• Archive, Digital Media, Technology

Why Switch to SMPTE ST 2110

Jason Pepino , Director, Broadcast Solutions
March 6, 2023

Chesa

Media over IP solutions, such as SMPTE ST 2110 and NDI, offer numerous benefits to media professionals, including increased flexibility, scalability, and cost savings. ST 2110 is a suite of standards that represents a shift towards a more future-proof infrastructure for the production and distribution of media content, while NDI is a software-based protocol that allows video systems to share video, audio, and metadata over IP networks in real-time.

SMPTE ST 2110 is the preferred choice for major news organizations and broadcasters as it offers improved quality and reliability, while NDI is better suited for smaller groups that need flexibility, rapid deployability, and cost consciousness. However, there are challenges with both solutions. SMPTE ST 2110 requires manufacturers to interpret the Networked Media Open Specifications (NMOS) standard consistently, leading to conflicts in environments with multiple manufacturers. Additionally, not all manufacturers have native SMPTE ST 2110 options for their equipment, which can lead to costly integrations. On the other hand, NDI compresses the video being fed into the environment, making it less attractive for large broadcast groups. It is also less reliable under high network loads and requires a minimum of 1GB networking on a stand-alone network.

Overall, transitioning to a Media over IP solution can help organizations streamline their workflows, collaborate more effectively, and create high-quality video content at a lower cost. SMPTE ST 2110 and NDI are both great options for achieving this, and it’s important to weigh the benefits and challenges of each solution to determine which is the best fit for your organization’s needs.

However, both SMPTE ST 2110 and NDI have their limitations and challenges. SMPTE ST 2110 can be complex to implement and may require significant investment in infrastructure and equipment. Additionally, there can be compatibility issues between equipment from different manufacturers. On the other hand, NDI may not be suitable for high-demand applications, such as live broadcasts, due to compression and network bandwidth limitations.

Despite these challenges, Media over IP solutions are the way of the future for the media industry. As technology continues to evolve and improve, these solutions will become more accessible, affordable, and reliable. As such, media professionals and organizations should consider the benefits and drawbacks of each solution when planning their transition to a Media over IP infrastructure.

There are several reasons why people should consider making the switch to SMPTE ST 2110 now rather than waiting:

  1. Improved Efficiency: SMPTE ST 2110 provides more efficient data transport and processing. With SMPTE ST 2110, you can separate audio, video, and data into separate streams, allowing for greater flexibility in routing, processing, and managing different streams of content. This can significantly improve overall workflow efficiency and make it easier to manage and manipulate content.
  2. Interoperability: One of the primary benefits of the SMPTE ST 2110 standard is that it allows for greater interoperability between different systems and devices. By using standardized protocols and interfaces, it becomes much easier to integrate different systems and devices, which can help streamline workflows and reduce costs associated with custom integration.
  3. Future-Proofing: By adopting SMPTE ST 2110 now, you can ensure that your systems and workflows are future-proofed for new developments and advances in the industry. With the rapid pace of technological change, it’s important to have systems that can adapt and evolve as new technologies emerge. SMPTE ST 2110 provides a flexible and scalable architecture that can accommodate future advancements in the industry.
  4. Cost Savings: By implementing SMPTE ST 2110, you can potentially save money in the long run by reducing the need for custom integration and simplifying workflow management. Additionally, the increased interoperability and flexibility of SMPTE ST 2110 can help reduce costs associated with equipment and maintenance.
  5. Industry Standard: SMPTE ST 2110 is quickly becoming the industry standard for IP-based video and audio transport. By adopting this standard, you can ensure that your systems are compatible with other systems and devices that are also using the same standard. This can help increase collaboration and facilitate greater interoperability between different organizations and companies.

SMPTE ST 2110 offers many benefits for all types of content producers from live broadcast media organizations to corporate and government public affairs and media divisions. As the industry continues to move towards using IP networks for the production and distribution of media content, SMPTE ST 2110 will become increasingly important for media professionals looking to stay competitive in the changing landscape of the media industry.

These are convincing reasons to make the switch to SMPTE ST 2110, but the question is when should we do it? Simply stated, the answer is now. There are many compelling reasons why organizations should consider making the switch to SMPTE ST 2110 now rather than waiting. By adopting this standard, you can improve workflow efficiency, reduce costs, future-proof your systems, and increase interoperability with other systems and devices.

In conclusion, Media over IP solutions are rapidly becoming the preferred choice for media professionals. SMPTE ST 2110 and NDI are two popular options that offer unique benefits and challenges. While SMPTE ST 2110 may be better suited for large broadcasters and news organizations, NDI may be a better fit for smaller groups that prioritize flexibility, rapid deployability, and cost-consciousness. Ultimately, the decision between these two solutions will depend on each organization’s specific needs, budget, and goals. If you have questions about either or would like to set up a call to figure out which is best for your organization, you can count on Chesa to help you navigate these often challenging decisions. Give us call. We are happy to help.