IT Networks and Television 1

The broadcast industry has in the past-required very specialised equipment in order to operate, from high quality video recording machines and reel-to-reel recorders to editing, sound and processing equipment. The expense of this equipment has allowed only well-financed and large organizations to be involved in television broadcast because this equipment is necessary for the production of high quality material that is expected from broadcasters. The broadcast industry has in the past, been slower than other industries to take up new technologies because of the cost of investment in it and the investment in past technologies. There have been few times in the television industry’s history has a technology changed the way content is produced. The technology behind television has become more streamlined, smaller and higher quality but few changes in technology have been revolutionary.

However in recent years the merging of information technology systems into the broadcast environment has opened up new and unique possibilities that have started to change the nature of broadcast television. From acquisition to broadcast, editing to facilities management, information technology is merging with the world of broadcast technology. In particular the traditional data network is revolutionising broadcast television and as the end viewer become more connected to the Internet with broadband and mobile communications become faster and more accessible this trend is set to continue.

Traditional information technology networks are having impacts both on the production and broadcast of traditional television as well as new distribution methods that are now becoming available, specifically IPTV (internet protocol television). This emerging area of the broadcast industry is very exciting both for those working in television creating and delivering the content and those consuming it.

Broadcast Television Papers
Broadcast Engineering.com