5G and edge trials could transform broadcasting

Broadcasters are looking to 5G and edge computing for ways to transform content delivery, enhance revenue opportunities, and personalize their offerings.

In a recent partnership trial, Verizon, Zixi, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are working with Bloomberg Media to uncover how 5G and edge computing could transform the broadcasting industry. The group is exploring improved delivery of live feeds and other content, as well as different avenues for viewers to consume news and broadcast content.

As consumers demand content 24/7, broadcast companies need a way to streamline while also providing high-quality video with low buffering requirements. The trials leveraged products from each company to deliver video to a user device more quickly without sacrificing quality. Those products include Verizon 5G Edge, AWS Wavelength (a real-time computing platform), and Zixi’s SDVP and ZEN Master control plane (to reduce latency).

A proof-of-concept trial is intended to demonstrate how 5G and edge computing rollouts (Verizon 5G Edge with AWS Wavelength debuted in August 2020) could create a new generation of streaming and broadcast services meant for those who consume on-demand. Pushing straight to 5G-enabled user devices could also provide a significant reduction in strain for media companies.

The importance of 5G edge
Bloomberg media conducted trials using Bloomberg TV+ 4K ultra-high-definition content streamed directly to 5G connected user devices. These mark tests to discover the edge of broadcast capability with 4k UHD.

Successful tests could mean media companies could stream ultra-high-definition content without the use of satellites, something that could speed up capability. In addition, Bloomberg will demonstrate how these products allow companies to split video into multiple streams for broadcast across multiple platforms.

Another future trial will demonstrate real-time translation, subtitles, and transcription services, which would open up content to wider audiences without significant extra strain on media companies’ resources. It could even change the entire way news media is both made and consumed. RT Insights