Taking a step towards a fully-fledged 5G broadcasting environment

The project will run until August 2021. It “will enable virtual connections of any studio, control room and on-site production across multiple locations, and live feedback from the audience straight into the production chain via 5G acquisition,” as explained on the project website. “It will allow media production facilities, equipment, resources, and talent to be shared across locations, supporting Cooperative Live Media Production with real-time transport and processing of live media over IP with up to 100Gbit/s.”

Project partners believe that their initiative will cut live media production costs by 30-40 %. VIRTUOSA’s network architecture uses IP technology, software-defined networking technology, network function virtualisation, high-performance computing and cloud computing. Virtualisation, which refers to the process of creating a software-based or virtual representation of applications, servers, storage and networks, reduces IT expenses while boosting efficiency. With an IP-based remote production system that uses 5G, broadcasters will be able to set up on-site more quickly and effectively almost anywhere. Examples would be handling breaking news or covering live sports events that require tracking over significant distances, like cycling or road running.