Broadcasting has traditionally required an enormous investment in equipment and resources, including recorders and cameras, editing, broadcasting solutions, playback and recording equipment, infrastructure, and a large workforce to supervise the complete process. With the rapid shift of viewers from television to a digital world, remaining competitive in broadcast media is challenging but essential for long-term viability. Broadcasters must be provided with tools to promote UHD/HDR content more efficiently across several platforms. Over the past few years, live streaming existed across numerous consumer platforms. For instance, the fitness industry is emerging as a prominent live-streaming user. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic-induced quarantines in 2020. For instance, as per the study by Mindbody, live-streamed workouts were accessed by only 7% of consumers in 2019. In April 2021, 85% of consumers reported live-streaming a fitness class each week. Live broadcasts can also improve and grow direct engagement with customers and community-based partnerships, propelling the live IP broadcasting equipment market growth.
Transmitters and gap fillers are two essential components of live IP broadcasting equipment. Transmitters are responsible for sending live video and audio signals over the IP network, while gap fillers are used to fill in any gaps in the signal that might occur due to network congestion or other issues. Transmitters are available in a variety of forms, including base stations, satellite uplinks, and microwave links. Base stations are the most common type of transmitter and are used to send signals over short distances, such as within a stadium or arena. Gap fillers are also available in various forms, including optical fiber amplifiers, microwave repeaters, and satellite transponders. Optical fiber amplifiers amplify the signal over long distances of optical fiber. The application of transmitters and gap fillers in the live IP broadcasting equipment market is expected to grow in the coming years. This is due to the increasing demand for live IP broadcasting and the development of new technologies that are making transmitting live video and audio easier and more cost-effective over IP networks. All such factors contribute to the live IP broadcasting equipment market growth.
Live streaming is time-sensitive, needing an encoder capable of processing the video feed in real time. An encoder converts the raw video format to a digital platform. A live video streaming encoder is a tool that converts video content into a different format. The purpose of encoding a video is to create a digital copy of a video that can be transmitted over the Internet. There are two kinds of encoders—video hardware encoders and HD live-streaming encoders. Most professional broadcasters use video hardware encoders, whereas beginner to mid-experienced broadcasters use HD live streaming encoders, which come with a high price point. Although hardware and software encoders are slightly different, they function similarly. They both convert RAW video files into digital files, enabling streaming video content online. However, the difference is reflected in the pricing. Hardware HD live streaming encoders can cost up to US$ 600–1,000. Encoder software is often less than US$ 100 and can be found by some providers for free. The price for HD video live-streaming encoders varies based on the professional level of the encoder. A few major live streaming encoder software and hardware solutions are Wirecast, Open Broadcaster Studio (OBS), VidBlasterX, and LiveU Solo.
Live IP Broadcasting Equipment Market: Segmental Overview
Based on product type, the live IP broadcasting equipment market is segmented into:
- Routers and Switches
- Transmitter and Gap fillers
- Encoders and Converter
- Video servers
- Antennas
- Amplifiers
- Modulators and Repeaters
- Others
The routers and switches segment held the largest share in the live IP broadcasting equipment market in 2022, accounting for 29.7%, and is expected to account for 33.8% by 2030.
Based on application, the live IP broadcasting equipment market is segmented into:
- Broadcast Production Centers
- Broadcast Stadiums
- Outside Broadcast Vans
The broadcast production centers segment held the largest share in the live IP broadcasting equipment market in 2022, accounting for 46.4%, and is expected to account for 49.8% by 2030.
Live IP Broadcasting Equipment Market Analysis: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
Belden Inc.; Cisco Systems, Inc.; Evertz; EVS Broadcast Equipment; Sony Corporation; Harmonic Inc.; Grass Valley; Ross Video LTD; and AJA Video Systems, Inc are a few of the key companies operating in the global live IP broadcasting equipment market. The market leaders in the global live IP broadcasting equipment market focus on new product launches, expansion and diversification, and acquisition strategies, which allow them to access prevailing business opportunities.
- In 2023, multi-site playout systemization across on-prem and cloud was significantly promoted with the launch of Imagine Communications’ Aviator Orchestrator™ platform. The platform has combined capabilities for managing and maintaining redundant channel configurations, keeping multiple linear playout systems in sync, and managing the signal flow of live sources.