Sony Marketing Inc. and Sony Corporation have developed a cloud-based live video production system, integrating AWS Elemental MediaConnect Router with their existing on-premises infrastructure. This innovative approach is designed to enhance the production capabilities for large-scale sports events, allowing for the management of over 90 live video sources while minimizing physical infrastructure costs and complexity.
Addressing Production Challenges: Traditional video production for major sports events often presents challenges, particularly when it comes to managing numerous video sources. Sony aimed to reduce their on-premises footprint without sacrificing broadcast quality or flexibility.
To meet their production needs, Sony selected eight M2L-X cloud switchers, which posed a limitation due to their maximum input capacity of 32. This created a significant challenge, as the requirement exceeded the switchers' capabilities.
Innovative Solution: Instead of reverting to on-premises routers, Sony implemented the MediaConnect Router upstream of the M2L-X switchers. This cloud-based routing layer effectively eliminated the need for physical pre-selectors, allowing for seamless integration of additional video sources.
Operational Control: For crosspoint control, Sony utilized their proprietary Live Link Control (L2C) application, which connects with the MediaConnect Router via its API. This integration allowed operators to maintain familiar workflows and control panels, ensuring a smooth transition to the cloud environment.
Collaboration for Success: In preparation for live broadcasts, Sony collaborated closely with the AWS Unified Operations for Media team. This partnership involved architecture reviews, operational runbook development, and real-time support during broadcasts, which helped mitigate potential risks.
The cloud-based system's simplified infrastructure resulted in a reduced physical footprint at event venues, leading to lower transportation and installation costs. The setup process became quicker and more efficient, allowing for a streamlined operation.
Quality and Flexibility: By employing M2L-X cloud switchers alongside conventional operation panels, Sony ensured that production quality remained high, meeting television broadcast standards without compromising on established workflows.
Conclusion: Sony's implementation of the MediaConnect Router illustrates the potential of cloud-based video production at scale. This approach not only addresses the challenges of managing numerous video sources but also highlights a path for broadcasters to reduce costs and operational complexity while maintaining high production quality.
