The papers in the 2024 NAB Broadcast Engineering and Information Technology (BEIT) Conference Proceedings offered here were presented at the 2024 BEIT Conference at NAB Show. The program was developed by the NAB Broadcast Engineering and Information Technology Conference Committee, a rotating group of senior technologists from NAB members and partner organizations.
The content available in the 2024 BEIT Conference Proceedings is covered under copyright provisions.
2024 Proceedings Topics
- Application of 5G in Broadcasting
- Application of LLMs in Media
- Applications of ATSC 3.0 Technology
- BPS as the Complementary Solution
- Broadcast Facility Design
- Content Creation and Delivery Technology
- Cybersecurity for Broadcasters
- Data Delivery
- Digital Online Operations
- Emerging Technologies in Media Delivery
- Generative AI for Media
- Generative AI Uses and Video Transcodeing
- Quantifying Quality in Video Technology
- Radio Topics
- SCTE
- Striving for Efficiency in Video Technology
- The NMCS Concept
- Timing Solutions for Broadcasters
- Video Encoding and Codecs
- Video Technology
Previous Proceedings
2024 BEIT Conference Proceedings - $100
Date: April 4, 2024Topic: 2024 BEITC Proceedings
A Comparison of Video Encoders across H.264, HEVC and VVC - $15
Date: April 3, 2024Topics: 2024 BEITC Proceedings, Video Encoding and CodecsThere are a seemingly ever-increasing number of codecs available to be used, but the codec itself only sets the permitted methods that an encoder can use. Real-world encoders are specific implementations of codecs, and the way they are implemented makes a significant difference to the bitrate efficiency. So, comparing encoder implementations is more revealing than comparing theoretical encoders and this paper focuses on real-time live encoding, using encoders that are configured to evaluate this operating point. This paper examines the performance of actual implementations of codecs in real encoders, highlighting how they compare and how they may develop over future years, covering AVC (H.264), HEVC (H.265), VVC (H.266) and AV1. The specific encoders compared in this study are: x264, x265, SVT-AV1, VVenC, AVC and HEVC using SG1 and MediaKind’s current implementations of AVC, HEVC and VVC, as examples of commercial encoders with performance optimizations.
Tony Jones | MediaKind | Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Remi Houdaille | MediaKind | Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Matthieu Muller | MediaKind | Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom
A Framework for Efficient Data Scripting in High-Volume Sports Graphics Workflows - $15
Date: April 3, 2024Topics: 2024 BEITC Proceedings, Video Technology - Miscellaneous TopicsData is at the heart of storytelling for broadcasters across the world of sports. Through powerful data APIs, broadcasters can access and integrate massive volumes of real-time data into their on-air graphics, enabling stats-driven analysis and automated graphic updates. However, effective maintenance and integration of such high volumes of data can prove difficult from an IT and manual design perspective. This paper outlines how a scripting framework – leveraging open-source, high-performance scripting tools – can provide superior flexibility in secure IT environments and eliminate the need for repetitive design to utilize data in different presentation scenarios.
Nikole McStanley | Chyron | Tampa, Fl., United States
David Mayer | Chyron | Apex, N.C., United States
Dan MacDonald | Chyron | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
A Platform for the Development and Deployment of Software-Defined Media Processing Pipelines - $15
Date: April 3, 2024Topics: 2024 BEITC Proceedings, Emerging Technologies in Media DeliveryWe present the implementation of a platform available today for the easy development and deployment of media process pipelines for video transcoding and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. This platform implements an open-source software architecture that combines broadcast industry standards (SMPTE ST 2110, AMWA NMOS, RIST, SRT and NDI) with proven IT industry methods (containers, Kubernetes, Helm) running on common-of-the-shelf (COTS) hardware that prevents vendor lock in on-prem, in the cloud or on the edge. Applications developed for this platform are easily deployed using an open-source automation layer and dynamically interconnected to build any desired pipeline or workflow.
Gareth Sylvester-Bradley | NVIDIA Development UK Ltd | Reading, United Kingdom
Richard Hastie | NVIDIA Development UK Ltd | Reading, United Kingdom
Pravin Sethia | NVIDIA Graphics Pvt Ltd | Pune, Maharashtra, India
Thomas True | NVIDIA Corporation | Santa Clara, Calif., United States
AI Innovations in Testing and Monitoring: How Machine Learning is Transforming Testing and Monitoring On Real Devices - $15
Date: April 3, 2024Topics: 2024 BEITC Proceedings, Digital Online OperationsArtificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a pivotal tool for video service providers in ensuring an exceptional quality of experience (QoE) for their end-users. Machine learning (ML) neural networks currently enable content providers to enhance encoding and compression for video-on-demand (VOD) assets. However, evaluating live and linear content remains challenging without a reference stream. This paper explores an innovative methodology to assess video quality from the user’s perspective on physical devices. This approach mirrors human interaction through AI and computer vision to detect defects. Extensive testing of third-party applications using this technique can increase customer retention for video services. With rapid advancements, AI has the potential to transform video quality assurance.
Yoann Hinard | Witbe | New York, N.Y., United States
AI-Enabled Horizons: Pioneering Multilingual Content Integrity in Broadcasting - $15
Date: April 3, 2024Topics: 2024 BEITC Proceedings, Emerging Technologies in Media DeliveryAI-enabled solutions are transforming global broadcasting by enhancing multilingual content integrity through advancements in Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technologies. This paper explores the integration of advanced computational frameworks and hardware to enhance the accuracy, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of ASR systems for broadcasters managing multilingual content at scale.
Kyle Suess | Amira Labs | Columbia, Md., United States
Stefan Cardenas | Amira Labs | Columbia, Md., United States
Paul Briscoe | TAG Video Systems | Tel Aviv, Israel – Toronto, Canada
AM Carrier Power Reduction in All-Digital Service Mode MA3 - $15
Date: April 3, 2024Topics: 2024 BEITC Proceedings, Radio TopicsSome AM radio stations have turned off their analog broadcasts and converted to digital-only operations, with the possibility of better coverage, improved ratings, and more competitive features. Since a modulated analog signal is not present, it is possible to reduce the main carrier power in All-Digital service mode MA3 without adversely affecting audio quality and availability. This might not only decrease conversion costs but could also save broadcasters thousands of dollars per year in utility bills. Alternatively, the resulting power savings could be applied to the digital subcarriers, thereby enhancing the robustness of the digital signal.
Since receivers use the main carrier to demodulate the digital signal, reducing its power could potentially degrade reception performance. Specifically, HD Radio receivers use the main carrier to correct frequency differences between the received and transmitted signals, and to normalize the amplitude of the digital subcarriers across the allocated channel bandwidth. Xperi has analyzed and simulated the effects of reduced main carrier power to determine an acceptable decrease and quantify the resulting degradation. Results indicate that a 6-dB carrier power reduction, with a concomitant 4-dB reduction of the two OFDM reference subcarriers, should have a negligible impact on signal robustness.
The next logical step in assessing the viability of reduced MA3 carrier power was to validate these predictions by measuring performance in a real-world automotive environment, using Hubbard Broadcasting station WWFD in Frederick, MD. Field tests were performed over multiple routes to expose the signal to a variety of terrain, speed, interference, and shadowing conditions.
This paper will review Xperi’s analytical and simulated performance predictions and will present field test results that successfully validate them. Results indicate that reducing carrier power by 6 dB and reference subcarrier power by 4 dB has an insignificant effect on WWFD’s MA3 digital audio coverage area.
Paul Peyla | Xperi Inc. | Columbia, Md., United States
Jeff Baird | Xperi Inc. | Columbia, Md., United States
Dave Kolesar | Hubbard Broadcasting | Washington, D.C., United States
An Innovative In-Service Antenna Monitoring System to Protect Your Antenna and Transmission Line - $15
Date: April 3, 2024Topics: 2024 BEITC Proceedings, Broadcast Facility DesignAntenna and transmission line systems are critical components of the broadcast transmission infrastructure. Unfortunately, traditional monitoring is limited simply to reflected power. Depending on speed and accuracy of the monitoring equipment, some arcs or small reflected changes can go unnoticed. SPINNER introduced the Antenna Monitoring System (AMS) in 2015. It scans for arcing from the transmitter building all the way up to the end of the antenna. The AMS provides protection to the entire RF system by alerting and or opening the transmitter interlock when an arc is sensed. While the AMS provided protection, it couldn’t tell you where the fault occurred. We have innovated again by adding Distance to Fault (DtF) analysis in the AMS 2.0 system. This paper will discuss the methodology and benefits of the AMS 2.0 along with some real-world results where the AMS protection detected and closely located faults before significant damage occurred.
Heidi Stamm | SPINNER GmbH | Munich, Germany
Anton Lindner | SPINNER GmbH | Munich, Germany
Christoph Neumaier | SPINNER GmbH | Munich, Germany
Todd Loney | SPINNER ICT Inc. | Duluth, Georgia, United States
aPNT and ZTA for timing and synchronization in Broadcast - $15
Date: April 3, 2024Topics: 2024 BEITC Proceedings, Timing Solutions for BroadcastersHighly accurate timing is a mission-critical requirement for the synchronization of the broadcast domain. Employing multiple-source resiliency enables the ability to function for extended periods of time without GPS/GNSS reference, which is a requirement of US Federal Executive Order 13905. This executive order lays out the requirements and where they apply in relation to critical infrastructure. In this paper, we will address the specifics of FEO 13905 as well as what a robust assured positioning, navigation and timing (aPNT) solution can look like.
Emphasizing the critical role of timing and synchronization in essential infrastructure is imperative. This emphasis has prompted a comprehensive evaluation of the vulnerabilities inherent in existing time sources. This paper aims to delve into these risks and explore potential solutions to safeguard critical infrastructure. It will also touch upon the U.S. government’s efforts in securing Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) and the significant recommendations stemming from this initiative. The secure PNT objective is to address the escalating frequency of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) outages, which have left users seeking alternative solutions.
We will explore the potential impact of these threats on various aspects of content generation, processing, and distribution, particularly in the TV broadcast industry. We will also discuss the role that the broadcast industry can play in implementing potential solutions. The discussion will introduce the concept of Zero Trust architectures (ZTAs), their implementation, and the variety of time sources available today, as well as those currently in development. These alternatives include network protection schemes and highly stable oscillators, as well as multi-constellation/multiband GNSS receivers, anti-jamming and anti-spoofing solutions and other emerging alternatives like Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks and next-generation broadcast networks. The objective is to inform and equip users with the tools available to counteract common threats such as GPS interruptions, GPS degradation, GPS service denial, and GPS spoofing.
Rick Knea | Oscilloquartz SE | Nampa, Idaho, United States
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning's Rising Potential to Transform Transcription and Translation for Media Editing - $15
Date: April 3, 2024Topics: 2024 BEITC Proceedings, Generative AI for MediaDialog in a language unfamiliar to an editor poses obvious challenges during the media editing process. It is nearly impossible to edit without clear comprehension of the underlying language. Through a combination of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning improvements in recent years, editing material in a language other than one’s native tongue is within reach. Automatic Speech Recognition, Translation, Speech to Text, and Voice Cloning can be combined in the editorial process with existing non-AI technologies such as captioning and media relinking to enable editing of material that otherwise would not have been possible. In addition to technical solutions, ethical concerns and the responsible use of AI concerning Voice Cloning are addressed.
Randy Fayan | Avid Technology | Burlington, Mass, United States
Rob Gonsalves | Avid Technology | Burlington, Mass, United States