ITV and Channel 4 will move their terrestrial Freeview channels to the cloud via BT’s smart broadcast network, Vena.
As part of a multi-million-pound contract between BT and D3&4 – ITV and Channel 4’s joint venture company – BT will switch on cloud processing for regional TV content across all of D3&4’s Freeview channels.
Vena will give broadcasters access to applications that sit on top of software-defined media network. D3&4 will use Vena to deliver digital coding and multiplexing, combining multiple content streams into one before distribution regionally. This will involve taking content from six playout centres and distributing it across a variety of UK regions, via two of BT’s data centres.
Vena will also utilise Ateme’s virtualised software video processing and delivery solutions.
According to a statement by BT, this is the first time that cloud processing of digital terrestrial TV channels has been completed on this scale, and Vena will boost efficiency, lower energy consumption, cut costs and enhance flexibility – without interruption to viewers,
Faisal Mahomed, Director of BT Media and Broadcast & Portfolio Businesses, said, “This launch marks a major development for the TV industry as a whole. It will offer more possibilities for broadcasters to connect and interact with their audiences. We have seen remarkable innovation and collaboration across BT, D3&4 and our partner Ateme to get to this point.
“The service, built on Vena, is only the start of what’s possible on BT’s smart broadcast network – as we continue to drive digitisation, and to innovate solutions to support TV delivery in the UK and across the globe.”
Greg Bensberg MBE, Managing Director at Digital 3&4 Limited, added, “Our partnership with BT has enabled us to take a giant leap forward in delivering Freeview TV for 18 million regular viewers across the UK. This was a challenging project that required meticulous planning and execution, and we’re proud to have worked with a company that shares our passion for innovation and excellence. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with BT and driving the future of broadcasting in the UK.”
