Five Trends in Broadcasting Technology

Here at Accu-Tech, we strive to keep you informed with updates about the latest trends and newest products in our technology areas. Belden's very much the same - they're constantly sharing information to help you stay in the loop. With this blog post, we're focusing in on broadcasting technology. 

As people grow more connected to their devices, the entertainment industry is adapting to accommodate their expectations and continue to provide unforgettable experiences. As a result, broadcasting is yet another application that's beginning to rely more on fiber for dependable, always-on wired and wireless connectivity. Fiber provides fast download and upload speeds, maintains signal strength over long distances and ensures shorter waiting time and fewer delays. 

Belden put together five broadcasting technology trends that will require the use of more fiber in the next decade. Check them out: 

1. Augmented and Virtual Reality. We've seen augmented reality in sports broadcasting in the past few years, but its uses are growing quickly. New technology gives fans the opportunity for one-on-one interaction with player stats and data. It also gives people outside the stadium a way to engage with and get an inside look at what's happening inside. Fiber supports the broadcast and sharing of this immersive technology without delays. 
2. More (and Better) Cameras. The technology used for cameras is becoming quicker, clearer and more seamless, bringing viewers closer to the action. More (and better) cameras also capture different angles, never-before-seen views and the augmented reality experiences described above. To enable the 360-degree shots common in many broadcasts, four fiber drops are required for each camera location - that's a lot of fiber! 
3. Changing Forms of Content. In-venue entertainment is evolving to promote new, original content to engage fans. Production entertainment teams now have the opportunity to distribute unique stories far and wide, including to broadcast partners and digital outlets. The increasing demand to share this original content anywhere and everywhere means higher bandwidth requirements and the need for fiber.
4. IP Migration. IP supports more video feeds, camera types and camera angles - it's an efficient way to transport video. It also supports remote production to reduce the crew and equipment resources needed onsite. To enable these efficiencies, broadcast control rooms are starting to look more and more like data centers, featuring rows of cabinets with IP-connected servers. 
5. Over the Top Streaming. Over the Top (OTT) enables fans to watch events from anywhere, even without a TV. For it to work, a reliable, high-speed, low-latency fiber connection capable of handling massive amounts of data is necessary. 

The new Belden DCX Optical Distribution Frame can help you easily manage increasing numbers of fiber connections in environments like these with scalability and impressive ROI. 

Learn more about Belden by contacting your local Accu-Tech representative.