Telekom and Sony successfully test 5G network APIs to enhance live TV production
Successful test of live TV production via network API © Bildnachweis: Deutsche Telekom/ GettyImages/jamesteohart/andresr/metamorworks; Montage: Evelyn Ebert Meneses
[NB: this is a Deutsche Telekom press release: https://www.telekom.com/en/media/media-information/archive/successful-test-of-live-tv-production-via-network-api-1060876]
- Sony and Deutsche Telekom successfully test live-video solution based on CAMARA network APIs
- Network APIs deliver optimized low-latency with stable bandwidth to support real-time video transport
Bonn, 26th February 2024: Deutsche Telekom and Sony are announcing the successful testing of Nevion’s VideoIPath media orchestration platform with 5G network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). The solution from Sony and its subsidiary Nevion uses Deutsche Telekom’s network APIs to make optimum use of the 5G network and offer unprecedented low latency and reliable bandwidth, which is essential for live, professional video production.
5G technology is of high interest to broadcasters, because of the logistical agility and potential savings it provides in live production. However, despite the high performance of 5G networks, challenges remain when using the technology for high-end live production. These broadcasts require huge volumes of video data to be transported in real-time and without fail. Live productions often take place in crowded environments (such as stadiums) with high contention rate and involve many cameras. To ensure an enhanced live TV production with 5G, the feed that is live on air needs to be transferred with optimized latency and bandwidth – this capability was successfully demonstrated using Network APIs in Sony and Deutsche Telekom’s joint testing.
Test Setup
The tests successfully combined Nevion’s smart bandwidth management capabilities and Sony’s ultra-low latency video compression technology with seamless access to Deutsche Telekom’s 5G SA network and optimized via network APIs. The tests were carried out on a 5G standalone (SA) testbed in a Deutsche Telekom lab environment in Krakow, Poland. As part of this test, Sony used its recently-launched CBK-RPU7 HEVC 4K/HD remote production unit for the video compression, and its new 5G Portable Data Transmitter PDT-FP1 – both attached to a camera. These devices complement the solution by enabling cameras in the field to connect to the broadcast production center over the 5G network. The network APIs used in the tests follow the standards set by CAMARA, the open-source network API project within the Linux Foundation, of which Deutsche Telekom is an active member.
“Live TV with multiple cameras means high technical requirements. 5G Standalone simplifies this kind of complex media production: Standardized, programmable interfaces ensure low latency times and stable bandwidths. In combination with 5G modems and innovative data compression, the quality of service can be adapted to optimize particularly important video signals. This makes broadcasting operations more efficient. Together with our partner Sony, we have successfully tested this 5G innovation,” said Claudia Nemat, Board Member for Technology and Innovation at Deutsche Telekom.
These tests continue Deutsche Telekom’s commitment to delivering innovative network solutions for optimized live video broadcasting. In September, Telekom announced the commercial launch of 5G live video production via network slicing, together with RTL.
About Network APIs
Network APIs are defined and standardized by the CAMARA Initiative, announced by the GSMA in February 2022. The initiative consists of network operators, technology providers, cloud providers, operating system providers and application developers. The initiative aims to standardize network APIs globally. By using CAMARA’s open-source network APIs, the providers ensure interoperability with other operator networks around the world.
See the Demo at the Mobile World Congress 2024
Experience the joint Deutsche Telekom and Sony demo live on the Deutsche Telekom booth (3M31 in Hall 3) at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, from February 26 to February 29, 2024.
