Even though it notes that most of the media and entertainment industry is currently focused on using such networks for content distribution and delivery, an ABI Research study is predicting 5G infrastructures will soon be creating opportunities in content production, driving revenue streams for network operators.
ABI’s New Opportunities for 5G in Content Production report notes that the industry is exploring opportunities to take advantage of 5G networks, such as the superior capacity they offer, as the deployments start rolling out in many markets. The analyst forecasts that 5G network coverage will support more than 35% of the worldwide mobile user base in 2024 with video is a key application that will drive mobile data consumption.
However, production offers a number of opportunities. The report notes that various connectivity options – from fibre-optic to satellite and radio links - are used for the transmission of live video from outdoor events in a production facility.
Moreover, it notes that the advancements brought by 5G, such as high bandwidth and low latency, will improve the 3G/4G enabled cellular bonding technology, which to date has been the technology of choice when content production occurs in a connectivity-challenged location. Video production solution providers, such as AVIWEST, Dejero and Live U are starting to integrate 5G into their video transmission products.
ABI also pointed out that trials of video production over 5G networks have started in some markets in Asia, Europe, and North America. Examples cited include Seoul Broadcasting System deploying LiveU’s 5G integrated encoding and transmission solutions for live coverage of Korea’s election and Chinese equipment vendors ZTE and Huawei testing live production of outdoor events via 5G networks. Other broadcaster video production trials over 5G networks included those with BT Sports (pictured), NBC Sports, ITN are trialling over as well.
Yet ABI cautioned that while a 5G network can support the higher bandwidth and lower latency capability for video production, network performance can be challenging when it is shared by multiple users and applications. It said that fluctuations in bandwidth, depending on local traffic conditions, can create a negative impact on video transmission. In addition, sharing bandwidth over the public network may not be enough when transmitting lightly compressed video from the remote production site to the studio.
As a remedy, ABI expected 5G networking slicing to play an important role in providing guaranteed QoS, critically important in terms of bandwidth and latency, which is required for high-value content production such as sports. It added that network operators can take advantage of network slicing to offer differentiated network services for content production.
“Operators need to perform collaboration with different parties in the value chain to meet the requirement in the industry,” said Khin Sandi Lynn, industry analyst at ABI Research, commenting on the New Opportunities for 5G in Content Production report. “Partnerships between network operators and broadcasters or third party players to provide dedicated access to locations such as stadiums can provide new business models and revenue-generating opportunities for different players.”
However, production offers a number of opportunities. The report notes that various connectivity options – from fibre-optic to satellite and radio links - are used for the transmission of live video from outdoor events in a production facility.
Moreover, it notes that the advancements brought by 5G, such as high bandwidth and low latency, will improve the 3G/4G enabled cellular bonding technology, which to date has been the technology of choice when content production occurs in a connectivity-challenged location. Video production solution providers, such as AVIWEST, Dejero and Live U are starting to integrate 5G into their video transmission products.
ABI also pointed out that trials of video production over 5G networks have started in some markets in Asia, Europe, and North America. Examples cited include Seoul Broadcasting System deploying LiveU’s 5G integrated encoding and transmission solutions for live coverage of Korea’s election and Chinese equipment vendors ZTE and Huawei testing live production of outdoor events via 5G networks. Other broadcaster video production trials over 5G networks included those with BT Sports (pictured), NBC Sports, ITN are trialling over as well.
Yet ABI cautioned that while a 5G network can support the higher bandwidth and lower latency capability for video production, network performance can be challenging when it is shared by multiple users and applications. It said that fluctuations in bandwidth, depending on local traffic conditions, can create a negative impact on video transmission. In addition, sharing bandwidth over the public network may not be enough when transmitting lightly compressed video from the remote production site to the studio.
As a remedy, ABI expected 5G networking slicing to play an important role in providing guaranteed QoS, critically important in terms of bandwidth and latency, which is required for high-value content production such as sports. It added that network operators can take advantage of network slicing to offer differentiated network services for content production.
“Operators need to perform collaboration with different parties in the value chain to meet the requirement in the industry,” said Khin Sandi Lynn, industry analyst at ABI Research, commenting on the New Opportunities for 5G in Content Production report. “Partnerships between network operators and broadcasters or third party players to provide dedicated access to locations such as stadiums can provide new business models and revenue-generating opportunities for different players.”
