Since the dawn of broadcasting, technology advancements have enabled the industry to continually create ever-more entertaining and informative experiences for audiences everywhere. But the ability to produce and deliver world-class content involves so much more than broadcast technology, extending to every aspect of studio operations.
In today’s competitive market, virtualized production environments, AI-generated imaging, remote streaming connectivity and other advanced digital technologies are key enablers for media and entertainment providers. Yet, supporting these capabilities requires ubiquitous coverage, reliable ultra-low latency performance and high-capacity bandwidth. So when the popular Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) decided to open a new studio in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area, it was the perfect opportunity to enhance their use of the latest technology to build a truly state-of-the-art broadcast center.
Building The Connected Studio
TBN turned to Trilogy NextGen for expertise in deployment and integration of wireless networking systems to implement their digital transformation. The Trilogy NextGen team fully integrated a private 5G edge network and 5G-enabled cameras throughout the 215,000-square-foot facility, eliminating the constraints of wires and cables that limit creativity. This next-generation 5G network reinvents the world of film and television, helping TBN improve operational efficiency, security, speed and quality.
The private 5G network not only enables wireless capture of digital content with near real-time latency, but also allows reliable mobile communications for production crews, and mission-critical security operations for staff and emergency personnel. In fact, the addition of a push-to-talk (PTT) application enables secure, real-time communications between building facilities and production trailer security teams with greater reliability than previously used Wi-Fi devices.
To build the best possible private 5G network for the TBN application, Trilogy NextGen worked with partners Microsoft and Ericsson to empower multiple use cases via ready-to-deploy applications. The network is powered by Microsoft Azure private multi-access edge compute (MEC) and the Ericsson 5G Radio Dot System, delivering secure, seamless, high-speed connectivity over Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum throughout the broadcasting facility.
Architecting Digital Transformation
The new TBN broadcast center will be capable of hosting up to 20 different live and recorded broadcasts at any given time. Plus, this state-of-the-art facility has even attracted a new network tenant, Merit Street Media, a premier multi-platform source of news and entertainment spearheaded by acclaimed television personality Dr. Phil McGraw.
With the high performance, low latency and security of private 5G connectivity at the edge, the new TBN broadcast center is well-positioned to realize a true digital transformation in entertainment.
“As the new home for many of TBN’s most popular news and entertainment programs, as well as ‘Dr. Phil Primetime’ and Merit Street Media, it was essential to create a facility that delivers the ultimate state-of-the-art experience,” said Russell Hall, senior vice president of production, TBN. “Our partnership with Trilogy NextGen helps us invigorate the world of broadcasting, as we push the boundaries of content creation to inspire, inform and uplift audiences around the world.”
Transforming Tomorrow’s Studio Experience
As the evolution of broadcasting ushers in a convergence of traditional television and digital platforms, entirely new forms of communication are opening up a wealth of opportunities. By unleashing the power of private 5G networks, media and entertainment studios can leverage the agility, speed and security needed to ride the next wave of cutting-edge use cases — from 5G-enabled cameras, security robots and digital intercoms to a wireless network on wheels for live remote broadcasting and production.
Likewise, other next-generation communications technologies beyond private networks are reshaping entertainment and media. For example, Trilogy NextGen is helping broadcasters and content creators reclaim lost market share with innovative applications using ATSC 3.0 datacasting technology.
To learn more about how to harness the latest digital technologies to streamline and transform the broadcast studio of tomorrow, contact Trilogy NextGen for a consultation.
