The Movement of HD Files

The broadcasting industry continues to shift towards high definition, increasing television channels' transmission standards and operating procedures. The digital process from start to finish, which includes encoding, sending, and airing must transition from standard definition (SD) to HD file formats. New channels are launched most commonly on HD platforms, receiving all content in HD format and, if necessary, down-converting to SD.

As broadcasters add HD channels to their line ups, a delivery platform is needed that can handle the movement of HD-quality files. The industry is working to identify a short list of codecs and containers that are acceptable for the broadcasters' entire workflow - from editing systems to video servers and long term archiving systems in order to try to service content for HD channels through digital delivery. The broadcasters that are the first to broadcast in HD will be the ones who begin standardising these specifications. This same process occurred when MXF emerged as the standard for SD broadcast.

Broadcasters need a way to receive HD files from content distributors, however not all digital delivery methods are capable of moving HD media. Physical tape shipment and FTP technology have become outdated as new delivery methods are available to meet servicing needs, both in terms of efficiency and cost.

Since SmartJog's inception, it has been a file-agnostic platform so that any type of content can be sent and received across its network, regardless of file size or format. As broadcasters make the transition from SD to HD, SmartJog's existing technology and hardware can be immediately leveraged to allow the movement of HD media for direct ingest into a HD broadcast environment.

HD digital delivery with SmartJog can be seamlessly integrated into broadcasters' current technology. One common workflow begins with a 'ready-to-air' source file that is compatible with video server ingest, such as MXF MPEG-2 @ 50Mbps. Once file delivery has completed, the SmartJog server can also be used to transcode to various formats such as DNxHD or DVCPro100 to facilitate specific editing needs. The integration and automation features that the SmartJog service provides, along with its acceleration technology available over both terrestrial and satellite connectivity, make it a clearly differentiated product when compared against traditional file delivery systems.

Source: IBC Daily