aligning hardware, firmware, and partner integrations with real workflows. We explain how Advantech collaborates across CPUs, memory, and ASIC vendors to create platforms with long lifecycles, predictable performance, and clean integration paths. The payoff: multi-4K delivery without extra racks, greener operations through lower watts per channel, and workflows that scale with audience demand. If you’re battling OPEX creep, unpredictable latency, or integration friction, this episode maps a clear, actionable path forward.

Subscribe for more deep dives into edge video architecture, share with a teammate planning the next remote production, and leave a review to tell us where your pipeline hurts most.

We lay out a clear plan to scale video at the edge using low-power ASIC encoders inside rugged, modular servers. From cutting bandwidth and latency to deploying the Quadra Mini in OB vans, we show how to grow without building new data centers.

• why video demand continues to outpace infrastructure
• bandwidth and cloud encoding cost pressures
• latency risks for live and interactive viewing
• ASIC-based encoding for power and density gains
• Quadra Mini Server capabilities and use cases
• hybrid edge workflows for predictable OPEX
• co-design with partners for longevity and fit
• greener operations through lower watts per channel
• next steps and where to learn more

Learn More:

• Download Advantech's Presentation → https://info.netint.com/hubfs/downloads/Enabling-Video-at-The-Edge.pdf

• NETINT Case Studies → https://netint.com/resources/case-studies/
• Advantech Edge Platforms → https://www.advantech.com/en-us/solutions/industrial-and-edge-servers
• NETINT VPU Technology Overview → https://netint.com/technology/

The New Economics of Transcoding: How VPUs Unlock FAST, AVOD & Back-Catalog Revenue

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:00:00 -0500

What if transcoding stopped being the constraint and became the engine behind your content strategy? In this episode, Arcadian’s Joe Waltzer and Josh Pesigan explain how Video Processing Units (VPUs) are transforming the economics and timing of video workflows—and why the real win isn’t just lower cost, but the freedom to experiment, iterate, and ship smarter.

We start with a reality everyone in streaming understands: massive back catalogs sit on shelves because cloud transcoding costs erase the margin. With VPUs, that equation flips. Suddenly multilingual versions, refreshed ABR ladders, and FAST-ready packaging become inexpensive enough to try—letting teams test formats, revive dormant titles, and capitalize on “Suits-effect” surges without committing huge budgets up front.

Then we dive into one of the industry’s biggest operational friction points: ad insertion. Traditional pipelines force teams to lock ad breaks early, long before anyone has performance data. Any change means re-encoding, delays, and cross-team stress. VPUs change that. Encoding becomes fast, cheap, and local to your workflow, so business teams can make placement decisions later—aligned with launch timing, audience insights, and real analytics. The result: higher fill, better yield, more experimentation, and far fewer internal fire drills.

The best part? None of this requires new tooling. FFmpeg runs on VPUs without new APIs or retraining, and deployments work in the cloud or on-prem depending on workload and economics.

If you’re building FAST channels, expanding AVOD, or trying to extract more value from your catalog, this conversation gives you a practical new mindset: use compute efficiency to buy strategic flexibility.

Links & Resources

⬇️ Download Arcadian Presentation:
https://info.netint.com/hubfs/downloads/Optimizing-Video-Workflows-with-VPUs.pdf

🎧 Listen to more Voices of Video episodes:
https://netint.biz/podcast

🚀 Test NETINT VPUs on Akamai Cloud (+$500 credit):
https://netint.biz/akamai_500

🖥 Learn more about NETINT VPUs:
https://netint.com/products

Key Takeaways:
• how VPUs dramatically lower transcoding cost and energy use
• why back catalogs become profitable again
• the Suits effect as proof of latent demand
• shifting ad decisions downstream for smarter AVOD/FAST
• removing cross-team friction in ad planning
• using FFmpeg on VPUs with zero workflow changes
• cloud and on-prem deployment paths
• replacing rigid pipelines with rapid experimentation
• the operational gains that matter more than raw cost savings

This episode of Voices of Video is brought to you by NETINT Technologies. Explore NETINT’s encoding solutions at netint.com.

So You Want A VPU? Here’s The No-Drama Way To Plug, Play, And Push To Your CDN

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Tired of choosing between ripping out your video stack or standing still? In this episode, Kenneth Robinson, Director of Field Application Engineers at NETINT, walks through a practical playbook for deploying Video Processing Units (VPUs) at any stage of growth - from retrofitting a live server to scaling across edge, cloud, and hybrid environments.

We start with hardware options that match real-world use cases:
• T1U hot-swap modules that slide into existing servers - no downtime required.
• Prebuilt 1RU systems with up to ten T1Us and your choice of ARM or x86 CPUs.
• Compact mini servers built for SDI ingest and edge workflows.
• Cloud-based VPU instances via partners like Akamai, CDN77, and i3D.net - including test credits for quick starts.
• Hybrid configurations that keep steady-state on-prem and burst to the cloud for overflow or redundancy.

Then we cover software integration. Choose your path: a native API for granular control, or use FFmpeg and GStreamer for faster deployment. Kenneth explains how NETINT’s SDK is being upstreamed into both projects - simplifying maintenance and keeping features current without custom patches.

Next, we dive into two advanced capabilities that redefine efficiency:
• Multi-layer AV1 encoding for personalized overlays or targeted ads inside a single bitstream.
• Multiview encoding that lets the player dynamically stitch camera feeds without re-encoding - perfect for multi-angle sports or live events.

Finally, not every team has a full dev bench - so meet Bitstreams, NETINT’s no-code interface for managing transcoding workflows. Build templates, monitor load and health, convert captions to WebVTT, and push to multiple origins with RTMP, SRT, HLS, or DASH.

Kenneth closes with a preview of the customer-driven roadmap: WHIP/WHEP contribution, RTP, SMPTE 2110, audio-level control, RIST, and NDI, all prioritized based on real-world feedback.

If you’re exploring AV1, chasing lower latency, or planning hybrid expansion, this walkthrough gives you concrete choices and clear next steps - from card to cloud.

Download the presentation: https://info.netint.com/hubfs/downloads/VPU-Deployment-Options.pdf

Synchronizing 20 Perspectives: The Future Of Multi-View Esports

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Cameras miss moments; fans don’t. We wanted every decisive peek, every clutch revive, and every chaotic final ring in Apex Legends to be watchable from any team’s perspective - live, synchronized, and affordable. That meant rethinking how we transcode and distribute dozens of POV streams at once without drowning in startup lag or compute spend.

We walk through how Scalstrm integrated NETINT VPUs at a low level to pack up to 20 live channels onto a single card, slashing both costs and boot times for event-based streaming. Instead of relying on generic wrappers, they tapped direct APIs to tune buffer behavior, rate control, and ABR ladders for fast-motion gameplay.

Partnering in the Akamai Cloud lets them spin up encoders only when needed, bring them online in seconds, and tear them down post-show—no idle fleets, no waste. For VOD, just-in-time transcoding stores a single high-bitrate master and generates renditions only when requested, keeping catalogs lean while preserving quality.

Znipe Esports takes the spotlight with a multi-POV esports product that delivers 20+ synchronized streams plus the main event feed. To keep every angle aligned, they apply AI and image analysis to lock onto in-game clocks, then validate with operators for frame-accurate sync across teams. Telemetry from damage and kill events fuels real-time overlays and instant highlights, so fans can jump to the best moments or follow their favorite squad without missing context.

The payoff is dramatic: 25% lower transcoding cost, 70% faster startup, and a 75% reduction in high-quality transcoding cost—exactly where esports audiences are most demanding.

We also share a war story: going live in 30 minutes only to find GPU capacity swallowed by AI training. VPUs gave us a dedicated path for video, restoring predictability when it mattered most.

If you care about multi-view control, synchronized angles, and high frame-rate streams that don’t blow up your budget, this breakdown shows how to get there.

Listen now: https://netint.biz/podcast
Download the presentation: https://info.netint.com/hubfs/downloads/VPUs-on-Akamai-cloud.pdf
Test drive NETINT VPUs on Akamai Cloud and get $500 credit: https://netint.biz/akamai_500

Episode highlights:
• Scalstrm’s origins in packaging, origin, and analytics for operators and broadcasters
• Why low-level VPU APIs beat generic wrappers for live density and efficiency
• Instant provisioning for event-based transcoding on cloud partners
• Just-in-time transcoding for VOD to cut storage and compute
• Znipe’s multi-POV product for Apex Legends with 20+ team feeds
• AI and image processing for frame-accurate sync on in-game clocks
• Ingesting telemetry to render stats and auto-generate highlights
• Cost wins: 25% lower normal transcoding, 70% faster startup, 75% lower high-quality costs
• Avoiding GPU shortages by shifting to VPUs for predictable capacity
• Higher resolutions and frame rates that match esports viewer expectations.

Your Sports Car Is Cool, But The Taxi Wins On Power Bills

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0500

What if your heaviest video jobs spun up in seconds, sipped power, and scaled wherever your viewers are?

In this episode, we run NETINT VPUs inside Akamai Cloud and push them across live and just-in-time workflows—multi-codec ABR (AV1/H.264/HEVC), synchronization, DRM, and low-latency packaging included.

We start with deployment trade-offs: on-prem cards (control like a tuned sports car), cloud resources (on-demand like a taxi), portable containers, and Kubernetes for orchestration and autoscaling. With VPUs available in-region on Akamai, you cut CPU burn, lower watts per stream, and keep compute close to contribution or audience—ideal for local ingest, regional ad splicing, anti-piracy, and edge turnarounds.

Then we get hands-on. Scalstrm launches a live channel with a single API call—multicast in, three profiles out, catch-up enabled—in a couple of seconds. Advanced toggles cover time-shift TV, HLS/DASH, low-latency, trick play, iframe playlists, DRM, and ad insertion. Robust monitoring and analytics surface sync issues early to avoid blind troubleshooting. For VOD, we flip to just-in-time: store the top profile, regenerate lower rungs on demand, and save ~50–60% storage—while enabling instant ad asset playout.

For builders, we walk the Kubernetes path: provision a cluster in Frankfurt, label nodes for NETINT VPUs, deploy drivers from Git, wire up object storage, and run a pod that watches a bucket and invokes FFmpeg with hardware acceleration. We generate Apple’s ABR ladder across AV1/H.264/HEVC and finish a 5.5-minute asset in under four minutes—setup included—while power draw rises smoothly from idle without spikes.

If you care about power efficiency, global scale, and faster launches, this is a blueprint you can reuse today. Share it with the teammate who lives in FFmpeg, and tell us which part you want open-sourced next.

Key Takeaways

Deployment models: on-prem, cloud, containers, Kubernetes—when each makes sense
Why VPUs: higher density, lower power per stream, sustainability benefits
Akamai reach: edge and cloud tightly coupled for minimal latency
Scalstrm live demo: API setup → multicast in → three profiles out → ready in seconds
Advanced features: sync, time-shift TV, DRM, low-latency, trick play, iframe playlists, ad insertion
Observability: monitoring/analytics to reduce tickets and speed root-cause
Just-in-time VOD: keep highest profile, regenerate lower rungs on demand (~50–60% storage savings)
Kubernetes workflow: drivers, node labels, buckets, FFmpeg with NETINT acceleration
Performance proof: multi-codec ABR in minutes, end-to-end

📄 Download the presentation →
💡 Get $500 credit to test on Akamai →

Cloud Bills Made You Cry? Gamers Already Fixed That

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Ever notice how interactive video feels great one moment and laggy the next? We dig into why - and what it takes to make streams feel as immediate and fair as a top-tier multiplayer game.

Coming from a gaming-first background, we talk candidly about round-trip latency, jitter, and why 30 ms one way is the magic threshold for experiences where people don’t just watch, but participate.

We walk through the hard lessons of early cloud gaming, from capex-heavy builds to routing realities, and show how those same insights are now reshaping streaming:

Low-latency global networks with real-time visibility
DDoS resilience without five-layer ticket gauntlets
Predictable transport and proximity that let teams deploy their own edge stacks and own performance

The result is a model in which encoding density, session stability, and viewer happiness are measurable and repeatable, without runaway cloud costs.

We also unpack a practical hybrid strategy: keep always-on, latency-sensitive workloads on dedicated infrastructure (where you can tune kernel, NICs, and accelerators), and use the cloud for bursts or experiments.

AI adds another dimension - inference near the session, VPUs for real-time AV1/HEVC, GPUs for rendering, and the ability to attach the right accelerator in the right region on demand.

As streaming and gaming continue to merge - think reward-enabled streams, Discord watch-togethers, or VR rendered in the cloud - the lesson is clear:

Be where your users are. Keep round trips tight. Control your own cost and quality.

We cover:

• Gaming-born low-latency infrastructure for streaming
• Lessons from early cloud gaming and unit economics
• Why round-trip latency and jitter define interactive QoE
• DDoS resilience and transparent incident response
• CDN roles vs. building on low-latency IaaS
• Hybrid strategy for cost control and sovereignty
• VPUs/GPUs for encoding, cloud gaming, and AI inference
• Streaming–gaming convergence across Twitch, Discord, and VR
• How to test and scale with on-demand regional hardware

If you’re exploring next-gen video encoding or interactive streaming, check out NETINT’s VPU lineup - built for real-time video at scale.

If this resonates, subscribe, share with a teammate who owns QoE, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Got a use case or question? Reach out - let’s dig in together.

From Campbell to Codensity: A Practical Hero’s Journey in Video Encoding

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400

What if a hardware roadmap could read like a myth?
We take Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey and map it to a concrete engineering pivot - from life in the ordinary world of CPU/GPU encoding to a high-density, power-efficient future with NETINT’s Codensity G5-based VPUs. We talk through the initial reluctance to touch specialized hardware, the mentors and SDKs that changed our minds, and the exact moment we crossed the threshold by installing drivers, testing real inputs, and pushing the cards into live workflows.

From there, the plot thickens: allies like Norsk Video, Supermicro, Gigabyte, and Akamai helped us scale, while enemies showed up as driver quirks, 4:2:0 vs. 4:2:2 trade-offs, and new mental models that don’t behave like CPUs or GPUs.
The dragon’s den wasn’t a competitor - it was public procurement. Tenders forced us to design for variability, not one-size-fits-all. That pressure shaped the treasure we brought back: four NETINT form factors that express the same transcoding engine in different ways.

We break down where each fits:

· PCIe T1A - broad compatibility

· T2A - dual-ASIC throughput

· U.2 T1U - extreme density when vendor policies allow

· M.2 T1M - tiny blade for edge and contribution with PoE, low power, and surprising capacity

We share the software split that actually works in production: NORSK for live and live-to-file pipelines, FFmpeg for VOD encoding - plus how a composable media architecture runs both on-prem and in the cloud. With Akamai’s NETINT-enabled compute options, hybrid deployments become practical, not aspirational.

The story lands with a proof point: G&L deploying at scale for the European Parliament - 30 concurrent sessions, 32 audio tracks each - across Brussels, Strasbourg, and German cloud regions, with Linode as the control plane.

DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION: https://info.netint.com/hubfs/downloads/IBC25-GnL-Hero-with-a-thousand-faces.pdf

If you’re weighing density, power budgets, or vendor constraints, this journey offers a clear map, hard-won lessons, and a toolkit you can adapt. Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a review - what’s your dragon, and which form factor would you choose first?

Hyperscale for Video | Stop Asking GPUs to Be Everything at Once

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

What if video finally got its own processor, and your streaming costs dropped while quality and features went up?

In this episode, we dig into the rise of the Video Processing Unit (VPU) - silicon built entirely for video - and explore how it’s transforming everything from edge contribution to multi-view sports. Instead of paying for general-purpose compute and GPU graphics overhead, VPUs put every square millimeter of the die to work on encoding, scaling, and compositing. The result is surprising gains in density, power efficiency, and cost.

We look at where GPUs fall short for large-scale streaming and why CPUs hit a wall on cost per channel. Then we follow encoding as it moves into the network, building ABR ladders directly at venues, pushing streams straight to the CDN, and cutting both latency and egress costs. You’ll hear real numbers from cost-normalized tests, including a VPU-powered instance delivering six HEVC ladders for about the cost of one CPU ladder, plus a side-by-side look at AWS VT1/U30 and current VPU options.

The discussion also covers multi-layer AV1 for dynamic overlays and interactive ad units, and how compact edge servers with SDI capture bring premium live workflows into portable, power-efficient form factors.

We break down practical deployment choices such as U.2 form factors that slide into NVMe bays, mini servers designed for the edge, and PCIe cards for dense racks. Integration remains familiar with FFmpeg and GStreamer plugins, robust APIs, and a simple application layer for large-scale configuration.

The message is clear: when video runs on purpose-built silicon, you unlock hyperscale streaming capabilities - multi-view, AV1 interactivity, UHD ladders - at a cost that finally makes business sense. If you’re rethinking your pipeline or planning your next live event, this is your field guide to the new streaming stack.

If this episode gives you new ideas for your workflow, follow the show, share it with your team, and leave a quick review so others can find it.

Key topics
• GPUs, CPUs, and VPUs - why video needs purpose-built silicon
• What 100% video-dedicated silicon enables for density and power
• Encoding inside the network to cut latency and egress
• Multi-layer AV1 for interactive ads and overlays
• Multi-view sports made affordable and reliable
• Edge contribution from venues using compact servers
• Product lineup: U.2, mini, and PCIe form factors
• Benchmarks comparing CPU, VPU, and AWS VT1/U30
• Cloud options with Akamai and i3D, including egress math
• Integration with FFmpeg, GStreamer, SDKs, and Bitstreams

Download presentation: https://info.netint.com/hubfs/downloads/IBC25-VPU-Introduction.pdf

Energy Is the New Bottleneck in Live Video | Why VPUs Beat GPUs for Low-Res ABR at 4–6x Energy Savings

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Live video is exploding, power budgets are shrinking, and the old “throw more GPU at it” mindset is breaking. We dig into the real constraint behind streaming at scale - energy - and share new data showing how VPUs can deliver 4–6x better efficiency than top-tier GPUs while holding quality where viewers notice it most. From the early days of CPU-only encoding to a modern, hybrid stack, we walk through the architecture that lets us stream more for less power without cutting corners on quality.

We break down head-to-head tests run in the cloud comparing an RTX 4080 (NVENC and CUDA) with a NETINT Quadra T1U across AV1, HEVC, and H.264. You’ll hear how watts per stream changes the math for ABR ladders, why low-resolution rungs dominate real-world viewing, and where GPUs still win - premium HD and UHD tiers, complex filters, and specialized compute. Then we zoom out to the big picture: if live traffic is already the majority of internet bandwidth and is set to triple by 2030, scaling responsibly means optimizing for both density and sustainability. The numbers at 1,000 concurrent streams are stark: roughly 22.6 kW on a GPU path versus around 5 kW on a VPU path, with similar throughput and better low-res quality in many cases.

Our takeaway is a simple, pragmatic strategy. Use GPUs where their strengths shine and use VPUs for the heavy lifting across low and mid ABR rungs. That hybrid approach cuts operational cost, reduces carbon impact, and increases resilience under peak load. Along the way, we share how our live control, encoder, origin, and editor fit together across on‑prem and cloud, and why energy-aware orchestration is now a core feature, not an afterthought. Want the full benchmarks, VMAF curves, and methodology? Grab the white paper and put the data to work in your roadmap.

Enjoy the conversation, then help us spread the word - subscribe, rate, and share with a teammate who’s planning next year’s streaming capacity. Your feedback keeps these deep dives sharp and useful.

Download presentation: https://info.netint.com/hubfs/downloads/IBC-Peak-performance-minimal-footprint-Cires21.pdf

The TikTok of Live TV | Swipe, Watch, Repeat

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400

When Ignacio "Nacho" Opazo opened his laptop in 2011, he wasn't just writing code, but rather, he was laying the foundation for what would become Latin America's pioneering OTT platform. A musician turned self-taught developer, Nacho's journey from creating El Telón (Latin America's first streaming television service) to building Zapping (now serving 500,000 paying subscribers across four countries) represents a masterclass in technical innovation and market disruption.

What makes Zapping extraordinary isn't just its success but how it was built. Unlike competitors who adopted off-the-shelf solutions, Nacho's team developed everything in-house: encoders, players, applications, and even their own content delivery network. This ground-up approach was partially about control, but mot importantly, it was necessary to deliver the seamless experience they envisioned in markets where established infrastructure was lacking.

The breakthrough came in 2018 when Nacho reimagined the streaming interface completely. Observing that feature bloat was actually driving users away, he created a revolutionary "swipe" interface that immediately plays content without requiring browsing - "TikTok before TikTok" as he describes it. This radical simplification required rebuilding their entire technical stack to minimize latency at every stage, resulting in channel switches that take less than 50 milliseconds and streams that run a full minute ahead of competitors.

Perhaps most impressive is how Zapping has influenced the broadcasting ecosystem in their markets. They've worked directly with broadcasters to improve video quality, sometimes even upgrading stadium infrastructure to ensure better signals for sports broadcasts. They've also broken ground in content licensing, becoming the first tech company in Latin America to secure contracts with major studios like Disney and Paramount without being backed by a traditional telecommunications giant.

Connect with Nacho on LinkedIn as Ignacio Opazo or email him at nacho@zapping.com to learn more about this remarkable streaming revolution happening across Latin America.

Watts Up With Your Encoder? Akamai & Cires21 Benchmark VPUs vs. GPUs

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Energy efficiency is quickly becoming the new battleground in video processing infrastructure, and a groundbreaking benchmark study has revealed just how dramatic the differences can be between competing technologies. In this eye-opening conversation, Chris Milstead from Akamai and Dennis Mungai from Cires21 share findings from their joint research comparing Video Processing Units (VPUs) to traditional GPUs for encoding workloads.

The benchmark shows that VPUs deliver 4.7X better energy efficiency than GPUs for video encoding, while maintaining equivalent quality.

Highlights from the study:

VPUs consumed only 12 watts while running 19 simultaneous encoding jobs, compared to GPUs using 59 watts for 16 jobs.
Custom silicon is back: modern VPUs offer both efficiency and flexibility.
NVMe interface makes VPUs exceptionally easy to deploy in cloud environments with no special drivers.
Predictable, linear scaling across resolutions and codecs enables precise capacity planning.
Energy efficiency is critical as data centers face power constraints in many regions.
Simplified deployment shortens the gap between R&D prototyping and production use.
Benchmark used Netflix’s Meridian film to test both H.265/HEVC and AV1 encoding performance.
Akamai now offers cloud instances with NetInt VPUs starting at $0.42/hour.

The results are staggering: VPUs achieved a 4.7X efficiency advantage while delivering equal quality. Running 19 simultaneous jobs at 12 watts versus a GPU’s 16 jobs at 59 watts is not just incremental - it signals a fundamental shift in how future video platforms can be architected. As Chris notes, with regions like the Netherlands halting new data center construction due to energy limits, these gains are becoming essential for continued growth.

What makes this discussion particularly valuable is the depth of technical insight. Dennis explains how the NVMe interface dramatically simplifies deployment, creating a “level of certainty with speed” that narrows the gap between prototype and production. Predictable scaling across codecs and resolutions means operators can plan capacity with confidence - something GPU-based systems can’t match. As Dennis puts it: “Cost savings is not the goal. It’s the outcome of systems so well designed that it becomes an inevitability.”

Whether you’re scaling a video platform, navigating data center power constraints, or simply looking to cut operational costs, this conversation offers crucial insights into how purpose-built silicon is reshaping the video processing landscape. Listen now to understand why custom ASICs are making a comeback - and how they might fit into your future infrastructure.

READ THE BENCHMARKING STUDY:
https://www.linode.com/blog/compute/benchmarking-vpus-and-gpus-for-media-workloads/

Efficiency, Economics, and Innovation - Transforming Video Architectures

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0400

The economics of video delivery are changing dramatically, forcing media companies to rethink their entire approach to content distribution architecture. In this fascinating roundtable discussion, leaders from Akamai, Scalstrm, and Arcadian reveal how the push for efficiency is reshaping video workflows across the industry.

As streaming platforms expand globally, they're discovering that delivery strategies that worked in established markets don't necessarily translate to new territories. Our experts explain how companies are bringing technical expertise in-house and carefully balancing where different workloads should run. The conversation explores why some processing makes more sense on-premises while other functions benefit from cloud flexibility, creating increasingly sophisticated hybrid deployments.

Power consumption emerges as a surprisingly central theme throughout the discussion. With electricity representing the largest operational expense for many providers and environmental concerns growing, our panelists share how specialized hardware like video processing units (VPUs) are dramatically improving encoding efficiency. You'll learn how these advancements are opening new possibilities for processing video at scale without breaking the bank.

The most thought-provoking segment comes when our experts discuss how AI-generated content is fundamentally changing video creation itself. With an estimated 50% of short-form video already being created without traditional encoding processes, the panel explores both the threats and opportunities this represents for everyone in the video delivery ecosystem.

Whether you're architecting a major streaming platform or managing video workflows for a content creator, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of media delivery. Don't miss the practical advice on how to start transforming your own infrastructure, even when constrained by legacy systems or existing vendor relationships.

Training Your Own LLM: The Untapped Value of Media Archives

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0400

The AI revolution in media production is moving beyond marketing hype into practical applications delivering real value. Ryan Jesperson from Cires21 takes us deep into how their Media Co-Pilot platform is transforming workflows for tier-one broadcasters through thoughtfully implemented artificial intelligence.

Unlike basic AI integrations that simply bolt onto existing systems, Media Co-Pilot addresses the nuanced needs of professional media organizations by training models specific to broadcast content. This approach solves the "garbage in, garbage out" problem that plagues many rudimentary AI implementations, delivering broadcast-quality results for transcription, translation, face detection, and scene analysis.

What makes their approach particularly valuable is the hybrid integration model combining public LLMs with private, custom-trained solutions. National broadcasters with decades of archival footage aren't just protecting their workflows – they're safeguarding valuable intellectual property that could otherwise be scraped and utilized by competing services. This represents a fundamental shift in how media companies view their content libraries, recognizing them as valuable AI training data beyond traditional monetization channels.

The real-world applications are diverse and compelling: reality show producers tracking contestants across multiple cameras with trained face detection; concert promoters generating social media clips from live feeds to drive viewership; news organizations rapidly translating content across languages and platforms; and contextual ad placement based on content sentiment analysis. Each implementation is tailored to specific industry needs rather than forcing one-size-fits-all solutions.

Looking ahead, the next frontier lies in applying AI to video distribution itself – optimizing just-in-time encoding, improving device detection, and predicting viewing patterns to reduce infrastructure costs while enhancing viewer experiences across devices and scenarios.

• Media Co-Pilot brings AI capabilities to complex streaming workflows while maintaining broadcast quality
• Creating private LLMs allows broadcasters to protect valuable content while leveraging AI capabilities
• Face detection and object recognition enable efficient reality show production across multiple cameras
• AI-powered scene analysis improves ad placement by understanding content context and sentiment
• Social media clip generation from live events happens automatically through AI processing
• Transcription, translation and dubbing workflows become more efficient through trained AI models
• Media archives represent valuable training data that companies should protect from unauthorized scraping
• Future applications will focus on using AI to optimize video distribution and just-in-time encoding
• Neural Content Processing servers enable faster training for customer-specific AI use cases

Ready to explore how AI can transform your media workflows? Connect with Ryan Jespersen to see Cires21's Media Co-Pilot demonstrations and discover the practical applications of AI in professional media production.

The Engine Isn’t Enough: Building Robust Media Frameworks Around the VPU

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

The beating heart of every video streaming service is its encoding technology, but raw power alone isn't enough to deliver exceptional viewer experiences. In this eye-opening conversation, Mark Donnigan explores what happens when you combine the incredible performance of Video Processing Units (VPUs) with thoughtfully designed software frameworks.

Mark Donnigan compares the VPU to a high-performance engine – essential and powerful, but ultimately useless without the surrounding vehicle.

Dominique Vosters explains: “Initially performance was the key differentiator, but going beyond that, you can make the system even better with the whole software layer around it.” He details how Scalstrm has been building resilience, redundancy, and flexibility into complete media processing systems that transform raw encoding capability into production-ready solutions.

Alexander Leschinsky draws an analogy to networking hardware: VPUs are like ASICs inside routers - immensely powerful but only useful when paired with robust frameworks and tested workflows. He stresses that integrators must combine VPUs with CPUs or GPUs when unusual formats (like deinterlacing or MPEG-2) are required, and that customers ultimately want battle-tested reliability rather than raw interfaces.

Together, the guests reveal:

VPUs can provide 10x efficiency improvements, but need software frameworks to create complete solutions.
Format diversity remains challenging — from deinterlacing to supporting 32 audio channels per stream, as in the European Parliament project mentioned by Alexander Leschinsky from G&L.
Some formats must be handled outside the VPU, either on CPUs or other workflow stages.
Dominique Vosters notes that open-source tools like FFmpeg can be useful for proofs of concept but fall short for live production due to resilience gaps.
Alexander Leschinsky highlights the distinction: FFmpeg is great for controlled VOD environments, while commercial solutions deliver better results in demanding live workflows.
Total cost of ownership is a top driver for adoption: both guests stress that VPU acceleration reduces hardware requirements, lowers power use, and brings sustainability benefits.
Alexander Leschinsky even showcases a Raspberry Pi with an M.2 VPU card powered over Ethernet, demonstrating extreme edge efficiency in action.

As Dominique Vosters emphasizes, understanding business requirements must come before technical decisions when migrating to new encoding solutions. The software frameworks around VPUs are just as important as the VPUs themselves.

Silicon Showdown: CPUs, GPUs, and VPUs Battle for Data Center Dominance

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Hybrid cloud infrastructure has finally arrived for video streaming, and it's transforming how organizations balance performance, cost, and sovereignty requirements. In this enlightening conversation with Stefan Ideler from i3D.net, we explore how the gaming industry's early adoption of hybrid approaches now offers valuable lessons for video streaming platforms facing similar pressures.

Stefan reveals how i3D.net's massive global network, exceeding 30 terabits per second across 65 locations worldwide, provides the foundation for both gaming and video delivery services requiring ultra-low latency. Having started in 2004 before AWS even existed, i3D.net has evolved from gaming server provider to infrastructure powerhouse supporting companies like Discord through unprecedented scaling challenges.

What truly differentiates modern infrastructure providers isn't just their network footprint but their approach to customer partnerships. "You talk to humans, to engineers directly," Stefan explains. "We're in a Slack channel together, directly talking to your engineers, giving insights, sharing dashboards. We're really part of your operational team." This collaborative approach, combined with world-class anti-DDoS protection and network quality, creates value beyond pure cost considerations.

The conversation oscillates into the evolving silicon landscape within data centers, where specialized accelerators increasingly complement CPUs and GPUs. Stefan predicts that within five years, at least one-third of processing capacity will shift to AI inferencing chipsets, while VPUs continue growing in importance for video workloads. As power constraints become critical, especially in Europe, these efficiency gains aren't just economically advantageous - they're operationally essential.

For organizations struggling with cloud costs or sovereignty requirements, pragmatic migration paths exist. Through direct connectivity between cloud providers and bare metal infrastructure, companies can gradually shift static workloads while maintaining service continuity. The key is collaboration between engineering teams willing to develop innovative solutions together.

Catch i3D.net at the NETINT VPU ecosystem booth at IBC to learn more about their infrastructure solutions and how they're helping shape the future of video delivery.

Pixels, Profits, and Processing: The Hidden Economics of Streaming

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes when your favorite streaming platform adds thousands of classic films overnight? The challenges are far more complex than most realize.

Joe Waltzer, CEO and founder of Arcadian, pulls back the curtain on the intricate world of media workflow engineering in this enlightening conversation. With over five years of experience solving delivery challenges for major Hollywood studios and global media companies, Joe offers a rare glimpse into the technological puzzles that must be solved to bring content from production to your screen.

"When you look at everything that goes into delivering an asset, there's a lot to it," Joe explains, detailing how seemingly standard video workflows can quickly become engineering nightmares. From misaligned audio tracks to subtitle files from multiple decades ago, the back catalog monetization challenge represents both massive opportunity and significant technical hurdles for media companies.

What truly stands out is Joe's perspective on the shifting economics of media delivery. As studios look to monetize vast libraries through ad-supported channels, the premium workflows designed for blockbuster releases become financially unsustainable. This has triggered a significant industry shift, with many companies reevaluating their cloud-first strategies in favor of specialized hardware solutions that can slash encoding costs by orders of magnitude.

The conversation also explores the balancing act between maintaining pristine quality and controlling operational costs. “I have never had a conversation with someone who said 'I don't care what this looks like, just give me low cost,” Joe shares, highlighting how technical teams must make intelligent trade-offs that preserve viewer experience while enabling sustainable business models.

Whether you're a video technology professional, a content creator, or simply curious about how your favorite shows reach your screen, this episode offers valuable insights into the rapidly evolving media technology landscape. Subscribe now and join us at IBC in Amsterdam to continue the conversation with Joe and the Arcadian team.

TL&DR
• Arcadian positions itself as a services integrator rather than pushing proprietary solutions
• Studios face significant challenges monetizing back catalogs due to technical complexities with older content
• Modern platforms often build workflows for single use cases that become economically unsustainable when applied to other content types
• Maintaining quality while reducing costs requires understanding where to make trade-offs that won't impact viewer experience
• The industry is experiencing a major shift away from cloud-only solutions as specialized hardware offers dramatic cost savings
• Video Processing Units (VPUs) can deliver 10-40x efficiency improvements over CPU-based encoding
• AI technologies show promise but haven't yet delivered turnkey solutions for media workflows
• Simplified workflows and reduced complexity often yield the greatest operational efficiency gains

Mini Box, Massive Impact: How Advantech and NETINT built a compact edge server for high-performance streaming.

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Dom Mrakuzic from Advantech joins Voices of Video to unveil how this revolution is unfolding through solutions like the Quadra Mini Server, a collaboration with NETINT Technologies. This compact half-rack appliance represents a significant breakthrough in edge video processing, capable of encoding 20 simultaneous 1080p broadcast-quality streams while consuming just 10 watts of power.

What makes this development particularly significant is that it wasn't conceived in isolation. The Quadra Mini Server emerged directly from customer requirements in environments where traditional rack servers weren't practical - sports venues, remote production sites, and other space-constrained locations. The result is hardware purpose-built for the real-world challenges of modern video delivery.

The conversation explores how edge computing is transforming live video production economics, making previously expensive operations accessible at scale. Dom explains Advantech's approach to creating long-life industrial solutions with global support, ensuring deployments remain viable for 5-15 years - critical for industries from broadcasting to medical imaging.

Perhaps most compelling is the realization that concepts like "just-in-time encoding," discussed theoretically for over a decade, are finally becoming practical realities. As major streaming services push their video infrastructure to the edge, purpose-built VPU technology is making these architectures economically viable for the first time.

Whether you're building next-generation streaming platforms or simply want to understand where video technology is headed, this episode offers crucial insights into the hardware driving today's most innovative video delivery solutions. Check out the Quadra Mini Server at IBC in Amsterdam or visit NETINT.com to learn more about this edge encoding revolution.

Main points:
• Advantech builds purpose-built industrial PCs and appliances designed specifically for video processing applications
• The Quadra Mini Server combines Advantech's compact half-rack hardware with NETINT's VPU technology
• Edge computing is emerging as the key differentiator in video delivery, moving processing from cloud to on-premise
• The T1M VPU in M.2 form factor can encode 20 simultaneous 1080p30 streams while consuming just 10 watts
• Advantech provides long-life industrial solutions with global support for a minimum of 5-7 years
• Major streaming services are increasingly pushing their video infrastructure to the edge
• Just-in-time encoding at the network edge is finally becoming economically viable with VPU technology

From Gaming to Streaming: How i3DNet's Hybrid Infrastructure Breaks Vendor Lock-in

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400

As the second most peered network globally with over 65 points of presence worldwide, i3DNet has built something remarkable - an infrastructure designed to satisfy gaming's most demanding users that now powers millions of concurrent streams on platforms like Discord. "Gamers are the most demanding users in the internet world," Stefan explains, highlighting how meeting their expectations has created a network optimized for performance.

Stefan Idler from i3DNet joins us to discuss how their gaming-focused infrastructure is revolutionizing video streaming with a hybrid cloud approach that breaks vendor lock-in while significantly reducing costs.

• i3DNet operates the second most peered network globally with 65+ points of presence
• Originally built for demanding gamers, their infrastructure now powers millions of Discord video streams concurrently
• Traditional cloud providers create vendor lock-in that limits flexibility and becomes costly at scale
• Their hybrid cloud model combines flexible compute with premium networking at 10x lower cost than cloud providers
• Case study: Real-time video platform saved significantly by routing heavy traffic through i3DNet while keeping ML workloads in GCP
• Support philosophy focuses on human interaction with 24/7 live ops team and one-step resolution
• Future trends include traffic growth, expanded global presence, data sovereignty concerns, and AI integration
• Converged infrastructure is emerging where network becomes both computing platform and distribution mechanism

Visit i3dnet.net to learn more about their solutions or connect with Stefan directly on LinkedIn to discuss your specific infrastructure needs.

Save 66%: Why Your Video Streaming Budget is Going Up in Smoke

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:00:00 -0400

The numbers are staggering: using AWS Media Live for HD video processing costs approximately $10,117 per stream over three years, while the NetInsight/NetInt solution delivers the same capabilities for around $3,500 – a reduction of 66-70%. These aren't theoretical projections but real-world figures that are opening eyes throughout the industry.

We explore the innovative partnership between NetInsight and NETINT, showcasing how strategic edge processing can dramatically reduce video streaming costs while improving quality and flexibility.

• NetInsight's Nimbra Edge platform integrated with NetInt VPUs creates a powerful ecosystem for video processing
• Edge processing at venues offers significant advantages over cloud-only approaches
• Cost analysis shows 66-70% savings ($10,117 vs $3,500 per stream over three years)
• Cloud commitments often create vendor lock-in that limits flexibility
• The solution is cloud-agnostic, allowing deployment on-premises, in any cloud, or through specialized platforms like Akamai
• Upcoming features include enhanced ad insertion capabilities targeting the American market
• Edge processing reduces latency and network load while improving cost efficiency
• "Use cloud for scale, use the edge for specificity" provides a guiding principle for modern video workflows

Reach out to Adam at NetInsight or anyone on our teams with questions about implementing these solutions in your workflow. Until next time, happy encoding!

Quality, Cost, Latency: The Hidden Battles in Video Delivery

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Starting with signal reception at massive satellite dishes, Martin Azpiroz, director at Bold MSS walks us through the complete delivery chain, from transcoding and packaging to content protection and playback. We explore Bold MS's fascinating technical evolution from CPU to GPU to their current ASIC-based encoding approach.

This shift hasn't just improved video quality; it has also dramatically reduced hardware failures, server footprint, and power consumption. As Martin explains, some providers have discovered that server energy costs can reach 30% of the hardware's replacement value annually, making these efficiency gains financially significant.

• Bold MS offers a complete software stack handling everything from ingest to playback
• Their transition from CPU to GPU to ASIC encoding has dramatically improved density and reduced power consumption
• ASIC-based encoding provides better resilience when dealing with satellite signal issues
• Implementing CMAF and low-latency technologies reduces streaming delay to just 1-2 seconds versus cable's 8-10 seconds
• Their encoding approach varies by device type, with mobile streams typically capped at 3.5 Mbps using H.264
• Smart TV usage is growing rapidly alongside continued mobile dominance in Latin America
• All premium content requires DRM protection using Widevine, Fairplay, and PlayReady
• Their CDN strategy includes both their own infrastructure and overflow to third-party providers during peak events

600 Channels, 1 Server - Reimagining Video Processing for Sustainability

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Hardware acceleration is changing the economics of video delivery, and Scalstrm is at the forefront of this revolution. After showcasing their just-in-time transcoding solution at NAB, Dominic returns to Voices of Video to share how they've partnered with NETINT to create a groundbreaking platform that's already winning customer deployments.

• Scalstrm built their transcoding solution from scratch without relying on open-source components
• Their migration from software to hardware acceleration took only 3-4 months
• Performance testing showed "huge" advantages using VPU cards over CPU-based transcoding
• The solution supports all major codecs including H.264, HEVC, and has plans for AV1
• They demonstrated 600 channels of origin packaging plus 64 live transcoding channels on a single small server
• Their target customers include tier-one telcos, broadcasters, and content owners
• The platform now includes just-in-time transcoding, subtitle conversion, CDN capabilities, and ad insertion
• Their first live customer deployment is happening immediately following NAB

The hardware acceleration revolution is here - join us next time for more conversations with companies building real technologies and products that are changing video encoding and streaming.

From VHS Tapes to Huddle: The Evolution of Sports Video Analysis

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:00:00 -0400

Casey Bateman, Principal Engineer at Huddle, reveals how their video platform revolutionized sports analysis by replacing the old system of coaches exchanging physical tapes with instant digital access. Founded in 2006 at the University of Nebraska, Huddle now serves 97% of US high school football programs and has expanded globally to 40+ sports.

• Huddle's first client was Nebraska football in 2007, followed by the NY Jets when their coach moved teams
• Explosive growth began when targeting high schools - from 12 schools in 2008 to 1,300 by 2010
• Currently powers video analysis for 230,000 different organizations globally across 40 different sports
• Platform optimizes for clear jersey numbers and field lines, critical details coaches need for analysis
• Uses different video delivery strategy than entertainment streaming services due to unique access patterns
• Current library contains over 100 petabytes of video hosted on AWS
• Developing AI-powered camera technology that automatically tracks players and the ball
• Implementing HEVC codec support after Chrome announced compatibility, reaching 71-72% of their user base
• Created on-demand rendering system that cuts storage needs in half by generating lower-quality versions only when needed

Cores Galore: Video Processing Without the Computational Gymnastics

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:00:00 -0400

ARM architecture is revolutionizing video processing with power-efficient processors that deliver predictable performance without the computational gymnastics required by traditional x86 systems.

• Ampere builds ARM-based processors with massive core counts (up to 192 cores) focused on sustainable computing
• Traditional x86 architecture struggles with video workloads due to multi-threading causing unpredictable performance
• Single-threaded cores in ARM processors provide predictable execution crucial for video processing
• ARM processors consuming just 1 watt per core enable 320 simultaneous 1080p30 live transcodes in a single 1RU server
• When paired with VPUs for encoding, ARM cores can handle complex tasks like de-interlacing, MPEG-2 decoding and AI captioning
• Real-world implementations show dramatic improvements in density and efficiency for video streaming platforms
• Ampere processors are now available in over 25 cloud providers worldwide including Oracle, Google, and Microsoft Azure
• The video industry is seeing rapid adoption of ARM architecture due to performance, predictability, and power savings
• Software compatibility has significantly improved with modern compilers optimized for ARM instruction sets
• The combination of VPUs and ARM CPUs enables entirely new workflow capabilities previously impossible or prohibitively expensive

Discover more about NetInt's video processing solutions at netintcom.

The Onion Layers of Video: A Deep Dive into WebRTC

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:00:00 -0400

WebRTC pioneer Tsahi Levent-Levi shares his extensive knowledge on this real-time communication protocol, explaining its inner workings, challenges, and proper implementation approaches.

• WebRTC consists of both a protocol stack (standard specification) and Google's implementation (libwebrtc) used in all major browsers
• The protocol is designed specifically for real-time communication with sub-second latency requirements
• When building with WebRTC, consider using third-party solutions rather than building from scratch
• Quality challenges arise from network unpredictability, requiring compromises to maintain real-time communication
• Simulcast (creating multiple streams at different bitrates) remains more widely adopted than SVC due to hardware compatibility
• Media servers are essential for scaling WebRTC applications beyond peer-to-peer communications
• WebRTC can scale to millions of users when properly implemented, but ultra-low latency requirements dramatically increase costs
• Companies should analyze actual problems before jumping to solutions like codec changes
• AV1 works well for text-heavy content at low bitrates but requires significant CPU resources

Who Owns Your Digital Brain?

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Reza Rasool, CEO of nonprofit AI lab KWAI, shares his vision for democratizing artificial intelligence through personal AI systems that prioritize user privacy and local computing.

• KWAI aims to create personal AI assistants that run locally on users' devices rather than in the cloud

• Current cloud-based AI services create privacy concerns as they require uploading personal data to remote servers

• Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) technology separates language models from knowledge bases for more efficient local processing

• The streaming media industry's evolution provides valuable lessons for developing standardized, component-based AI systems

• Moving AI processing from cloud to edge devices addresses both privacy concerns and power consumption limitations

• Comparing KWAI's mission to Linux - an open-source reaction to monopolized operating systems that made the industry healthier

• Personal AI Operating System will provide a framework for running AI assistants with extensible "abilities" similar to apps

• Technical innovations like Mamba architecture reduce computational complexity from quadratic to linear growth

• Future vision includes distributed, peer-to-peer AI networks functioning as digital public infrastructure

• The opportunity window for creating democratic, user-controlled AI is limited and requires volunteer participation

Visit kwai.ai to explore KWAI's proof-of-concept avatar and learn more about joining their community of over 500 volunteers working to democratize AI.

The Secret Sauce of Sub-Second Streaming (THEO Player - now Dolby)

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 17:00:00 -0400

What happens when engineering brilliance meets streaming challenges? Peter Jan Spielmans, co-founder and CTO of Theo Technologies, takes us behind the scenes of video player technology and revolutionary low-latency streaming.

Most viewers never think about the video player - it's the invisible interface between complex streaming technology and the viewing experience. Yet this critical component determines not just how video looks and performs, but provides essential analytics about user behavior. Peter Jan explains how TheoPlayer evolved from addressing the fragmentation of streaming protocols to becoming a comprehensive solution handling everything from DRM protection to quality adaptation.

The conversation shifts to an exciting innovation in streaming technology: HESP (High Efficiency Streaming Protocol). Unlike traditional protocols that struggle to balance latency with quality, HESP delivers sub-second latency - around 800 milliseconds - while maintaining broadcast-quality video. This breakthrough comes from a clever dual-stream approach that decouples GOP size from latency, enabling rapid channel changes without sacrificing compression efficiency.

For interactive applications like sports betting, webinars, and live auctions, this ultra-low latency creates possibilities previously unattainable with conventional streaming methods. Peter Jan outlines how TheoLive makes implementing this technology remarkably straightforward - simply provide an RTMP or SRT feed, and the service handles everything from transcoding to delivery and playback.

The discussion also explores the evolving codec landscape, with insights into how organizations are implementing hybrid encoding ladders that leverage HEVC for higher-quality renditions while maintaining H.264 compatibility. Peter Jan shares valuable perspective on when commercial players make sense versus open-source alternatives, highlighting the hidden costs of maintaining complex integrations with analytics, advertising, and DRM systems.

Whether you're a video engineer weighing technology options or a product manager seeking to understand streaming innovations, this episode provides both technical depth and practical guidance for navigating today's video delivery challenges.

Why Your Storage Needs a Diet Plan and AI Is the Nutritionist

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Meet Predrag Mandelbaum, the innovative force behind MoreScreens - a company on a mission to deliver video to every device imaginable. From smartphones to smart TVs, set-top boxes to game consoles, they're tackling one of streaming's greatest challenges: multi-device compatibility.

Founded in 1999 with live events in Italy, MoreScreens has evolved from basic streaming into a complete end-to-end OTT solution provider. What began as live video delivery gradually expanded to include VOD, content management systems, and multi-device support as customer demands grew. Today, they power streaming services for telecom operators, broadcasters, content providers, and sports organizations across Europe.

The conversation delivers fascinating insights into European streaming infrastructure, where regulatory requirements often dictate on-premises deployments rather than public cloud solutions. GDPR compliance and data sovereignty concerns create a distinctly different operational landscape compared to markets like the United States. Predrag notes that while public cloud services might offer flexibility, many European operators prefer keeping infrastructure in-country for both regulatory compliance and cost control.

Optimization emerges as MoreScreens' defining philosophy. Predrag shares a remarkable customer migration where they reduced server count from 25 to just 6 - a testament to their engineering efficiency. Their pragmatic approach to AI yields equally impressive results: an SVOD provider using their AI-powered personalized messaging saw a 15% reduction in subscriber churn when users attempted to cancel.

The discussion covers the future of streaming technologies, including AI applications for content discovery, metadata enrichment, and storage optimization. Their "AI storage optimizer" leverages machine learning to predict popular content and intelligently cache it, potentially reducing storage requirements tenfold - critical savings for operators managing hundreds of catch-up TV channels.

Whether you're a streaming technology enthusiast, video engineer, or content provider navigating the complex world of multi-device delivery, this conversation provides valuable insights into the technical challenges and innovative solutions shaping the future of video streaming. Check out morescreens.com to learn how they're making "video on every device" a reality.

VR and MultiView: How Tiled Media is Revolutionizing Sports Viewing

Thu, 29 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Step into the future of video consumption with Rob Koenen, founder and chief business officer of Tiled Media, as he unveils the revolutionary potential of VR and MultiView technologies. These innovations are fundamentally transforming our relationship with video content by putting viewers in control.

The core of this transformation lies in Tiled Media's sophisticated "tile streaming" technology, which allows viewers to seamlessly switch between different camera angles or create personalized viewing arrangements from multiple simultaneous feeds. Imagine watching your favorite football match and being able to follow a specific player even when the main broadcast camera is focused elsewhere, or viewing multiple tennis matches at once during a tournament - all while maintaining perfect synchronization and optimal video quality.

Rob demonstrates this groundbreaking technology live, showing how viewers can drag, resize, and arrange video elements on their screen to create truly personalized viewing experiences. What makes this approach unique is its remarkable efficiency: unlike competing solutions that require multiple encoders or decoders, Tiled Media's approach uses a single hardware decoder while intelligently managing bandwidth by only retrieving video at the resolution it's being displayed.

The applications extend far beyond sports. From music education that allows students to focus on specific instruments in an orchestra to electronic program guides that show live previews of what's actually playing on each channel, this technology opens endless possibilities for engagement. And while VR adoption has been slower than initially expected, Rob shares his vision for how these immersive technologies will eventually transform how we connect with events and each other across distances.

Ready to experience the future of video? Discover how these innovative viewing technologies could change your relationship with the content you love and give you unprecedented control over what you see and how you see it.

No Silver Bullets: The Messy Reality of Video Streaming Technology

Thu, 22 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400

The streaming video ecosystem has come a long way, but as Jason Thibeault candidly puts it, "The streaming video tech stack is a mess." In this illuminating conversation, the Executive Director of the Streaming Video Technology Alliance (SVTA) takes us behind the scenes of streaming video delivery, revealing both the remarkable progress and persistent challenges facing the industry.

What started in 2014 as a small consortium of 17 companies has blossomed into an influential organization with approximately 130 member companies collaborating on critical streaming technologies. Unlike traditional standards bodies, the SVTA focuses on creating immediate, practical solutions through specifications, best practices, and even open-source software that address real-world streaming challenges.

The heart of our discussion centers on what makes streaming fundamentally different from traditional broadcasting. While broadcast television benefits from dedicated infrastructure, streaming navigates the unpredictable terrain of best-effort networks. This fundamental difference explains why even sophisticated platforms occasionally struggle with buffering, jitter, and reliability issues that broadcasters rarely encounter.

Particularly fascinating is Thibeault's breakdown of technologies like open caching, which creates overlay networks enabling heterogeneous caching infrastructures to function as unified delivery systems. He also unpacks Netflix's groundbreaking achievement of streaming to 60 million concurrent viewers during the Tyson-Paul boxing match - a watershed moment that provided valuable lessons for the entire industry about scaling live video delivery.

Looking ahead to 2025, edge computing, security technologies, and improved advertising infrastructure emerge as key focus areas. Meanwhile, the role of artificial intelligence in streaming will likely center on specific applications like content recommendations, personalized clip generation, and predictive operations rather than transformative changes to core infrastructure.

Ready to dive deeper into the technology powering your favorite streaming services? This episode offers invaluable insights whether you're a streaming professional seeking technical knowledge or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes when you press play. Subscribe to Voices of Video for more conversations with experts shaping the future of video technology.

Game Over for Traditional Gaming? Not Quite Yet.

Thu, 15 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400

The cloud gaming revolution is already here, quietly transforming how games reach billions of potential players worldwide. But unlike previous digital transformations, this one isn't about replacing high-end gaming setups. It's about expanding the gaming universe to include the massive, untapped audience who access digital content primarily through mobile devices.

What makes this moment different from earlier attempts? According to David Cook of Radian Arc, we've reached the convergence point of three essential ingredients that power any digital transformation. First, content availability has expanded dramatically, with publishers increasingly recognizing the enormous opportunity of reaching new markets. Second, the user experience has been revolutionized by solving gaming's most crucial challenge: latency. By placing GPU infrastructure directly inside telco networks instead of distant data centers, the connection becomes virtually instantaneous. Third, the economics have become sustainable through groundbreaking density improvements - combining traditional GPUs with specialized Video Processing Units to achieve nearly 10x the streaming capacity per server.

This technical innovation translates to real-world business impact. Across 63 telco partnerships representing 2.5 billion potential customers, Radian Arc is demonstrating how cloud gaming serves as the perfect showcase for 5G networks. Rather than competing with consoles for hardcore gamers, they're opening gaming to entirely new audiences across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and beyond - regions where mobile is the primary computing device and traditional gaming hardware remains out of reach for most consumers.

The most compelling insight might be their approach to market entry. "We start our discussion in the CMO's office, not the CTO's office," explains Cook. While technologists might focus on amazing capabilities, successful cloud gaming requires solving the business equation - reducing customer acquisition costs and maximizing lifetime value. By aligning with telcos' primary objective (selling more 5G connections), they've created a sustainable model that meets everyone's needs: telcos, publishers, and most importantly, the billions of players eager to experience gaming in an entirely new way.

Ready to explore how cloud gaming is transforming entertainment distribution? Discover how the right infrastructure can unlock new markets and create seamless gaming experiences for audiences worldwide.

CDN in Your Pocket: Nokia's Secret Weapon Against Buffering

Thu, 08 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Imagine watching a live sports event where your stream is actually faster than broadcast television. This isn't science fiction. It's the reality of Nokia's groundbreaking approach to zero-latency streaming, as revealed by Senior Product Manager Keith Chow in this illuminating deep dive.

When live sporting events drive 50-70% viewer concurrency (reaching 100% during World Cup matches), traditional streaming technologies buckle under the pressure. Keith explains how Nokia's solution handles these extreme demands through a sophisticated combination of UDP protocols, multicast distribution, and what he calls "CDN in your pocket" - a tiny 200-kilobyte client library that transforms any device into a low-latency streaming machine.

The technical achievements are remarkable: channel serving times as low as 19 milliseconds (compared to the industry standard 2-14 seconds), perfect synchronization across all viewers, and an astonishing resilience that maintains watchable streams even with 40% random packet loss. And these are not theoretical metrics! They're real-world results from serving millions of concurrent viewers.

What sets this approach apart is its pragmatic implementation. Many network providers already have Nokia's service routers installed at the network edge, requiring only software activation to unlock these capabilities. The solution builds on established standards like RTP, IGMP, and ST2022-7 - already used by hundreds of companies - while adding proprietary optimizations that dramatically outperform WebRTC and emerging technologies like MOQ.

Whether you're a streaming platform looking to deliver sports betting experiences that demand sub-second latency, a network operator trying to manage massive concurrent viewership, or a video engineer curious about next-generation distribution techniques, this episode offers rare insights into technology that's already transforming how live content reaches viewers around the world.

Streaming at the Speed of Soccer: How Zapping Conquered Latency

Thu, 01 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Dive into the technological revolution happening in Latin American streaming as Nacho Opazo, co-founder and CTO of Zapping, breaks down how they've built one of the region's most innovative virtual TV operators from the ground up.

What happens when a musician who's been coding since age 11 decides to reinvent television? You get a streaming service that's one minute ahead of competitors during soccer matches, delivers superior picture quality with 40% less bandwidth, and offers an interface that starts playing content immediately upon opening the app.

Unlike most streaming platforms that focus primarily on on-demand content, Zapping has carved out a successful niche by prioritizing live streaming - particularly news and sports - across Chile, Brazil, and soon Peru and Costa Rica. The secret to their success? Building every piece of their technology stack in-house, from encoding solutions to their own CDN (which Nacho claims is larger than Akamai in Chile).

Some of the most fascinating revelations involve Zapping's technical innovations: placing encoders directly in broadcaster headends to minimize latency, implementing HEVC to deliver better picture quality at lower bitrates, and creating AI systems that detect goals in soccer matches and automatically offer viewers replay options if they missed the action. All this while addressing the unique challenge that 80% of their viewers watch on smart TVs - many of which are several years old with suboptimal WiFi connectivity.

Whether you're a streaming professional looking for technical insights or simply curious about how streaming is evolving outside North America and Europe, this conversation offers a compelling look at how regional innovation is reshaping television for the streaming age. Listen in as Nacho explains why your neighbor might be screaming "GOAL!" before you see it - and how Zapping is fixing that problem.

Where's the CDN Market Heading? A Deep Dive with Mark de Jong

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Ever wondered what's happening behind the scenes when you stream your favorite show? The content delivery network (CDN) industry powers much of our digital experiences yet has operated in siloed isolation for decades. In this eye-opening conversation, Mark de Jong, Chairman of the CDN Alliance and industry veteran with 25 years in online video, pulls back the curtain on this crucial but often invisible infrastructure.

Mark reveals how the CDN landscape is transforming into two distinct camps: "full-fledged" providers like Akamai that combine delivery with security and edge computing, and delivery-focused specialists like CDN77 that optimize for cost efficiency. It's a fascinating parallel to the energy industry – a commodity business where companies can still thrive through operational excellence despite selling essentially identical products.

The discussion goes beyond business models to explore groundbreaking initiatives addressing industry-wide challenges. TrafficRadar aims to prevent internet congestion by creating a secure framework for coordinating peak traffic events between content providers, CDNs, and ISPs. Another working group tackles the confusing world of streaming latency, where even vendors can't agree on basic terminology (is 30 seconds really "low latency"?). These efforts could transform how reliably content reaches consumers, especially during major live events.

We also examine the regulatory pressures facing the industry, particularly the "fair share" debate where ISPs seek to charge content providers for network traffic – a move that could ultimately increase costs for consumers. As Mark notes, most individual CDNs lack resources for effective lobbying, making industry representation increasingly important.

Whether you're a streaming professional, work with CDNs, or are simply curious about the infrastructure powering your digital entertainment, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving world of content delivery. Check out the CDN Alliance at cdnalliance.org to learn more about their efforts to connect, support, and represent this crucial industry.

Greening the Streaming Industry

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Power consumption might be the most underrated challenge facing the streaming video industry today. As Dom Robinson, founder of Greening of Streaming, reveals in this eye-opening conversation, the energy footprint of streaming video could represent 2-3% of global electricity consumption – a figure that demands attention from everyone in the ecosystem.

What began as sideline discussions among network architects has evolved into a 30-member organization tackling streaming's energy challenges systematically. Robinson walks us through the complex relationship between video quality, network architecture, and power consumption, challenging many common assumptions along the way.

Perhaps most surprising is the weak correlation between data volume and energy usage in transmission networks. "It's not as simple as reducing bitrate," Robinson explains, describing how energy efficiency requires examining the entire delivery chain. A change that saves power in one area might increase consumption elsewhere – like when a codec change forces millions of consumer devices to work harder on decoding.

The conversation explores fascinating territory, from the "gold button" concept (defaulting to energy-efficient streaming with the option to upgrade) to comparing distribution models like unicast and multicast. Robinson questions whether we need UHD for all content types and shares how Greening of Streaming is conducting rigorous research to provide evidence-based guidance rather than assumptions.

Ready to think differently about streaming's energy footprint? This conversation reveals both the challenges and opportunities in building a more sustainable streaming ecosystem – one that delivers amazing experiences without unnecessary environmental cost. Join the growing movement of companies tackling this crucial industry challenge.

Are ASICs the Future of Video Processing?

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400

What happens when the relentless demand for video processing slams into the hard walls of data center power and space limitations? Dennis Mungai, heading R&D at Cires21, takes us on a fascinating journey through the evolution of encoding hardware that's reshaping how broadcast giants like the BBC deliver content.

"Density, density, density" emerges as the driving force behind Cires21's technological evolution. Starting with flexible but resource-intensive CPU-based encoding, Dennis reveals how their Madrid-based team methodically explored GPU acceleration before discovering the game-changing potential of Video Processing Units (VPUs). The conversation demystifies why purpose-built ASICs are upending conventional wisdom about the necessary tradeoffs between quality, power consumption, and channel capacity.

Most revealing is Cires21's extensive codec comparison study, where they tested approximately 1,500 samples across CPU, GPU, and VPU implementations. Their findings challenge long-held assumptions: NETINT's VPUs delivered visual quality comparable to software encoders but at a fraction of the power cost. Perhaps most surprising was the discovery that these specialized processors performed "extremely competitively" even at lower resolutions where traditional hardware solutions typically struggle.

For streaming providers facing the reality that "we have run out of power in the data center," this technological progression couldn't be more timely. The ability to fit hundreds of broadcast-quality channels into a single rack unit represents a fundamental shift in video infrastructure economics. As Dennis eloquently puts it, this evolution "is either going to find you, or you're going to find yourself buying into these solutions and you will be behind time."

Akamai's Connected Cloud: 90% Cost Reduction for Video Processing

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Akamai and NETINT have joined forces to create something revolutionary in cloud video processing. The partnership brings NETINT's Video Processing Units (VPUs) to Akamai's Connected Cloud, fundamentally changing the economics and performance of cloud-based video encoding.

Sarah Walter, Product Manager at Akamai, reveals how their Connected Cloud has evolved beyond traditional CDN services to offer a complete compute continuum with three tiers: core, distributed, and edge. This architecture allows media customers to deploy infrastructure strategically, placing resource-intensive workloads in the core while positioning other components closer to end users. Unlike hyperscalers who often compete with media companies through their own content initiatives, Akamai focuses exclusively on empowering their customers' success.

The performance advantages of NETINT's Quadra T1U VPUs are nothing short of remarkable. These purpose-built ASICs for video transcoding deliver 90-95% cost savings compared to CPU-based encoding on public cloud platforms. Mark Donnigan from NETINT shares how they initially had to downplay these figures in their marketing because "no one would believe" the true performance gains. A side-by-side demonstration shows the stark difference, with VPU transcoding completing in a fraction of the time required by CPU processing.

Early customer feedback confirms these impressive results. One live streaming provider achieved 30 concurrent live streams with a VPU-accelerated instance versus just 2-4 streams on comparable CPU infrastructure. Another video platform reported 4x greater stream density compared to Akamai's high-end CPU plans, which themselves are more cost-effective than traditional public cloud options.

Starting at just $280 per month or 42 cents per hour, these VPU plans provide dedicated resources with no performance compromises. The global deployment footprint already includes Los Angeles, Miami, Frankfurt, Chennai, and Melbourne, with more locations planned based on customer demand. The solution enables true hybrid cloud implementation with identical hardware both on-premises and in the cloud.

Join Akamai and NETINT at their NAB presentations to learn more about this groundbreaking technology and how it's transforming what's possible for media companies in the cloud. Your video workflows will never be the same.

The Lag Ends Here: Dolby's Battle Against Streaming Delay

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 15:00:00 -0400

The streaming revolution has arrived, and Dolby is at its cutting edge. In this enlightening conversation, Paul Boustead, VP of Product and Business Strategy for Dolby's Cloud Solutions Business Group, reveals how Dolby is transforming the sports viewing experience through unprecedented low latency streaming technology.

Imagine sports content delivered with less than 500 milliseconds of delay - faster than traditional broadcast in some cases. Paul explains why consistency of this low latency across all viewers is even more critical than the raw speed itself. This consistency enables truly interactive experiences where viewers aren't spoiled by social media alerts before seeing the action unfold on their screens.

The conversation dives deep into Dolby's streaming platform, built through strategic acquisitions like Theo Player and Millicast, and how they're integrating Dolby Vision to create stunning visual experiences without sacrificing speed. Paul articulates a fascinating philosophy around quality: "We want better pixels, not more pixels." This approach respects content creators' intent while delivering optimized experiences across diverse viewing devices.

For broadcasters and content providers facing infrastructure challenges, Paul shares how VPU integration is helping solve density and cooling issues for customers managing hundreds of concurrent channels. He also unpacks Dolby's innovative approach to monetization through server-guided ad insertion that maintains the viewing experience while creating new revenue opportunities.

Whether you're a sports broadcaster, streaming technologist, or content creator, you'll want to visit Dolby at NAB booth W2849 to witness these technologies firsthand, including their groundbreaking Dolby Vision integration demos. The future of streaming isn't just about speed or quality in isolation - it's about creating cohesive experiences that engage viewers in entirely new ways.

From AWS to On-Prem: Jet-Stream's Efficient Video Processing Revolution

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400

The streaming industry is undergoing a significant transformation, particularly in Europe, where data sovereignty has become a critical concern for media companies. In this enlightening conversation, Stef van der Ziel, CEO of Jet-Stream, shares how his company has adapted to these changing demands by developing both sovereign cloud services and innovative on-premises solutions.

Stef takes us through the evolution of Jet-Stream from its early days in 1994 to its current position as a provider of European sovereign cloud services and on-premises video processing systems. What's particularly fascinating is how European regulations around data privacy have created new opportunities - requiring not just European hosting, but complete European ownership and operation with no connections to entities outside the region.

The discussion reveals a surprising industry trend: after years of migration to public cloud platforms, many organizations are returning to on-premises infrastructure due to unsustainable cloud costs. "The promise of the cloud was that your internal IT operation cost would go down by half," Stef notes, "and that's not true." This economic reality has driven Jet-Stream to develop MaelStrom, an innovative "micro cloud" solution that brings cloud-like scalability and resilience to on-premises deployments.

The technical implementation details are impressive - using NETINT VPU acceleration cards in ARM-based servers, a single 500-watt machine can process up to 30 full HD channels simultaneously with complete ABR ladders. This represents a 90% reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional approaches. All while maintaining high availability through containerized processing that automatically redistributes workloads if hardware fails.

Whether you're managing streaming infrastructure, concerned about data sovereignty, or looking to optimize your video processing costs, this episode offers valuable insights into how the industry is evolving to meet these challenges. Jet-Stream's approach demonstrates that with the right architecture, organizations can achieve the best of both worlds - cloud-like flexibility with the economics and control of on-premises infrastructure.

Subscribe to Voices of Video for more in-depth conversations about the technologies and trends shaping the future of video processing and delivery.

VLC to VPU: Evolution of Video Processing retold by Easy Tools

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

From the dorm rooms of a French engineering school to the control rooms of major broadcasters, Christophe Massiot's journey represents the evolution of video technology itself. In this illuminating conversation, the co-founder of VLC Media Player and creator of EasyTools reveals how a student project designed to upgrade a Token Ring network became one of the world's most downloaded applications.

Massiot takes us behind the scenes of his transition from open-source pioneer to broadcast technology innovator, sharing the moment of realization that led to EasyTools' creation: discovering that €30,000 commercial encoders were performing tasks achievable with properly configured open-source tools on hardware costing under €3,000. This revelation sparked a mission to make broadcast-quality streaming affordable and accessible through user-friendly interfaces built atop powerful open-source foundations.

What makes EasyTools unique in today's market is its modular approach - one product that can function as SRT gateway, encoder, transcoder, multiviewer, or recorder through combinable modules that eliminate the need for multiple separate appliances. Now deployed at nearly all French broadcasters and expanding internationally, EasyTools represents a paradigm shift in broadcast economics.

The conversation pivots to a game-changing integration with NETINT's Video Processing Units (VPUs) that's transforming the efficiency of professional encoding. When faced with a project requiring 100 channels with multiple renditions, traditional CPU encoding would demand ten expensive 64-core servers. With NETINT's technology, the same workload runs on a single server equipped with multiple NVMe-format VPU modules - dramatically reducing costs, power consumption, and complexity.

Don't miss the opportunity to see Easy Tools and this groundbreaking technology in action at NAB booth W3531, where Christophe and the NETINT team will demonstrate how the marriage of flexible software frameworks with powerful hardware acceleration is opening new possibilities for broadcasters worldwide.

From Brussels to the Cloud: When Government Video Gets Smart

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

A groundbreaking collaboration between G&L and the European Parliament has transformed parliamentary broadcasting with a sophisticated streaming platform unlike anything seen before. Alexander Leschinsky unveils the technical marvel his team engineered to handle an extraordinary challenge: delivering 30 live channels, each with 32 audio tracks for different language interpretations, totaling nearly 1,000 simultaneous audio streams.

The architecture combines sophisticated on-premises hardware in Brussels and Strasbourg with cloud-based processing capabilities, creating a true hybrid solution that balances security with scalability. Leschinsky walks us through how they leverage NETINT VPUs for efficient video processing alongside powerful 128-core ARM CPUs that handle the massive audio transcoding workload. This split approach creates an environmentally responsible solution that meets the Parliament's non-negotiable reliability requirements.

Security stands as a cornerstone of this implementation, with Leschinsky detailing how G&L's ISO 27001 certified practices protect the parliamentary streams while enabling flexibility for authorized users. Parliamentary staff can now easily clip and share specific moments from lengthy sessions across social media platforms, making governmental proceedings more accessible to citizens. The system's sophisticated role-based access controls and comprehensive auditing ensure accountability while maintaining operational efficiency.

Perhaps most impressive is the future-proof hybrid architecture that allows identical applications to run seamlessly across on-premises hardware and Akamai's Connected Cloud. This approach eliminates geographical limitations and provides resilience against hardware availability constraints that often plague GPU-dependent workflows. If you're wrestling with complex media processing challenges that demand security, reliability, and flexibility, this episode reveals how innovative integration of specialized technologies can deliver breakthrough solutions.

Want to learn more? Visit G&L and NETINT at NAB booth W3531 or attend the Streaming Summit, where Leschinsky will share additional insights with Akamai's Shawn Michaels and NETINT's Mark Donnigan.

Beyond CDNs: Conversations on Infrastructure Scaling with i3D.net

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:00:00 -0400

Stefan Ideler, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of i3D.net, takes us behind the scenes of what makes a truly resilient global network. Founded in 2002, i3D.net has positioned itself as "the scaling experts" rather than just another CDN, working with gaming giants like Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Discord to ensure their services scale seamlessly during crucial launches and beyond.

What truly distinguishes i3D.net becomes clear as Stefan explains their network philosophy. While many providers prominently advertise their number of Points of Presence (POPs), Stefan reveals that the magic lies in how these points connect and who they connect with directly. With over 9,000 direct peering relationships - making them the second most interconnected network globally - i3D.net carries customer data much further into the delivery chain than competitors who quickly hand off to third parties.

This approach was born from serving the most demanding users on the internet: gamers. As Stefan colorfully puts it, "the controllers are already through the window if there's only a small interruption." By maintaining control and visibility over traffic from origin to the ISP's doorstep, i3D.net can immediately diagnose and address issues rather than waiting days for information from multiple middlemen.

Stefan also offers invaluable wisdom about avoiding cost traps when scaling infrastructure. He cautions against being seduced by initial incentives like free credits or the convenience of all-in-one cloud solutions. Instead, he recommends envisioning your needs when successful at scale and building a hybrid architecture that balances dedicated hardware (via their "Flex Metal" solution) for predictable workloads with true cloud flexibility only where needed.

Want to see how i3D.net's approach could transform your streaming infrastructure? Visit them at the NETINT booth during NAB or reach out directly to discover how the scaling experts can help your service deliver consistently excellent experiences, even when the internet itself is breaking.

Cloud Meets Hardware: How Net Insight's Nimbra Edge Revolutionizes Video Routing

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0400

The broadcast industry stands at a technological crossroads, with traditional satellite-based workflows gradually giving way to IP-native cloud solutions. In this illuminating conversation, Net Insight's Adam Nilsson and Pierre Le Fevre join Mark Donnigan to discuss how their Nimbra Edge platform is helping bridge this divide while dramatically reducing costs.

As a Swedish company with 25 years in video transport, Net Insight brings a unique perspective on the broadcast transformation journey. Adam explains how Nimbra Edge essentially functions as "an SDI destination through the cloud with an IP native focus," allowing broadcasters to maintain existing workflows while gradually modernizing their infrastructure. This approach proves critical for organizations heavily invested in legacy systems who can't afford disruptive wholesale changes.

The fascinating concept of "The Internet Snake - Transcoding Anywhere" reveals how modern video technology can function less like traditional transcoding and more like universal adapters. This approach connects disparate systems - enabling modern HEVC cameras to seamlessly interface with H.264-only devices through intelligent conversion points positioned anywhere in the network.

The most compelling revelation comes from Net Insight's partnership with NETINT Technologies. By implementing purpose-built Video Processing Units rather than general-purpose GPUs, they've achieved approximately 67% cost reduction for cloud transcoding over three years. As Adam notes, "When we did the math compared to current cloud transcoding solutions, this is about a third of the cost." Yet these savings come alongside expanded capabilities - frame rate conversion, overlays, automated shopping, and ad insertion functionalities in a streamlined, monitored environment.

We're witnessing a fundamental shift in how broadcast technology operates. While traditional broadcasters cautiously navigate organizational silos between satellite and IP teams, newcomers like FanDuel approach content delivery from cloud-native positions, automating workflows for their 400,000 annual events with consistent output specifications regardless of input variations.

Visit Net Insight and NETINT at NAB to discover how their combined solution creates a powerful toolbox for implementing hybrid distribution models with superior service quality and operational efficiency. The future of broadcast is here - more flexible, more capable, and significantly more cost-effective than ever before.

Density, Efficiency, Power: Why VPUs Are Redefining What's Possible in Video Encoding

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Nacho Mileo of Cires21 takes us on a journey through the evolution of video encoding infrastructure, revealing how Video Processing Units (VPUs) have transformed from just one option among many to an essential technology enabling the next generation of streaming solutions.

Founded in 2008 during the early days of streaming, Cires21 has always worked at the cutting edge of video technology. Starting with physical hardware encoders but maintaining a cloud-first mindset, they strategically positioned themselves to understand both worlds. This foresight has paid dividends as the industry evolved, allowing them to develop solutions that seamlessly bridge on-premises equipment and cloud implementations.

What's particularly fascinating is the paradox of video economics that Mileo describes. As encoding technologies become more efficient and cost-effective, the market expands rather than contracts. New use cases emerge, consumption increases, and what was once prohibitively expensive becomes accessible to more creators and distributors. Remember when "a terabyte of CDN was $500"? Those days are thankfully behind us.

The conversation takes a deep dive into Cires21's approach to AI integration, revealing how seemingly simple features like automatic video reframing or live captioning actually require sophisticated engineering with 12+ distinct processing steps. Their comprehensive AI toolkit includes captioning, dubbing with synthetic voices, content classification, and automatic highlights generation - all built with practical broadcasting needs in mind.

The crown jewel of their NAB showcase is their VPU-powered encoder that achieves remarkable density - 16 SDI inputs in a single rack unit. Through partnerships with NETINT and Akamai, they've created one of the first truly practical implementations of hybrid cloud for video encoding workloads. The same encoder technology runs both on-premises and in Akamai's Linode Cloud, all managed through a unified control interface.

Don't miss seeing this technology in action at NAB, where Cires21 will be demonstrating at NETINT's booth.

As Nacho emphasizes, this isn't just a PowerPoint presentation or future roadmap - these solutions are ready for immediate delivery.

How Scalstream Replaced 40 Servers with Just Two

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Transforming video processing with groundbreaking efficiency isn't just a tech achievement - it's an economic and environmental imperative. Scalstrm's Dominique Vosters joins us to reveal how their innovative approach to origin packaging and transcoding is delivering extraordinary results for broadcasters and video providers worldwide.

When a single customer replaces 40 servers with just two while saving $90,000 annually on operational costs, the industry takes notice. Founded in 2017, Scalstrm built their high-performance video processing solutions from scratch, focusing on three core principles: performance, flexibility, and ease of use. Now, they're bringing that same philosophy to transcoding through a partnership with NETINT Technologies.

The conversation explores how just-in-time transcoding is finally becoming viable at scale through hardware acceleration. By storing only the highest quality profile and generating lower resolutions on demand, Scalstrm helps customers reduce storage requirements by 50-60%. Their intelligent approach to Multi-Profile Video Recording (MPVR) keeps all profiles for the first few days when viewership is highest, then removes lower profiles to optimize both performance and storage efficiency.

We dive deep into deployment scenarios across on-premises, private cloud, and public cloud environments. The emerging hybrid cloud model enables broadcasters to run core channels in their data centers while quickly spinning up "pop-up channels" for special events in the cloud. With Scalstrm's microservices architecture, customers can deploy exactly what they need, where they need it - whether that's live processing in one region or VOD in another.

Sustainability emerges as a central theme throughout our discussion. Beyond the marketing buzz, Scalstrm demonstrates how technological innovation directly contributes to both cost reduction and environmental responsibility. Visit the NETINT booth at NAB to see Scalstrm's just-in-time transcoding solution in action and learn how your organization can achieve greater efficiency in video processing.

What Does it Take for Video to Reach Your Screen?

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0500

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of video streaming with our guest Alex Zambelli, Sr. Platform Manager at Dolby Laboratories, ex Technical Product Manager at Warner Bros Discovery. In this engaging episode, we unravel the complexities of video distribution at scale, highlighting how codecs underpin modern streaming experiences. Alex draws from his extensive background at Microsoft, where he worked on groundbreaking technologies that are now household names, to offer listeners unparalleled insights into the industry.

We explore the critical differences between live streaming and on-demand content, discussing the unique challenges and pressures that come with real-time broadcasting. Alex recounts his experiences from monumental live events such as the Olympics and NFL broadcasts, offering valuable lessons learned from the frontlines. He also shares the intricacies of integrating digital rights management (DRM) systems, emphasizing the balance between ensuring content security and maintaining a seamless user experience.

As technology continues to evolve, so too do the strategies around codec adoption - especially with new formats like AV1 on the horizon. Alex discusses the challenges and considerations for streaming providers in adopting new codecs based on audience demands and device capabilities. This episode promises to enrich your understanding of the streaming landscape, sparking discussions about the future of content delivery.

Join us for this deep dive where innovation meets practical experience, and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!

From Small Team to Major Player in Streaming Tech

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:00:00 -0500

What if you could transform a startup into a leading enterprise in the booming OTT space? Join us on Voices of Video as we chat with Dailos Medina, co-founder of 2Coders, who reveals the secrets behind his company's remarkable growth journey. Dailos shares stories from their humble beginnings in 2013 to becoming industry leaders in smart TV and mobile app development. Discover how a pandemic-driven expansion saw their team increase from 10 to 50, opening new offices in Tenerife and North Macedonia, and learn about the evolution from bespoke software to standardized, efficient solutions.

Explore the essentials of building a top-notch streaming platform with us, focusing on the pivotal role of the player for an unbeatable user experience. Dailos discusses the intricacies of encoding efficiency and how Two Coders offers flexible, customizable front-end solutions, allowing clients to tailor their platforms with interactive features and seamless CMS integrations. With a keen emphasis on delivering high-quality content, primarily in entertainment and sports, we also touch upon how major leagues influence the development of engaging new features to captivate audiences.

As competition heats up, dive into how streaming services are embracing cutting-edge trends like AI-driven personalization, server-side ads, and the promise of virtual and augmented reality. Dailos gives us a sneak peek into 2Coders’ ambitious launch of their media platform, Velvet.

Transforming Gaming Through Hybrid Technology

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:00:00 -0500

What if gaming could be as accessible and universal as music on Spotify? Olivier Avaro, CEO of Blacknut, joins us to discuss his revolutionary vision for cloud gaming. Olivier shares his journey from the Commodore 64 era to leading the charge in cloud gaming, detailing how Blacknut aims to provide a seamless and affordable gaming experience to a global audience with a library surpassing 700 games. We explore how the company’s innovative hybrid cloud architecture is set to transform gaming by optimizing performance and reducing costs, all while tackling challenges like internet instability in emerging markets.

The conversation takes a technical turn as Olivier unveils Blacknut’s cutting-edge server architecture. Learn how their unique CPU, GPU, and VPU setup allows for unprecedented concurrency, enabling up to 200 players to enjoy high-quality gaming simultaneously. This innovation is crucial in maintaining affordability while ensuring minimal latency and top-notch performance, an advancement that sets Blacknut apart in the competitive landscape of cloud gaming. We also break down the role of 5G in enhancing gaming experiences in regions with previously unstable internet, providing a roadmap for how technology can leapfrog infrastructure limitations.

Finally, we explore the broader landscape of cloud gaming's potential to democratize the gaming experience. Olivier shares insights on expanding services into new regions like South Africa, highlighting the logistics and partnerships required to make this transition smooth. This episode promises a fresh perspective on the future of gaming, emphasizing the exciting possibilities that streaming technology holds for players worldwide. Whether you're a gaming enthusiast or a curious observer of technology trends, Olivier's insights offer a glimpse into the dynamic evolution of the gaming industry.

Mastering Live Events for Unforgettable Brand Impact

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:00:00 -0500

What if you could transform a simple live video into an unforgettable brand experience? Join us as we sit down with John Petroccelli, the visionary founder of Bulldog DM, to uncover the secrets of live video production that has captivated audiences worldwide. With a career spanning YouTube, the Grammys, and Coachella, John shares his pioneering insights into creating seamless live-streaming experiences. From tackling challenges like ad blockers and cord-cutting to navigating the unique dynamics between brands, artists, and audiences, this conversation is a masterclass for anyone passionate about the evolving world of live video.

Streaming giants like Netflix, Apple, Amazon, and Hulu are turning to live events to boost engagement and discovery, and we explore how they're shaping the future of entertainment. Learn about the technical intricacies behind creating immersive experiences, from micro-sites to bespoke solutions that bridge brands and consumers. Discover how AT&T is leveraging 5G to redefine live streaming, offering viewers new ways to interact with content and see how technological partnerships, like those with Samsung, are crafting narrative-driven experiences that captivate audiences.

As we navigate the future of live video, we discuss into the importance of capturing consumer attention amidst an ever-crowded marketplace. Unpack the impact of technological advancements on consumption habits and see how platforms are evolving to meet changing viewer demands. With real-world examples like Coca-Cola's collaboration with the Viva Latino Festival and Hyundai's successful Elantra launch, we illustrate the transformative potential of live streaming. Join us for a fascinating journey through the cutting-edge techniques that are not just capturing moments but turning them into powerful brand stories.

A Deep Dive into India's Content Delivery Future

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:00:00 -0500

Join us for a groundbreaking conversation with Krishna Rao Vijayanagar, the visionary founder of OTTverse, who offers an insider’s perspective on conquering the Indian streaming market’s distinct challenges. Ever wondered how major streaming platforms like Disney Plus Hotstar and GeoCinema craft their strategies to captivate a young, tech-savvy audience in a price-sensitive landscape? Krishna reveals the intricate balance between national and regional streaming triumphs, and the innovative tactics telcos employ to aggregate OTT services for a diverse audience.

Krishna shares his vast knowledge of the technological ecosystem within India, where the adoption of smart TVs and OTT devices is skyrocketing in urban areas, while traditional broadcasting holds sway in rural locales. We discuss how cutting-edge video codecs, innovative encoding techniques, and adaptive bitrate streaming are redefining the viewing experience, alongside the pivotal role of DRM technologies in safeguarding content. The episode also uncovers how CDN providers like Akamai and CloudFront are shaping the future of content delivery in India, offering listeners deep insights into both the technical and business fronts of the streaming world.

The conversation takes an educational turn as Krishna discusses the critical need for video technology knowledge in India. Discover how OTTverse is leading the charge with initiatives to bridge educational gaps, upping the ante for students and professionals eyeing careers in the OTT industry. We also explore the nuances of multilingual film production, the transformative potential of AI in video optimization, and the artistry behind personalization in content discovery. This episode promises a wealth of insights for anyone interested in the dynamic landscape of Indian streaming and the technological marvels that drive it.

Demystifying CTV Ads: Simplifying TV Campaigns for Local Businesses

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0500

Discover how Jonathan Moffie, a pioneer in the CTV ad tech universe, is revolutionizing television advertising for small businesses with his company, Streamr. Join us as we unpack his journey from launching some of the first fast channels at Yahoo to leading video ventures at Shutterstock, and how these experiences culminated in the creation of a game-changing service that promises to put your business on TV for a mere $250. Jonathan’s insights into the world of connected TV (CTV) advertising reveal the challenges and triumphs involved in making this space more accessible and less intimidating, especially for small business owners who might find the jargon overwhelming.

Listen to Jonathan as he shares the remarkable story behind crafting a user-friendly ads manager, simplified into just 10 steps, setting it apart from the tedious processes of competitors. Learn how Streamr tackles the common obstacle of businesses lacking video ads by offering a cost-effective solution that makes TV advertising as easy as pie—perfect for your local pizza shop or neighborhood café. This conversation shines a light on the transformative power of innovation in CTV advertising and its potential to level the playing field for businesses of all sizes.

The benefits and Limitations of FFmpeg, Gstreamer, & GPAC

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0500

Unlock the secrets of video streaming technology with our special guest, Romain Bouqueau, a key contributor to the GPAC framework and CEO of MotionSpell. We promise that by tuning in, you'll gain a deep understanding of multi-threaded performance challenges in FFmpeg, especially when pushing the limits with complex tasks like 4K HEVC encoding. Romain brings us behind the scenes, explaining how threading and scheduling come into play, and why issues like input-output management and memory can make or break your streaming success. Together, we also explore how giants like YouTube and Vimeo optimize these technologies to deliver seamless streaming experiences.

Our journey doesn't stop there. We dissect the strengths of FFmpeg, GStreamer, and GPAC, focusing on codec performance and their unique roles in the streaming ecosystem. From the efficiency of x264 and x265 codecs to the power-saving potential of Gravitons, learn why companies like MulticoreWare are at the forefront of performance enhancements. We also share insights into the evolving world of FFmpeg's infrastructure and GStreamer's superior handling of bottlenecks, shedding light on the importance of choosing the right tools for your streaming needs without the hassle of constant compilation for different CPUs.

Finally, we delve into media packaging standards such as HLS, DASH, and the emerging CMAF format. The discussion underscores the critical role of ISO BMFF and highlights tools like GPAC's Compliance Warden in maintaining interoperability. We tackle the risks of using under-maintained open-source projects like Bento4 and explore the supportive communities that provide commercial support, ensuring you stay ahead in the fast-paced world of multimedia technology. With an eye on the future, we touch on advancements like VVC support and consider the potential for user-friendly interfaces to simplify complex processes. Join us for an episode packed with insights and expert guidance on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of video streaming.

Expanding Horizons with Open Caching and Edge Networks

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0500

What if harnessing the power of edge computing could transform content delivery and redefine your streaming experience? Join us as we explore this exciting frontier with Mark Fisher from Quilt, a leading innovator in the space. Mark shares his extensive journey through significant internet trends, highlighting Quilt's groundbreaking partnerships with industry giants like Comcast and their pivotal role in setting open caching standards. His insights reveal how these collaborations are not only enhancing performance but also shaping the very future of streaming technologies.

Our conversation takes a deep dive into the dynamic world of edge computing partnerships. We uncover how strategic alliances with operators like Comcast and technology titans like Cisco are facilitating the deployment of edge nodes, creating a seamless integration into cloud-controlled platforms. This discussion unveils the potential of real-time applications, such as gaming and rendering services, at the network edge, and offers a glimpse into the exciting industry developments that are unfolding. Mark helps us navigate through the complexities of implementing technologies like WebRTC, ensuring no single solution is seen as a one-size-fits-all.

The future of streaming is rife with challenges and opportunities, especially as the migration from broadcast to IP networks accelerates. We discuss the critical importance of network capacity for high-quality streaming, particularly during major global events, and the race for ultra-low latency delivery to sync with broadcast signals. As we look at emerging trends, Mark offers an intriguing perspective on the evolving landscape, including Netflix's shift towards live content and advertising. Plus, we get a fascinating peek into Quilt's expansion in the Middle East through a partnership with Saudi Telecom, underscoring the global reach and influence of edge computing advancements.

Breaking Barriers in Low Latency Communication

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0500

Unlock the secrets of the future of streaming with Oliver Lietz, the visionary founder and CEO of nanocosmos, as he takes us through the exhilarating evolution of low latency streaming technology. With over 25 years at the forefront of this industry, Oliver unveils how his company transformed from a codec provider to a groundbreaking live streaming platform. Gain an insider's perspective on the pivotal role of low latency in interactive streaming, illustrated through a compelling case study of a major conference in Saudi Arabia, where real-time communication with a global audience was made possible.

Embark on a journey through the complex world of adaptive bitrate delivery in ultra-low latency environments. Discover how nanocosmos leverages the unique capabilities of WebRTC compared to traditional streaming methods like HLS and DASH. Oliver shares strategies for overcoming integration challenges while ensuring seamless user experiences across various devices. We'll unravel the intricacies of audience scalability, the strategic use of third-party networks for reliability, and the future of codec compatibility, focusing on H.264 and upcoming advancements like HEVC and AV1.

Explore the intricacies of modern live streaming technology and transcoding insights, as we dissect the strengths and limitations of protocols like RTMP, SRT, and WebRTC. Oliver highlights the importance of robust delivery systems capable of handling thousands of users and shares his take on the efficiency of HTTP-based protocols. We conclude with a discussion on video encoding efficiency, touching on recent updates in FFmpeg and the balance between CPU utilization and server-side scalability. If you're curious about the evolving landscape of streaming technologies, this episode promises to deliver profound insights and innovative solutions.

Navigating the Global Market Through Authentic Innovation

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0500

Discover the journey of JP Saibene, co-founder of Qualabs, as he reveals what it takes to build a tech powerhouse from humble beginnings in Uruguay. With a background in video technology and telecom engineering, JP shares his experience of expanding a local company into a global player with over 100 professionals. Gain insights into the trials and triumphs of entering the global market, especially the U.S., and how a passion for video technology propelled their continuous innovation. Listen as JP emphasizes the importance of authenticity over marketing hype and the real value of creating products that genuinely solve industry problems.

Join us as we explore the challenges technical founders face when shifting from product development to sales. JP discusses his experiences at major industry events like NAB and IBC, revealing the lessons learned from connecting with global peers. This episode offers a deep dive into the world of video tech and entrepreneurship, illustrating the perseverance needed to succeed in a competitive market. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned tech professional, JP's story is sure to inspire and inform, providing a firsthand look at the intersection of technology and business growth.

From Broadcast Beginnings to 8K Streaming Prowess

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 14:00:00 -0500

What if you were among the first to pioneer live streaming, shaping the future of digital content delivery? Join us as we chat with Stef Van Der Ziel, the visionary behind Jet Stream, who takes us on an incredible journey from the early days of internet broadcasting in 1994 to becoming a powerhouse in the streaming industry today. Stef shares the remarkable transformation of Jet Stream, recounting how they managed to achieve a 40% TCO reduction for clients and ensure 100% uptime, while also integrating with nine different CDNs to support 8K streaming. Discover the secrets behind Jetstream's technology, which claims to be 430% faster, and how they revolutionized customer provisioning with their proprietary software, Video Exchange.

Stef's story is not just one of technological advancements but also of strategic growth and adaptation. From building temporary CDNs for large-scale events to launching their own Jet Stream Cloud, this episode highlights Jet Stream's bold transition to a SaaS model, delivering unparalleled speed and reliability for high-definition streams. If you're fascinated by cutting-edge video streaming technology and the visionary minds driving it forward, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Stef's insights and experiences provide a captivating glimpse into the ever-evolving world of streaming, showcasing how innovative solutions can redefine an entire industry.

Smart TV Gaming: Breaking Boundaries in Your Living Room

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:00:00 -0500

What if your TV was the only gaming console you ever needed? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Vesa, the CEO of Return Entertainment, as he takes us on a journey from the nostalgic days of the Commodore 64 to revolutionizing cloud gaming today. With nearly a billion connected smart TVs globally, Vesa's vision is to transform these screens into gaming portals, breaking down barriers and expanding access to immersive gaming experiences. Listen in as we explore how Return Entertainment is leveraging smart TVs to unlock new gaming potential, directly in your living room.

Discover the allure and obstacles of cloud gaming platforms, such as Google Stadia, and learn how Return Entertainment is navigating these challenges. Vesa shares his experience as an early adopter of Stadia, highlighting the convenience cloud gaming offers compared to traditional consoles. We delve into the technical intricacies of delivering seamless gaming experiences on TVs, discussing dynamic buffering and AI upscaling, which enable smooth gameplay even on devices lacking a GPU. By simplifying processes for game developers and utilizing innovative streaming technology, the future of cloud gaming looks promising.

As we reflect on the evolution of streaming services, we draw parallels with the early days of platforms like Vudu and examine how Netflix is innovating with mobile phones as gaming controllers. The collaboration with partners like Samsung is paving the way for multi-screen gaming experiences, exemplified by games like Rivals Arena. Explore the strategic approaches to monetization, including the use of in-game ads and infrastructure optimization, which offer a glimpse into the economic potential of cloud gaming. Don't miss out on this exciting discussion about the future of interactive entertainment right from your television screen.

The Future of Video Encoding with ASIC Technology

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 15:00:00 -0500

Unlock the secrets of cutting-edge technology with Dylan from Semi Analysis as we explore the revolutionary world of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Discover how Google has transformed its handling of massive video content across YouTube and Google Photos by shifting from traditional CPUs to custom silicon solutions like the Argos Video Coding Unit (VCU). This episode reveals the strategic importance of ASICs in increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness, especially in the realm of advanced video codecs such as VP9.

Ever wondered why tech giants are investing heavily in custom silicon projects? Learn how ASICs are emerging as the optimal solution for high-quality video encoding, particularly in live content scenarios. While GPUs and FPGAs have their strengths, their limitations make ASICs more appealing for tech leaders like Meta and ByteDance, who are seeking to enhance customer service and reduce costs. We dissect the challenges and opportunities within the video encoding market, highlighting Google's success against Amazon's constraints affecting platforms such as Twitch.

Venture into the complex processes of video processing and the potential future of platforms like Twitter under Elon Musk. Our discussion expands into the evolution of Video Processing Units (VPUs) and the shift towards seamless integration with existing systems through computational storage structures. By understanding the advancements in VPUs and their role in video content management, this episode offers a glimpse into the innovative future of video processing and the strategic moves driving tech companies forward.

Revolutionizing Real-Time Engagement: New Horizons in AI-Driven Video Interactions with MuseMe

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Could AI be the catalyst redefining how we experience videos in real-time? Join us as we uncover the groundbreaking shifts in interactive video technology with experts Mark and Philip from MuseMe. Their pioneering work has made it possible for live streaming to feel as dynamic and engaging as a group watch party, effortlessly replicating social dynamics and elevating viewer interaction to unprecedented heights. From Mark's initial ventures at LivePeer to the innovative strategies that now power MuseMe, we're exploring a future where video content isn't just seen—it's participated in.

Harnessing AI for video object detection has historically been a labor-intensive process, but MuseMe is changing the game. Learn how their cutting-edge approach allows users to add reference images seamlessly, linking detected objects to rich metadata like NFTs, without the need for cumbersome AI retraining. We dive into the technical marvels that underpin this innovation, from color-coded overlays to distributed microservices, illustrating how MuseMe balances affordability and efficiency with powerful GPU optimization—essential components for delivering a seamless interactive experience.

Facing regulatory hurdles in the EU, MuseMe navigates the complexities of deploying AI without compromising privacy. We discuss the implications of over-regulation and how alternative methods of user identification could offer a way forward. Moreover, the potential of MuseMe extends beyond entertainment into e-commerce and gaming, opening avenues for new revenue streams and interactive consumer experiences. As we wrap up, we invite you to explore MuseMe's transformative platform—poised to redefine how we engage with video content and unlock new realms of digital interactivity.

Navigating the New Era of Broadcasting with StreamVX

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Simon Karbowsky, CEO of StreamVX, joins us to reveal the groundbreaking technologies reshaping the video broadcasting landscape. Discover how this Polish company, born from a deep devotion to the broadcast industry, is revolutionizing traditional systems with robust and high-quality software solutions. As Simon guides us through the journey of StreamVX, we learn about the critical challenges faced by OTT services, like buffering and quality inconsistency, and how StreamVX is overcoming these with innovative solutions. Through a partnership with NetInt, they're setting new standards in power consumption efficiency, ensuring stability and reliability that meet the demands of modern broadcasting.

We also explore the dynamics between cloud deployments and on-premise solutions for broadcasters and pay-to-view operators. Local infrastructure still reigns supreme for high-throughput tasks, but Simon highlights the benefits of a hybrid approach, where peak traffic can be offloaded to the cloud, optimizing resource management. The conversation takes an exciting turn as we discuss advancements in live TV and video on demand, including the rise of time-shifted content and the transformative potential of AI in video processing. Whether it's utilizing off-the-shelf servers or embracing emerging codecs like AV1, Simon sheds light on how flexible, scalable technology is delivering a seamless end-to-end video experience, ensuring operators can meet both current and future challenges with ease.

Driving Innovation in Connected TV: Automation and AI with Martin Tyler from FX Digital

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:00:00 -0500

What if you could revolutionize the way we experience TV? Join us on a journey with Martin Tyler from FX Digital as we explore the evolution of their company from a traditional web development agency into a frontrunner in crafting cutting-edge connected TV applications. Discover how they've transformed user experiences for major players like Discovery and the Welsh BBC by embracing technological advancements such as HTML5. Martin shares intriguing insights into the art of creating seamless TV apps, highlighting the indispensable role of his quality engineering team in achieving unparalleled reliability and user satisfaction.

Are you troubled by the unpredictable nature of testing on diverse platforms? We tackle the challenges of test automation in environments where traditional methods fall short. Learn about FX Digital's innovative vision-first automation framework, a game-changer that uses image comparison to outperform traditional HTML DOM-based testing. Experience the benefits of this approach firsthand as we discuss its impact on user interactions and the ability to identify elusive issues on various devices. Plus, find out how AI and machine learning are integrated into their QA processes to ensure smooth and high-quality video streaming sessions.

Curious about the impact of AI in software testing? Uncover the possibilities as we delve into AI-driven test case generation and explore the pioneer tools FX Digital has developed to enhance their processes. Discover the burgeoning world of stream testing with Google's Universal Video Quality tool, and hear about the ongoing journey of FX Digital's engineering team as they expand their internal automation capabilities to meet the demands of fragmented ecosystems. As we conclude, we invite you to be a part of our growing community by sharing your thoughts and engaging with us for more insightful conversations.

Unveiling the Future: RealSprint's Innovations in Low Latency Streaming and the Rise of AV1 Codec

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 22:00:00 -0500

Transcoding with ASICs has gotten a lot of attention lately. From YouTube’s ARGOS VPU to Meta’s new ASIC that prompted noted compressionist David Ronca to comment that there are only two types of companies, “those that are using Video Processing ASICs in their workflows, and those that will.’

Based in Sweden, RealSprint provides live-streaming solutions to companies around the globe. When choosing a transcoder for the AV1 capabilities of its Vindral Live CDN, RealSprint considered software transcoding, as well as GPU and CPU acceleration and ASICs. Not surprisingly, RealSprint made the same decision as YouTube and Meta and chose ASICs.

Listen to Jan Ozer from Streaming Leraning Center and Daniel Alinder from RealSprint, as they discuss the role of hardware encoding and ASICs to enable ultra-low latency 4K streaming with the AV1 codec.

Daniel takes us on a journey through the creative forces driving RealSprint and introduces Vindral, their cutting-edge CDN-type product designed for low latency and high-quality streaming. You'll learn about the innovative ecosystem RealSprint thrives in and how it leads to groundbreaking solutions in video and broadcasting.

We unravel the technical complexities of video encoding, focusing on the critical choice between ASICs and GPUs, especially in scenarios demanding real-time performance. Daniel shares how these decisions are shaped by factors like quality, density, cost, and the global chip shortage. Tune in to understand why AV1 is emerging as the codec of choice for modern streaming solutions, offering a perfect blend of efficiency and performance, particularly with the support of technologies like NETINT ASIC.

Join us as we delve into the debate on low latency streaming in the video industry. Daniel and I explore the evolving audience expectations and the potential of next-generation technologies to transform the landscape. We navigate through the complexities of synchronization in broadcasts and the economic considerations of adopting low-latency solutions across different regions. By the end, you’ll see why the dismissal of low latency might soon become a relic of the past as the industry gears up for inevitable change.