Appear continues to develop the use of hardware-accelerated SRT through an implementation on its X Platform, as demonstrated through partnerships and deployments around the world.
Appear has continued to develop the use of hardware-accelerated SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) through an implementation on its X Platform, as demonstrated through partnerships and deployments around the world. A new deployment with Brazil’s Grupo RBS, for example, combined with insights from projects with Mobilelinks, Norlys, Televarpið, PSSI and Riot Games illustrate the impact of SRT on media transport worldwide.
Appear launched its hardware-accelerated SRT system in February 2023, opening a pathway for media and entertainment organisations to transport high-quality video over cost-effective Internet links. Since then, Appear’s SRT platforms have supported new operations for broadcasters globally, leading to cost reductions while improving flexibility, density and performance.
Grupo RBS - Efficiency with Centralised Playout
Grupo RBS, a major media group in Brazil, uses Appear’s hardware-accelerated SRT to centralise its Master Control Room (MCR) and playout operations from 12 dispersed locations into a single, comprehensive playout centre in Porto Alegre.
“Centralising our MCR and playout operations required a robust system to connect multiple feeds across the South of Brazil,” said Roberto Hoffman, Engineering Manager at Grupo RBS. “Appear’s SRT-enabled X Platform meant we could integrate feeds from different interfaces and sources, increasing efficiency and paving the way for better broadcast experiences in Brazil.”
Through its use of Appear’s SRT, Grupo RBS has been able to replace costly satellite and fibre connections, achieving a low-cost option for high-quality video transport over the public Internet. As well as gaining efficiency, the broacacster has reduced points of failure and can ensure broadcast-quality video streams, even over unpredictable networks.
Norlys, Televarpið, Mobilelinks – Stable Channel Distribution and DSNG
Denmark’s Norlys, cable company Televarpið on the Faroe Islands and Mobilelinks in Sweden have also started using Appear’s X Platform and SRT developments.
Televarpið is at the receiving end of Norlys’ SRT TV channel distribution from Denmark to the Faroes over the Internet. "We've transitioned from satellite reception, which was prone to disruptions during severe weather, particularly snow, to IP based transport using Appear’s X Platform-accelerated SRT. The stability of SRT has brought a major improvement," said Tummas Theodor Tómasson, Lead Engineer at Televarpið.
Mike Jensen, Systems Administrator at Norlys, favours the X Platform’s modularity and density, which have helped Norlys deliver broadcast TV services over the Internet despite capacity and stability challenges. The aSRT [Accelerated SRT] gateway solution helps Norlys maintain secure, reliable connections while reducing its operational footprint.
“The value we get from Appear’s aSRT is the density of services handled by a single module, combined with the modular X Platform, which means we can set up multiple workflows in each unit,” Mike said. “The reduction in power, cooling and space requirements result in cost efficiency, and suits our green profile. Appear has proven to be a partner with deep technical expertise and a proactive approach to our needs.”
Mobilelinks, a Swedish service provider for live broadcast transmission, recently utilised the X Platform and aSRT module for its Ice Hockey World Championships coverage and mobile DSNG applications. Andreas Langell, CEO of Mobilelinks, said, “The X Platform is an agile toolbox for contribution. During the Ice Hockey World Championships, the aSRT module generated multiple high-quality SRT streams with resilient in-built redundancy over dual connections. All parts of the workflow simply worked.”
PSSI – Reliability for Live Sports and Concert Events
PSSI Global Services, an event management and content delivery specialist, has integrated Appear’s hardware-accelerated SRT into its live event broadcasting workflows. Its business is based on delivering high-profile MMA, wrestling, boxing and concert events worldwide, and therefore can benefit from flexible, reliable video transport.
Able to deliver SRT streams, PSSI can set up 16 audio channels to support multiple languages simultaneously, serving diverse audiences and meeting the increasing demand for live event broadcasting.
Bill Sciolla, Vice President-PSSI International Teleport said, “We can achieve high-quality, secure video feeds with near-zero latency over challenging network environments. aSRT expands our global reach while making us significantly less dependent on costly traditional satellite or fibre delivery.”
Riot Games – Precise, Low-Latency Esports Broadcasts
Esports organisation Riot Games has implemented SRT-enabled X Platform for live gaming tournaments that need precision and low-latency streaming to deliver a competitive quality of experience to global audiences.
“Appear’s X Platform was the solution on the market that seemed the likeliest to meet our demanding requirements,” said James Wyld, Principal Infrastructure Engineer at Riot Games. “We deployed the system to carry out accurate encoding, packaging and delivery over multiple network paths simultaneously, while adding a layer of resilience.
“We run a mix of different delivery strategies to support our productions globally, and having a flexible platform allows us to adapt to multiple scenarios in the field. The X Platform’s SRT handles multiple network types, generating a best-possible viewing experience needed to accommodate a growing audience.” Through the platform’s SRT capabilities, Riot Games can sustain robust, secure high-quality video streaming at scale.
SRT Adoption into the Future
As more broadcasters and media organisations transition to IP-based workflows, they need methods to overcome traditional video transport challenges like network instability, packet loss and jitter. Appear’s hardware-accelerated SRT is proving to be a solution, serving as an effective protocol for primary video distribution, delivering broadcast-quality video over public Internet with scalability and density. www.appear.net
