"Introductory Lesson in ST 2110"
In the ever-evolving world of audiovisual technology, SMPTE ST 2110 standards are making a significant impact. Originally designed for broadcast environments, these standards are now finding their way into a wide range of Professional Audiovisual (Pro AV) applications.
Current Status
SMPTE ST 2110 is a mature and actively evolving set of standards that facilitate IP-based transport of separate essence streams (video, audio, metadata) for Pro AV. The recent NAB 2025 exhibition showcased a significant investment in ST 2110 equipment, with advanced capabilities such as hyperconverged switching and routing, high-density gateway devices, and monitoring tools for uncompressed and compressed streams [3].
Flexibility
The flexibility offered by ST 2110 is one of its key advantages. By transmitting video, audio, and ancillary data as separate streams over IP in real-time, manufacturers and system integrators can mix and match components from various vendors. Hybrid workflows that blend ST 2110 with other IP protocols like NDI are gaining prominence, enhancing flexibility in deployment strategies [3].
Bandwidth
A well-recognized tradeoff with ST 2110 is high bandwidth utilization, given that video essence is typically uncompressed or lightly compressed. However, current hardware can handle HD and UHD content efficiently, with emerging support for 8K processing demonstrated by newer products. The use of JPEG XS compression, which is increasingly seen as a means to reduce bandwidth requirements while maintaining low latency and high quality, is improving overall efficiency [4].
Cost Considerations
Transitioning to SMPTE ST 2110 IP infrastructures can involve initial costs, including investments in high-performance network switches, IP routers, and ST 2110-compatible encoders/decoders. However, consolidated devices and software solutions like Imagine Communications' Versio software-based playout system simplify deployment and can reduce costs over time by replacing multiple hardware units with software functions [5].
Accessibility and Ease of Use
Building an ST 2110 system is relatively easy and doesn't require all equipment to be IP-based. Larger ST 2110 systems, such as broadcast, can connect video gear to an Ethernet switch and configure the connections between devices. ST 2110 systems allow users to split the video and audio stream, saving bandwidth if there is a poor connection.
Applications
ST 2110 technology can benefit a wide array of systems, including college campuses, television stations, production studios, live events, sets, corporate setups, houses of worship with multiple campuses, and more. The technology of video-over-IP is revolutionizing workflows and becoming more prevalent in products.
Vendor and Video Format Agnostic
One of the strengths of SMPTE ST 2110 is its vendor and video format agnostic nature. It supports 4K, HDR, and other emerging formats, making it a versatile solution for Pro AV users.
IP Video: A Flexible Alternative
IP video offers less cabling with bidirectional support and low latency, making it a flexible alternative to SDI. Unlike SDI, SMPTE ST 2110 doesn't need to be licensed, which can make it a more cost-effective solution for many Pro AV users.
SMPTE ST 2110 Suite of Standards
SMPTE ST 2110 specifies the transport, synchronization, and description of 10-bit video, audio, and ancillary data over managed IP networks for broadcast. Products with NMOS are useful in larger ST 2110 systems as they describe how devices are discovered and controlled on IP networks.
Networked Systems
ST 2110 systems can be spread across various locations, and users still have access to signals as long as they are on the same network. Point-to-point connections can auto configure, making them simple for live events and settings with minimal equipment.
In summary, SMPTE ST 2110 standards are well-established in Pro AV with strong vendor support and an expanding product ecosystem that offers high flexibility and precision synchronization. Bandwidth demands remain high but are being managed with emerging compression technologies, while costs are gradually stabilizing due to software-centric solutions and integrated hardware designs. This positions SMPTE ST 2110 as a pivotal technology for future IP-based Pro AV workflows.
[1] "SMPTE ST 2110 Standards for IP-Based Professional Media Over Managed IP Networks." SMPTE.org. [2] "SMPTE ST 2110: Revolutionizing Pro AV Workflows." AVNetwork.com. [3] "NAB 2025: The Future of SMPTE ST 2110." BroadcastEngineering.com. [4] "JPEG XS: The Next Step in Video Compression." SMPTE.org. [5] "Imagine Communications Launches Versio Software-Based Playout System." Broadcasting & Cable.
- While SMPTE ST 2110 standards continue to revolutionize Pro AV workflows, the upcoming NAB 2025 exhibition is expected to showcase an even wider range of events, products, and technologies leveraging these standards.
- The flexibility and versatility of SMPTE ST 2110 have led to its application in various domains such as broadcast, live events, college campuses, and houses of worship, with more products adopting IP-based technology.
