The Show Must Go On – 3 Ways Cloudscene Helps Broadcasters Connect
Video may have killed the radio star, but by no means is the broadcasting industry dead. Sure, it may have evolved dramatically over the past decade but the popularity of traditional media (television and radio) and the new mediums it inspired (podcasting) shows no signs of slowing.
As demands shift and the number of devices we use to consume this media increases, the broadcasting industry has been forced to adapt to changing landscapes. Meaning that what was once a manual brick and mortar operation has had to adjust with the times and start to rely more heavily on telecom services. In this article, we’ll explore 3 key ways Cloudscene can help podcasters and the wider broadcasting industry to streamline operations and improve the experience of their audiences:
1. Reduce Latency
Imagine that it’s Superbowl Sunday, and audiences around the world are tuning into your streaming platform to watch the game. It’s down to the wire, the final play looks like it’s going to be a Hail Mary for the win, they snap the ball….. it buffers. This situation is called latency, and it’s incredibly frustrating for broadcasters and viewers alike – particularly if someone live tweets the results before your device catches up.
Latency refers to the delay that occurs when something is streamed or broadcasted to a user that either a) is far away from where the content is being recorded or b) has a poor network connection. Latency is particularly detrimental to broadcasters specializing in live entertainment or breaking news; because it can encourage audiences to switch to a different, faster channel.
Broadcasters can avoid latency by establishing multiple Points of Presence (PoPs) for servers and data centers closer to their audience. Say that a broadcasting company had a large viewership in Sydney, yet their only server was in Hawaii – the business could significantly improve the experience of their Aussie viewers and reduce latency by establishing another server or data center in Sydney. Procurement platforms like Cloudscene can help broadcasters establish a network of diverse PoPs by connecting them with an extensive database of worldwide data centers, network operators and colocation providers.
For podcasters, latency can impact production by slowing the connection speed between you and other hosts. If you’re recording a podcast with another person over Zoom or Skype, a poor internet connection can prevent a steady flow of conversation or force you to stop the recording entirely. Luckily, this issue is more easily fixed than in broadcasting and simply requires a more reliable network connection. Cloudscene hosts over 10,000 service providers that can help you and your team establish better connectivity and prevent future disruptions to recording sessions.
In both instances, all you have to do is outline your specific requirements, and we’ll connect you with a provider that’s right for your business.
2. Short Term Circuits
The ability to establish short-term or temporary circuits is crucial for broadcasters. Say there’s a special event or podcast that you’d like to stream live, chances are you’ll need to connect additional circuits to ensure that the content is recorded smoothly and is broadcasted without any lag.
Instead of signing up for an extended circuit contract (e.g. 6 months, 1 year) for only a few days/week’s worth of content, Cloudscene can help you locate and secure short-term circuit contracts. This not only saves your team a significant amount of money, but also takes away the time and hassle of having to negotiate with providers – you’re welcome.
3. Savings
Cloudscene is a digital procurement platform designed to help network buyers search, compare and connect with telecom service providers. The platform enables buyers to outline their specific requirements and budgets to vendors in the form of a ‘listing’. Once the listing has been created, Cloudscene connects you with a range of facilities and providers that meet these requirements. Buyers can then vet this list of suppliers and assess their suitability before selecting a preferred vendor.
Unlike traditional procurement methods, Cloudscene enables buyers to simultaneously compare thousands of providers. This helps them understand the broader market and connect with vendors they may not have otherwise found. This variety also ensures that businesses receive competitive quotes from vendors and get the best possible price for the network services.
If you’d like to learn more about Cloudscene, get in touch with our friendly team to explore the platform and see how we can help your team save time and money on network services.
