At IBC2024, MediaKind is launching powerful new services within its MK.IO platform designed to streamline live event workflows from the edge to the cloud. These new capabilities—Fleet Management, Flow Control, and AI Automation—combined with MK.IO Beam edge processing, create a Programmable Media Network. This innovative approach allows event producers to efficiently manage diverse live workflows on a per-event basis, reducing the complexity and cost of live production and in-venue operations.
Addressing Challenges in Live Event Production
As demand for immersive content increases, event producers are grappling with the complexities of managing an increasing number of video feeds, camera views, diverse data inputs, and formats. Sports venues, in particular, are increasingly utilizing digital video to enhance experiences for spectators, referees, and athletes. Traditional methods, reliant on stacks of single-purpose hardware, are becoming insufficient —driving up infrastructure costs, slowing integration, and requiring extensive staff training. The question is: how can these demands be met while controlling infrastructure and operational costs, and simultaneously tapping into real-time insights from the venue?
Programmable Media Networks: A Fresh Approach to Live Event Operations and Economics
Programmable Media Networks offer a transformative solution, allowing operators to rethink their approach to live events. Imagine setting up a contribution network with just a few words or using the same infrastructure to stream every camera angle to the public during an event. This versatile approach enables the reprogramming of live workflows on a per-event basis, eliminating the need for significant infrastructure investments or lengthy setup times. The same infrastructure can support content contribution, distribution, in-venue streaming, replays, and even expand to new applications leveraging real-time data from the venue.
Building Programmable Media Networks with MK.IO
MediaKind’s MK.IO brings together the core technologies needed to deliver the benefits of Programmable Media Networks:
- MK.IO Beam and Fleet Management: This solution uses containerized software on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) servers, replacing single-purpose hardware with a flexible, reprogrammable solution for edge video processing. Managed through MK.IO’s unified cloud control plane, Beam devices can be easily upgraded, configured, and monitored across the entire production network.
- MK.IO Flow Control and AI-Assisted Automation: This intuitive API streamlines feed and workflow management, enabling operators to define network feeds with just a few clicks. The system automatically handles routing, configuration, and processing, while a natural language interface enables operators to set up, monitor, and manage large workflows without needing advanced system knowledge.
Boris Felts, CPO at MediaKind, said: “By harnessing the scalability of the Cloud, the efficiency of Edge Processing, and AI-driven automation within a pay-per-use model, MK.IO provides event producers with unmatched flexibility and control, empowering them to meet the evolving demands of live event production with greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness.”