As broadcast media rapidly evolves, AV technologies are reshaping production workflows, blending traditional and digital platforms, and unlocking new creative frontiers. From virtual sets to IP-based solutions, the convergence of AV and broadcast is redefining content creation and delivery.
The boundaries between broadcast and audiovisual (AV) technology have always been somewhat porous. Yet, in recent years, with rapid advancements across both domains, these boundaries have not only blurred—they have almost disappeared entirely. What was once a linear world of scheduled television programming has transformed into a multi-platform, multi-format universe where broadcast workflows increasingly resemble complex AV ecosystems.
As the broadcast industry grapples with shifting audience behaviors, emerging business models, and technological disruptions, the role of AV solutions is growing exponentially. From cloud-based production suites to IP-based distribution, immersive audio environments to hybrid studio designs, AV technologies are now deeply embedded across every stage of the broadcast value chain.
In this feature, we explore the key trends, technologies, and shifts that are redefining AV’s role in the broadcast ecosystem.
IP and Networked AV: The Core of Modern Broadcast Workflows
For years, broadcasters relied on SDI (Serial Digital Interface) as the backbone for video and audio signal transport. While SDI remains present, the shift to IP-based infrastructures has been accelerating, particularly since the adoption of SMPTE ST 2110 standards. The ability to carry uncompressed video, audio, and metadata over IP networks has fundamentally altered how content is captured, routed, and distributed.
IP-based AV systems offer broadcasters enormous flexibility. Signals can now travel seamlessly between studios, remote production sites, and cloud platforms without the constraints of physical cabling or proprietary hardware.
Key advantages include:
• Scalability across locations and production teams.
• Simplified integration with remote production (REMI) workflows.
• Enhanced support for UHD, HDR, and multichannel audio formats.
• Reduced physical infrastructure costs over time.
Major broadcasters such as ESPN, NBC, and India’s Star Sports have invested heavily in IP-based control rooms and networked AV solutions, creating highly modular environments that can adapt to changing production demands in real time.
Remote Production and Virtual Studios: The AV-Broadcast Fusion
The pandemic catalyzed remote production like never before, forcing broadcasters and production teams to adapt to hybrid and decentralized workflows. AV technologies—particularly video conferencing platforms, KVM-over-IP solutions, and networked control systems—enabled producers, directors, and technicians to collaborate virtually while managing live productions remotely.
Today, remote production is not just a temporary fix—it is a permanent strategic capability. Hybrid production models now combine the best of on-premises control rooms with cloud-based switching, remote camera control, and real-time collaboration across multiple locations.
Meanwhile, virtual studios powered by LED video walls, real-time graphics engines (such as Unreal Engine), and advanced motion tracking systems are allowing broadcasters to create immersive environments that blur the line between real and virtual sets.
Case in point:
• BBC Sport’s use of extended reality (XR) and LED-based virtual studios for live sports coverage.
• India's major news networks integrating AR graphics and 3D sets into election coverage.
• Sports leagues using virtual graphics for advertising insertion, enhancing monetization potential.
Cloud-Based AV Workflows: Flexibility and Scalability
Cloud-based AV solutions have become central to the future of broadcast production. Cloud platforms enable scalable editing, transcoding, asset management, and even live production switching, providing unprecedented agility.
Benefits driving adoption include:
• Elastic compute capacity for peak demands.
• Global collaboration across production teams.
• Simplified content archiving and retrieval.
• Reduced capital expenditures on physical infrastructure.
AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud have made significant inroads into the media & entertainment sector, offering specialized services for media workflows. Solutions such as Grass Valley’s GV AMPP, Sony’s Ci Media Cloud, and Vizrt’s cloud-native graphics platforms are reshaping the content production pipeline.
In India, companies like Viacom18, Disney Star, and Sony Pictures Networks have begun extensive cloud adoption for non-linear workflows, sports highlights packaging, and VOD delivery.
Audio Innovations: From Immersive to Intelligent
Audio technologies are undergoing their own revolution within AV-for-broadcast. As formats like Dolby Atmos, MPEG-H, and DTS:X gain ground, broadcasters are increasingly delivering immersive audio experiences, especially for premium live sports and entertainment events.
But beyond immersive soundscapes, AI-powered audio processing is driving innovations in:
• Automatic mixing: balancing dialogue, music, and effects in real time.
• Noise suppression: enhancing speech clarity during remote interviews.
• Language localization: automated speech-to-text translation and dubbing.
Broadcasters such as Sky, NBC, and India's Doordarshan have experimented with immersive audio formats for major sporting events and national broadcasts, enhancing the listener experience across both linear and digital platforms.
AV-Driven Newsrooms: The Smart Studio Revolution
Modern broadcast newsrooms are increasingly integrated AV environments where automation, real-time data integration, and advanced control interfaces are paramount.
Key technologies include:
• Robotic cameras with PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) control.
• Automated rundown systems integrated with teleprompters and graphics.
• LED-based display walls for dynamic backgrounds.
• AI-powered news analytics for editorial decision-making.
AV solutions allow news producers to deliver rich visual narratives at greater speed and lower cost. For example, India’s major networks NDTV, India Today, and Republic TV have deployed smart studios equipped with advanced AV control systems that reduce manual interventions during live broadcasts.
Security and Signal Integrity: Protecting the AV Infrastructure
As broadcast and AV systems converge onto IP networks, cybersecurity and signal integrity become paramount concerns. Distributed workflows, remote access points, and hybrid cloud deployments increase vulnerability to breaches, signal interference, and data theft.
AV vendors now offer secure media transport protocols, encrypted signal paths, and real-time monitoring solutions to safeguard content integrity across production and transmission pipelines.
Organizations such as the DPP (Digital Production Partnership) and SMPTE are playing a key role in establishing security frameworks and best practices for IP-based AV broadcast systems.
Sustainability: AV Technology’s Green Imperative
Sustainability is becoming a major driver for broadcasters and production companies, with AV technologies playing a critical role in reducing environmental footprints.
Sustainability gains include:
• Lower power consumption from LED lighting and displays.
• Remote production reducing travel and shipping.
• Cloud-based workflows cutting data center energy usage.
• Efficient encoding reducing bandwidth demands.
Broadcasters globally, including BBC, ZDF, and India’s Prasar Bharati, are prioritizing green broadcast initiatives, making energy-efficient AV solutions increasingly attractive.
The India Advantage: Growing AV-Broadcast Synergies
India presents a unique growth opportunity for AV-broadcast convergence. With its large installed base of broadcast facilities, rapid digital expansion, and booming OTT sector, India is driving innovation across multiple fronts.
Indian system integrators have become highly skilled at designing AV-rich broadcast infrastructures. Meanwhile, domestic vendors and international AV giants alike—such as Harman, Avid, Lawo, Riedel, Panasonic, Sony, and Ross Video—are competing to meet the diverse needs of Indian broadcasters.
Large-scale events like the Indian Premier League (IPL), national elections, and film awards continue to serve as showcases for cutting-edge AV-broadcast integration in action.
Conclusion: The Next Phase of AV for Broadcast
The convergence of AV and broadcast technologies is no longer a future scenario—it is today’s operating reality. As broadcasters worldwide strive for greater agility, creative freedom, and cost efficiencies, AV-driven solutions are becoming indispensable across the full spectrum of production, distribution, and audience engagement.
Looking ahead, innovations in AI, 5G-enabled remote workflows, virtual production, and cloud-native control rooms will continue to redefine the broadcast landscape. The successful broadcasters of tomorrow will be those who not only adopt these AV technologies but master the art of integrating them into seamless, flexible, and highly responsive production ecosystems.
For broadcasters and AV providers alike, this moment represents not just a technological transition—but a generational opportunity.
