When you reading the thematic publications of various media outlets, you might to think that the whole world is already living in IP and every TV/radio broadcaster has already deployed a full-fledged IP ecosystem. Calrec Audio experts are confident that there are other ways, and cite as many as six reasons for using hybrid solutions.
   

1. Get full value from your existing technology

Current proprietary equipment is still more than capable of fulfilling its requirement. Broadcasters have invested heavily in their incumbent systems and some proprietary systems are more powerful than their IP counterparts. Gateway technology facilitates a move into the IP domain maximising the valuable lifespan of already installed technologies.

2. Hybrid networks allow a natural upgrade process

Gateway technologies create bridges into an IP domain allowing for the gradual transition to total IP solutions. They minimise expenditure by spreading costs as equipment is upgraded to native IP kit on a case-by-case basis.

3. Disruption to the facility will be kept to a minimum

A complete transition to IP would be very disruptive to any facility. Utilising Gateways allows the network to remain whole whilst continuing to use the other resources in a facility.

4. Learning curve is flattened

For many the integral workings of an IP network is a very new landscape. Engineers can cut their teeth on isolated “island” networks that can still be incorporated into larger networks via Gateways if necessary. This approach means there is no immediate requirement for everyone to be trained from the offset and the collective learning curve won’t be as steep.

5. Save Money

Networks can be expanded via Gateway technologies allowing broadcasters to take advantage of readily available and more affordable COTS equipment. This allows the potential of existing IP network infrastructures to be utilised thus avoiding having to install new infrastructures.

6. Start taking advantage of IP interoperable technology and workflows

The main aim of IP integration is to allow kit made by many manufacturers to talk the same language to each other. Gateway technology will allow native IP and proprietary equipment to do this and be managed from a central application.