A Broadcast Control System (BCS) is a centralized platform that manages, monitors, and automates broadcast devices, signals, and workflows across a network.
A Broadcast Control System (BCS) is the backbone of modern broadcast environments. It provides operators with the ability to configure, supervise, and automate the many devices, signals, and resources involved in live and scheduled media production. From routing video/audio feeds to managing redundancy, tally, and alarms, a BCS ensures smooth, reliable, and coordinated operations.
Traditional BCS platforms were hardware-based, proprietary, and focused on baseband (SDI) workflows. In the era of IP-based broadcasting, BCS solutions are evolving into software-defined and standards-based platforms, capable of managing hybrid infrastructures that span on-premises, cloud, and remote production sites. A modern BCS integrates closely with orchestration, network monitoring, and open standards like NMOS, providing broadcasters with flexibility, scalability, and vendor-neutral control.
What Nevion Does
Nevion integrates the concept of a Broadcast Control System into its orchestration platform, VideoIPath.
- Centralized Control: VideoIPath serves as a modern BCS, offering operators a single interface to manage devices, connections, and resources across IP and hybrid networks.
- Standards-Based Integration: Supports NMOS (IS-04 for discovery, IS-05 for connection), SMPTE ST 2110, and legacy SDI, ensuring interoperability in multi-vendor environments.
- Automation & Redundancy: Provides automated failover, hitless switching (ST 2022-7), and workflow scheduling to guarantee resilience in live production.
- Hybrid & Cloud: Extends control beyond traditional facilities, enabling broadcasters to manage on-premises and cloud-based workflows from the same platform.
- Scalability: Suitable for everything from small studios to global media networks.