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Video software provider Synamedia announced that it will share its vision of the future of sports streaming at IBC 2023 with a preview of several innovations from its R&D labs designed to meet a video network’s target customers’ needs: B2B distribution SaaS solutions, D2C streaming SaaS solutions, and IP network optimisation products. These early technologies will include compression, CDN switching, in-stadium experiences and a new way of distributing sports content.

According to Marc Baillavoine, recently appointed as CTO of the Video Network division at Synamedia, “With many patented and unique technologies, our video network portfolio meets the needs of every type of video service provider from niche streamers through to tier-1 operators with specific scaling and operational needs. Working with these customers we know how sports streaming pushes technology to its limits. Anticipating future demands for flexibility, scalability, and quality of experience – yet with an eye on cost control – we are continuing to innovate. Just like concept cars in the auto industry, we now want to share our vision to get content owners and operators’ feedback and to collaborate on real world applications.”

Synamedia believes it will have the industry’s first demonstration of Versatile Video Coding (VVC) running in the cloud on the latest Amazon Web Services (AWS) instances. It will highlight the benefits of using AI for compression, including customisation by sport to optimise the results depending on the sports. For example, it features a lightweight, real-time AI model that ensures every image is properly rendered, including the grass on the field. It will also show how it can support compression in 8K.

Continuing its efforts towards a more sustainable streaming, another demonstration will show how Synamedia is optimising energy efficiency with a multi-CDN approach that simultaneously improves QoE by negotiating between the CDN tenants for more optimal usage of physical resources. Synamedia will also highlight a breakthrough solution that combines ultra-low latency, with sub-second glass-to-glass latency alongside content delivery at scale, combining the latest standards.

Building on an earlier demonstration at NAB 2023, Synamedia will show enhancements to its immersive in-stadium experience with partner NativeWaves. This application brings viewers closer to the action when watching their favourite teams and athletes at home, on-the-go or from their stadium seat. It includes Synamedia’s end-to-end ultra-low latency to allow fans to instantly re-watch the action – such as scores, overtakes, injuries – from different camera angles using companion devices at home or 5G devices while in the stadium or on the move.

Synamedia will also provide a sneak peek at its latest innovation in global content distribution that will reduce content acquisition and distribution costs. This new business model uses SaaS gateways that will allow customers to be operational in minutes with auto registration and signal availability. This means sports content owners will be able to quickly start delivering content when and where they need it using cloud connectivity and CDNs. It will also make it easy for them try out new business models in different regions and extend their reach.

Synamedia SaaS milestone

Ahead of IBC 2023, Synamedia announced that 25 customers, including beIN and SportsMax, are using its SaaS Video Network products at scale. As well as its success with SaaS and cloud, Synamedia is seeing continued demand for its on-prem portfolio, it has also recently signed the largest deal in Video Network’s history with a $90 million contract for IP network optimisation using its virtual Digital Content Manager (vDCM) and Virtualised Cable Access products.

At IBC, Synamedia Video Network will demonstrate how its product portfolio is evolving to target three vertical customer solutions: B2B distribution, D2C streaming, and IP network optimisation. Customers use these solutions for applications including just-in-time streaming, point-to-point and multi-point distribution, disaster recovery, long-tail content processing, and low latency sports. Synamedia is also highlighting its innovations in sports streaming at the show.

The SaaS applications can be purchased through a cloud portal that streamlines operations and reduces time to market. The portal allows customers to instantly launch multi-tenant SaaS offerings. Even the most complex configurations can go live in under 48 hours, thanks to its highly automated DevOps capabilities.

B2B distribution solutions:

Using SaaS-based PowerVu for primary distribution, customers can reduce their dependency on satellite and move to IP at their own pace while delivering a superior viewing experience for subscribers and reducing the total cost of ownership with CDN delivery with the same or even better reliability as satellite. At IBC, Synamedia will also highlight how PowerVu now delivers end-to-end latency as low as one second, the lowest in the industry.

SaaS-based Quortex Link, launched at NAB 2023, is designed for secure, global IP-based video distribution at a click of a button. Its instant-on infrastructure cuts costs, and helps operators reach their sustainability goals. Its pay-as-you-use model makes it risk-free for operators to start small and scale up to support even the largest content owner.

D2C streaming solution:

Synamedia’s flagship SaaS product for D2C streaming at scale, Quortex Play, now supports 4K and will soon be available on AWS Marketplace. Quortex Play supports green streaming with a just-in-time and pay-as-you-use model that eliminates any wasted resources when nobody is watching a channel. It also allows customers to monetise their long-tail content by creating a FAST channel in a few clicks.

This SaaS-based OTT solution also features low latency for sports streaming at scale, time shift TV, cloud DVR, and monetisation opportunities with dynamic ad insertion.

IP network optimisation solutions:

Synamedia’s highly efficient and cost-effective EdgeCDN gives telcos and cable operators control over their video delivery across hybrid cloud CDNs and multi-CDNs. It features AI-based traffic prediction and application tailored latency to manage different latencies – including ultra-low latency for sports betting – within a streaming application.

The network IP optimisation portfolio also features enhancements to Synamedia’s high speed Virtualised Cable Access for migration to next-generation cable infrastructure. Based on vDCM, this software-based solution allows operators to increase bandwidth and throughput while reducing operational costs and maximising the ROI on existing QAM architectures.

Finally, Synamedia’s latest cloud DVR architecture provides a unified solution for shared or unique copy recordings that can be deployed on-prem or in the cloud.

According to Julien Signes, GM of the Video Network division at Synamedia, “Our cloud and SaaS business is booming as operators turn to opex models to cut costs and gain flexibility, but we are also seeing increased interest in our IP optimisation portfolio. This reflects today’s economic environment where cable operators are looking to accelerate their transition to IP by optimising their existing infrastructure and set-top box investments.”

Synamedia demos will be at IBC 2023 in hall 1 balcony suite 21.