IP-Based Broadcasting
IP-based broadcasting uses standard internet protocols (Ethernet, TCP/IP) to distribute broadcast signals instead of legacy specialised broadcast protocols (SDI, AES).
Where we use this- Inside the facility: video, audio and control on a network instead of dedicated cable.
- Routing and scale become network configuration rather than rewiring.
- Broadcast traffic on a shared office network. It needs its own, managed.
What it means in live production.
IP-based broadcasting uses standard internet protocols (Ethernet, TCP/IP) to distribute broadcast signals instead of legacy specialized broadcast protocols (SDI, AES). This transforms broadcast infrastructure from specialized equipment to standard IT infrastructure.
The advantages are significant: standard Ethernet switches and fiber are cheaper than broadcast-specific equipment. Standard IT networking expertise applies instead of requiring specialized broadcast engineers. Scaling is easier. add more switch ports, not replace entire SDI infrastructure. Recording and archival integrate with standard IT storage.
How it works on a live production.
The disadvantages are equally significant: IP networks are asynchronous and congestion-prone. Broadcast requires deterministic timing. every frame arriving at exactly the right moment. IP networks don't guarantee this without special configuration (priority queuing, dedicated bandwidth, careful network design).
At Creative Broadcast Agency, IP-based broadcasting using SMPTE 2110 is part of our infrastructure for large-scale productions. However, we supplement it with proven legacy systems (SDI for critical paths, fiber distribution for isolation). Pure IP-based facilities work for specific use cases but require expertise in network design that many venues lack.
For hybrid event streaming and distributed, multi-venue productions, IP-based distribution is powerful. We can route video, audio, and metadata across standard networks, integrate with cloud systems, and scale easily. But we verify network design and redundancy carefully. IP infrastructure failures cascade differently than SDI failures.
The transition to IP-based broadcasting is industry trend. Manufacturers are investing in IP-based equipment. Standards like SMPTE 2110 are mature. But the transition is gradual. hybrid SDI/IP facilities are common, pure IP facilities are growing.
Multi-camera production
We mix IP and SDI on our productions, each where it is strongest.
Low-latency streaming
Sub-500ms glass-to-glass streaming via SRT and WebRTC. Real-time interaction for esports, auctions, trading floors, and live Q&A events.
ReadWhat is SRT streaming? Secure Reliable Transport explained
ReadAdvantages of live streaming CDN providers
ReadWhat is SMPTE 2110? Baseband vs IP video
ReadSRT (Secure Reliable Transport)
SRT is a modern streaming protocol designed to reliably transmit video over unpredictable networks, particularly useful for live streaming from remote locations with unstable internet, field coverage, and contribution feeds from distributed sources.
ReadQuestions people ask about this.
Is IP-based broadcasting more expensive or cheaper than SDI?
Equipment costs less (standard switches vs broadcast equipment), but network engineering costs more. A facility needs someone who understands broadcast requirements and IP networking to design it correctly. Total cost depends on facility size. For large facilities (20+ cameras), IP is usually cheaper. For small facilities, traditional SDI might be simpler.
Can we mix IP-based and SDI equipment?
Yes, using converters. SDI to IP gateways (called encoders or fiber nodes) convert SDI signals to IP. This is common in hybrid facilities where some equipment is SDI (older equipment, specialized devices) and some is IP (vision mixers, graphics systems, servers).
Does IP-based broadcasting require special networks separate from office networks?
Ideally, yes. Broadcast IP traffic has different requirements (deterministic latency, no congestion) than office traffic (bursty, elastic). We recommend separate broadcast networks for professional facilities. For small installations, dedicated VLAN (virtual network) on shared infrastructure can work.
What's the learning curve for IP-based broadcast infrastructure?
Steeper than traditional SDI. Engineers need networking knowledge in addition to broadcast knowledge. Most broadcast training is SDI-focused, so IP expertise is specialized. We provide training and support during transitions to IP-based systems.
Tell us the date, the venue and who is watching.
We scope every live production against its run of show, not a package.
CBA builds low latency live streaming services for every show it produces, because transport decides whether the picture holds.