The Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS) recently announced that its roadmap for
the adoption of IP protocols for media applications has received the official
endorsement of the IABM. This endorsement is indicative of the growing momentum
for open, standards-based protocols that will enable the media and entertainment
industry’s migration to a common off-the-shelf (COTS)-based network infrastructure
for production and playout workflows.
“With over 450 suppliers to the media and entertainment industry in its
membership, the IABM’s endorsement of the AIMS roadmap is significant,” said
Mike Cronk, chair of the AIMS board. “What we are seeing is a general alignment
across the industry around one set of protocols for IP interoperability.”
Visitors to IBC2016 in Amsterdam will be able to see firsthand the results of
collaboration between AIMS and the IABM at the IP Interoperability Zone in Hall 8 of
the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre. Featuring the interoperability technologies
developed by the AES and the Joint Task Force on Networked Media (JT-NM), a joint
effort of AMWA, EBU, SMPTE and VSF, the IBC IP Interoperability Zone will include
real-world demonstrations of interoperation between many manufacturers’ IP
system components, all based on the technologies of the AIMS roadmap.
AIMS’ efforts are focused on promoting the adoption, standardization, development
and refinement of open protocols for media over IP, with an initial emphasis on VSF
TR-03 and TR-04, SMPTE 2022-6 and AES67. Broadcasters and other media
companies are seeking to leverage IP to increase the flexibility of their networks,
help streamline workflows and improve agility to better compete in a rapidly
evolving ecosystem. Open standards are the key to protecting current investments
and ensuring long-term interoperability.
Open standards work for the IP transition is already underway by the 77-member
Video Services Forum (VSF), with the support of organizations such as SMPTE and
the EBU. AIMS endorses the work of the VSF and will continue to lend support in the
development of a standard approach to IP. More than 30 broadcast equipment
suppliers and broadcasters were involved in the development of VSF TR-03, and
companies are actively testing and validating it today.
AIMS provides specific guidance in its bylaws to its members and to the media
industry via the AIMS roadmap. The organization endorses an IP transition plan that
includes support for SMPTE 2022-6, AES67 and VSF recommendations TR-03 and TR-
04.
A number of solutions are already on the market to help media companies begin the
transition by introducing IP components to an SDI workflow. The transition
represents a significant investment and will not happen overnight. An open-
standards approach allows media companies to implement the technology over time
and transition at the pace that makes sense for their businesses.
Membership in AIMS is available to all individuals and companies that support open
standards and share a commitment to the group’s founding principles.
More information is available at www.aimsalliance.org, where the AIMS
white paper titled “An Argument for Open IP Standards in the Media Industry” is
available for download.
