Live broadcasting demands professionals to be on their toes and ready for any hitch. They must stay one step ahead and prevent problems before they happen, equipped with the right tools and knowledge to tackle issues swiftly and effectively. Having a robust backup plan in case of equipment failure or internet connection loss, is not an option, but a necessity.
Managing unreliable networks is a frequent issue in live broadcasting. Even in regions with good coverage, there is always a risk that your connection will become unstable. To tackle this, many professionals employ a range of strategies, such as using backup connections and servers.
Professionals often carry a variety of converters and adapters to ensure compatibility between different devices. For instance, they might use SDI-HDMI and SDI-NDI converters to connect cameras to various types of displays, or HDMI cables to link up with other gadgets.
Video engineers always invest in redundant hardware and software solutions to make sure their broadcasts are not interrupted by technical failures. They may use several hard drives for recording, so if one fails, they can still access the footage from another. They also utilize specialized software that can keep functioning even when some parts of their system fail.
A classic example of the importance of redundancy in video production is capturing events or effects that can only happen once. If the camera equipment fails at that critical moment, the footage is lost forever because it is impossible to recreate the entire scene. The cost of such a mistake is incredibly high.
However, if a redundant system is in place, such as a separate camera output connected to a server in the studio, the footage is recorded and preserved. The backup system gives the production team peace of mind and ensures they have a reliable source of footage in the event of a technical problem.
Software-based Redundancy
Professional broadcast software is designed to be highly reliable and able to handle unexpected problems. It undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that it can recover from errors and continue to function under challenging conditions.
The right software can detect and compensate for issues such as unstable signals or incomplete data transmission over networks. This ensures that the broadcast continues uninterrupted, even in the face of technical difficulties.
Redundancy in SLOMO.TV Solutions
At SLOMO.TV, we understand the importance of redundancy in professional broadcasting.
Our DMR™ (Direct Movie Record) system provides protection by simultaneously recording material to multiple locations: in a proprietary redundant format on the built-in video array and in the native format of nonlinear editing systems onto an external disks, SAS/NAS drive, or via Ethernet.
DMR™ also allows operators to swap out hard drives as needed, ensuring that recordings are never lost due to hard drive failure. In addition, the synchronous recording of all channels simultaneously ensures a reliable backup in case of problems with one channel.
Key features of the DMR™ (Direct Movie Record) technology include:
- Multi-channel recording in NLE-native formats;
- Convenient recording to removable HDD/SSD drives for quick file transfer and editing;
- Parallel recording to a built-in video array ensuring data safety and recovery in critical situations;
- Support for growing files opens up new creative possibilities for live work;
- Proxy file recording enables final edits even on lightweight editing stations such as laptops.
For optimal workflow, SLOMO.TV offers DMR™ Station servers, accommodating up to 15 SATA disks and connecting 16 to 30 HD video channels to an editing system without rewriting to a shared RAID array.
Properly configured multichannel recording servers are designed to run even in limited modes. Error-handling programing code on SLOMO.TV servers accounts for 15–20% of the total software code . This allows our devices to continue functioning in restricted conditions, which is crucial for users as it ensures that video is recorded and broadcasts remain uninterrupted. The reliability of professional equipment is determined by its ability to deliver results in emergency situations.
Our engineers work closely with customers to provide the best solutions and resolve technical issues that inevitably arise with any equipment. We believe that true professionalism in broadcasting involves not only skill and expertise, but also the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and respond to unexpected challenges.
Ultimately, professionalism in live broadcasting relies on a combination of skills, experience, as well as the right tools and technologies. By investing in reliable broadcast-grade equipment and software, and by developing the skills to handle unexpected problems, video professionals can ensure that their broadcasts remain uninterrupted and of the highest quality.
