Live Remote Production in the Cloud

Your One-Stop Destination for a Seamless Transition to Viz Engine 5

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Live Remote Production in the Cloud

“If you can’t tell the difference, why wouldn’t you do something
that makes more sense, requires less travel, and costs less?”
– Jeff Proctor, President, Proangle Media


Broadcasters have their heads in the Cloud and are reaping the rewards for it…

With the speed at which the Broadcast industry and technology is moving, it’s no longer a case of whether you will adopt cloud for your live productions, it is when.

What started as a movement among larger broadcasters is now being eagerly embraced by local and niche players alike. The shift to cloud-based live production isn’t just a trend—it’s a revolution. As technology advances, the benefits of the cloud, like increased flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency, are becoming indispensable for broadcasters of all sizes.

But wait, what does it mean when we say cloud?

When we say, “Cloud Live Productions”, we’re talking about the proven Vizrt and 3rd party live production tools used and loved by large and small broadcasters and content creators around the world but hosted as software-defined solutions in the cloud rather than installed on-premises.

This means all the powerful features you are used to—from intuitive 4K video switching and dynamic 3D/AR/VR broadcast-quality graphics to replay and slow-motion, seamless studio automation and precise audio mixing—are now accessible in the cloud.

Vizrt’s NDI® Cloud Advantage

What sets Vizrt apart in the cloud is our “NDI® advantage”. While many solutions offer cloud capabilities, Vizrt’s integration of NDI® (Network Device Interface) delivers a “cloud advantage” that others can’t match. NDI® acts as the “interoperability glue” that seamlessly connects all your tools, operators, cameras, and talent with unparalleled precision and performance. Everything you need for complete end-to-end live productions is available in the cloud, all powered by the superior connectivity and efficiency of NDI®.

What’s Really Prompting Broadcasters to Transition to the Cloud?

The answer lies in its undeniable benefits: Not only does producing on cloud empower broadcasters to deliver superior content quality and significantly reduce their environmental footprint, but it also helps accelerate time-to-market, enhance operational flexibility, and optimize cost-efficiency, (among other things).That means more high-quality content that gets to market faster—by weeks or even months compared to traditional production. Not only that, but with less travel, fewer trucks, and minimal hardware, Cloud-based live production reduces broadcasters’ carbon footprint by more than 90% versus traditional broadcasts.
Why settle for less when the cloud opens up a world of possibilities? Read more about the many benefits of cloud in this detailed blog.


What Our Customers are Saying About the Cloud

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But what you have works just fine – why would you change things?

The traditional setup works, but only until there’s a failure. When you’re reliant on an individual operator’s skill in a specific location, a lot is riding on getting it right the first time. With Cloud Live Production, you no longer have just one shot. Flexibility is built right in.

July 2024’s crowdstrike event is a prime example of the truth that no systems are infallible, except that with cloud you get a critical safeguard against unexpected disruptions. Whether it’s a widespread IT issue, natural disaster, or other unforeseen events, putting traditional setup at risk, cloud can keep you on air, even when your primary systems go down.

By relying on cloud technology, you have the option of operating from anywhere, at any time, with redundancy spread across multiple geographically dispersed datacenters. This ensures that, in the face of disaster, you can continue broadcasting like normal. Simply turn on your cloud environment, bring in any data source, and go live… the cloud isn’t just about enhancing your current workflow; it’s about future-proofing your operations and ensuring business continuity no matter what challenges arise.

And we’re not suggesting that everyone should abandon their traditional setup and rush to the cloud right away. However, there are clear scenarios where the cloud is the ideal solution. For new studios, going the Cloud route can accelerate the setup process, enabling teams to get up and running quickly without the heavy investment in physical infrastructure. For on-location events, having cloud provides the flexibility to produce high-quality broadcasts from virtually anywhere, eliminating the logistical challenges of transporting bulky equipment and coordinating extensive on-site resources.

Bringing You to the Cloud with Vizrt


TriCaster Now

  • Caters for seasonal/ad-hoc productions, and those who want to get started quickly with cloud
  • 8 video inputs, 2 outputs, 4 Mix Effects (M/Es), 2 DDRs 
  • Managed service, hosted in Vizrt’s AWS account 

TriCaster Now is a cloud-hosted SaaS version of a TriCaster system, hosted by Vizrt, in our AWS account. You do not need to worry about installing software or maintaining cloud environments – you simply pay for credits (which roughly translate into production hours), and then login online to produce your content as and when needed.   Content creators who want to test the waters of cloud live productions with lower stakes, or those who only need to produce occasionally, would benefit from using TriCaster Now.  Get started with the Discovery Pass, giving a month’s access for just $69! 


TriCaster Vectar

  • Made for demanding and complex live productions.
  • 44 inputs, 16 outputs, 8 Mix Effects (M/Es), 4 DDRs
  • Can be deployed automatically in minutes using Viz Now, an award-winning deployment tool
  • Trusted by the NHL, Media.Monks, Sky, Chess.com and many more broadcasters and content creators
  • Hosted in your own cloud environment

TriCaster Vectar solves today’s production challenges and tomorrow’s changing demands as future-ready software forms the hub of connected digital media production ecosystems.

With anywhere-access to enterprise-grade 4K switching in the cloud. It enables real-time video switching and graphics integration in the cloud, supporting NDI®-native live production for seamless broadcast operations.

On-demand webinar

NDI®-native live production in the cloud with TriCaster Vectar

Change can be daunting, let us help!

“Going cloud” is an inevitable path that most broadcasters will eventually take for their live productions, but it can seem a daunting challenge to tackle on your own – so don’t face it alone!

Trusted by major players such as Sky, the NHL, Media.Monks, Chess.com, and many more Vizrt are well positioned to guide you on how best to approach cloud-based live productions.

Here’s a webinar that answers some common questions around the cloud, while also giving you an opportunity to see the Vizrt’s tools in action.


Let us clear the clouds on some commonly asked questions

These are some common questions we’ve received from clients who are curious but hesitant about moving to the cloud:

The traditional setup works—until it doesn’t. When you rely on a specific operator in one location, everything rests on getting it right the first time. With Cloud Live Production, you get built-in flexibility and more than just one shot.
Take the July 2024 Crowdstrike event as an example. No system is foolproof, but with the cloud, you have a critical safeguard. Whether it’s an IT failure, natural disaster, or other disruption, cloud keeps you on air, even if your primary systems fail.
Cloud technology lets you operate from anywhere with redundancy across multiple data centers. In the face of a disaster, simply turn on your cloud environment, bring in any data source, and go live. The cloud isn’t just an enhancement—it future-proofs your operations.
And the best part? You don’t need to abandon what you’re doing now. Cloud can work alongside your traditional setup for additional or ad-hoc programming. No trucks. No travel. Just seamless production, whenever you need it. Think of it as a complement to what you’re already doing.
When managed properly, there’s a clear ROI when using cloud. That’s why Discovery, Inc. reported 61% savings in total costs for IT spending in the Cloud vs. on-site deployments.
 
TriCaster Now provides a low-cost entry into cloud live production and easy cost management; simply buy TriCaster Now credits to start producing, with the Discovery Pass providing your first month’s access for just $69. As it’s hosted in Vizrt’s AWS account, we cover the cloud costs; you just pay for credits to start producing. 

TriCaster Vectar is installed in your own cloud account, with customer’s responsible for managing cloud costs. TriCaster Vectar is optimized to use low-power cloud servers with low hourly rates, and you can use Viz Now to turn your cloud environments on and off as needed to keep costs in check. 

Check out Chapter 5 in the Ultimate Guide to Cloud Live Productions to better understand the running costs of an end-to-end cloud live production setup (including video switching, graphics, replay, audio mixing, and intercom)
Although it is the direction the industry is heading in, some companies are not ready to fully work in the cloud. Many of our clients produce in a hybrid of on-site and remote deployment, so there’s no changing workflows or training teams.  

What CFOs and tech officers find, though, is that flexibility across distances provides security in cases of disaster recovery or unforeseen circumstances. The ability to quickly adapt to changing production needs is one of the most important indicators of success in our industry, and that’s what Vizrt’s Cloud Live Production Solution provides.  
Far from it! Vizrt cloud live production tools have been trusted to produce NHL games in the cloud, the European League of Football produced over 100 games in their 2023 in the cloud, and Chess.com stream over 300 productions a year fully reliant on cloud. With the right NDI-native tools and a solid internet connection, latency is practically invisible—less than half a frame, ensuring seamless operations without missing a beat. 
Live Production

Ready to deep dive in the world of cloud-based live productions?

Our Ultimate Guide to Cloud Live Productions should arm you with what you need to successfully get started with producing from anywhere, in the cloud.  
Whether you’re new to cloud-based live productions or seeking to enhance your current capabilities, our guide offers expert guidance to unlock the full potential of cloud technology. 
 
It covers important foundational concepts and practical insights, from getting off the ground with live cloud productions, calculating IT resources and costs, and more! 

Are you ready to explore Vizrt’s Cloud Live Production Solutions?



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