At IBC 2024 in Amsterdam, the broadcast industry’s shift toward IP and cloud-based production workflows took center stage. Audinate, creator of the Dante audio-over-IP protocol, showcased an expanding ecosystem that aims to support this transition, with Will Waters, principal product manager at Audinate, providing insights on how Dante is helping broadcasters embrace hybrid and cloud-based solutions.
Bridging Broadcast and IT Technologies
Audinate’s presence at IBC 2024 reflected key trends in broadcast:
- The convergence of broadcast and IT, with the growing role of cloud-based production.
- The need for seamless integration between on-premises and cloud environments.
“We’re pushing forward in the IP space,” Waters said. “Our focus is on building a cohesive ecosystem that helps broadcasters leverage their existing Dante infrastructure as they transition to the cloud.”
Adopting the Cloud: Flexibility Beyond Traditional Studios
The shift to cloud workflows is reshaping the boundaries between traditional broadcasting and corporate production. Waters noted that some corporate studios now surpass tier-one broadcasters in terms of technology, which is driving the industry toward more flexible IP-based solutions.
“Everyone is a broadcaster,” Waters observed. “Some corporate studios I see have better setups and control rooms than tier-one broadcasters.”
Waters emphasized that the physical constraints of traditional studios are pushing broadcasters to the cloud. By moving infrastructure online, studios can rethink workflow design without physical limitations, enabling distributed production models.
Ethernet: The Backbone of IP-Driven Production
At IBC, Ethernet emerged as the standard driving video-over-IP solutions. Dante, primarily known for audio, is expanding to support video management as well, responding to the growing complexity of IP-based workflows.
“The real standard is Ethernet. The more people embrace IP protocols, the better it is for the industry,” said Waters.
To support centralized management, Audinate introduced Dante Director, a cloud-based solution allowing large-scale updates, troubleshooting, and user role management, addressing the demand for IT-focused solutions in broadcast.
Expanding Partnerships and Interoperability
Audinate’s growing partner ecosystem includes Calrec, LAMA, Lawo, Gallery Sienna, and Telos Alliance, all supporting native Dante audio transmission. This expansion reflects the industry’s need for tools that bridge traditional broadcast infrastructure with cloud-based solutions.
“Broadcasters are under pressure to produce more content cost-effectively,” Waters explained. “The only way to meet that demand is by leveraging scalable solutions, bringing economy of scale to pro AV.”
Audinate’s advancements in IP and cloud-based workflows truly show the industry’s drive toward flexible, scalable production solutions. With Dante as a foundation, broadcast production is becoming increasingly software-defined, enabling studios to deliver more content and streamline operations for a dynamic future in broadcast.
