The transition to IP and hybrid technology environments
Article published by INBroadcast
Moving Beyond the Surface-Level Narrative
The transition to IP-based broadcasting has dominated industry conversations for the past decade, with headlines consistently touting its inevitability and benefits. From increased flexibility to scalability, IP is heralded as the future of media delivery. And while these advantages are undeniable, there is a need to critically evaluate the idea that the industry has already achieved a seamless, universal transition to IP.
The truth is: for many, it has not yet been fully realised. Indeed, for some, it may never be fully realised. What we hear at conferences, in industry publications, and in marketing materials often reflects the perspective of early adopters and technological leaders. These voices are naturally more visible and vocal, creating a perception that the IP transition is a fait accompli – a given fact. However, the experiences of smaller broadcasters, regional operators, and those in economically or geographically challenged areas paints a more nuanced picture.
Bridging the Gap
Whilst slower adaptors may be less vocal, and may seem less newsworthy, they remain important: both commercially and culturally. There are a variety of reasons that some broadcasters will remain anchored to legacy or hybrid systems – either temporarily or permanently, making use of traditional RF formats such as DVB-T/T2, ATSC 1.0/3.0, DVB-C, and ISDB-T, sometimes in conjunction or parallel with IP, and sometimes completely independent of it.
Economic factors play a significant role. Transitioning to IP can be a costly endeavour, and for broadcasters with limited financial resources a greenfield switchover may be impossible: instead, maintaining existing RF infrastructure and attempting a piecemeal transition is often the only viable option. Then there are issues of logistics: the geography of a region—from remote islands to sprawling rural areas—can make IP deployment practically challenging, if not impossible.
The result is a broadcasting landscape where hybrid networks are the norm, not the exception. In these environments, the need for robust, reliable monitoring systems becomes even more critical. Operators must ensure seamless delivery across diverse standards while juggling the complexities of ageing infrastructure and next-generation technologies.
Hybrid Networks: A Reality Worth Supporting
This hybrid reality is not a sign of failure but rather a testament to the broadcasting industry’s adaptability and resilience. By leveraging advanced digital RF standards like ATSC 3.0, broadcasters can deliver high-quality content over existing infrastructure, extending the lifespan of their investments while meeting audience expectations.
However, the coexistence of legacy and modern systems introduces significant monitoring challenges. Traditional RF systems were never designed to integrate seamlessly with IP-based workflows, and yet they must now operate in tandem. Monitoring tools must bridge this gap, offering visibility across the entire media chain— terrestrial, cable, and IP.
This is where solutions like Bridge Technologies’ VB258 RF card come into play. Designed as an upgrade module for the VB120 and VB220 probes, the VB258 supports monitoring across a range of RF standards, including DVB-T/T2, ATSC 1.0/3.0, DVB-C, QAM-B, and ISDB-T. With advanced features – including four potential inputs per unit, round-robin operation, and per-second updates – the VB258 provides operators with deep insight into their network performance. It enables centralised monitoring of diverse infrastructures from a single, intuitive interface, ensuring that operators can maintain high-quality service delivery regardless of their network configuration.
Leading the front, supporting the rear
Whilst it’s clear that IP represents the future of broadcasting, it is equally clear that this future will not arrive simultaneously for everyone. The industry’s duty is not just to push forward with IP adoption but also to ensure that no broadcaster or community is left behind in the process. For some regions and use cases, RF will remain an essential component of the broadcast ecosystem for years to come—perhaps indefinitely.
This recognition extends beyond commercial considerations to a broader responsibility: ensuring universal access to media. Communities in remote or economically disadvantaged areas often rely on traditional RF delivery as their primary means of accessing broadcast content. As an industry, we must continue to support these mechanisms, not as an afterthought but as a core part of our mission.
Bridge Technologies exemplifies this commitment by designing solutions that cater to the full spectrum of broadcasting needs. Whether supporting legacy systems, hybrid networks, or fully IP-based operations, their tools provide the flexibility and reliability that operators need to navigate an increasingly complex landscape.
Ultimately, the commitment of broadcasting firms must be to the idea of balance – a balance advancement and support. Currently, the narrative of a completed IP revolution does not reflect the lived reality of many broadcasters worldwide, and by acknowledging and addressing the challenges faced by those in transitionary or hybrid environments, we can build a more inclusive, resilient broadcast industry.
Simen K.Frostad, Chairman Bridge Technologies
