21285 - SCTE Broadband Dec2021 COMPLETE v1

32 Vol. 43 No. 4 - November 2021 Issue How broadcasters can unlock next generation viewing experiences with the edge. The impact Edge computing is becoming increasingly popular as it offers the potential to reinvent broadcasting with the opportunity to guarantee quality and reliable experiences at scale. However, edge computing itself is not a new technology. Its roots can be traced back to the early 1990s, when its primary goal was to deliver video processing for web and video content closer to the end-user. After all, if speed matters, then so does distance and we have yet to scratch the surface of what it could mean for the broadcast industry. Now, the global edge computing market is expected to grow from $3.6 billion in 2020 to an enormous $15.7 billion by 2025 - driven by accelerated demand for more immersive experiences that require real-time streaming technology. But how can those standing at the edge of innovation in the broadcast industry seize the new opportunities made possible by edge compute technology? What is edge computing? Edge computing is a rapidly evolving technology that is revolutionising how data is handled, processed and distributed from millions of devices worldwide. It has been developed in tandem with the proliferation of the Internet of Things and new applications and services that demand real-time processing capacities, such as self-driving cars, artificial intelligence and robotics. Manufacturing and healthcare are two areas where edge computing is accelerating digital transformation and driving efficiencies, making it possible for smart manufacturing processes and medical devices to respond in real-time without waiting to hear from a server. Potential applications of edge computing include the control and monitoring of industrial machines and processes (Industry 4.0), connected and autonomous vehicles, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), high-quality video and games and a range of services for the corporate and industrial divisions. On the other hand, the media and entertainment sector has been slow to explore edge computing’s potential to transform how consumers consume and engage with content. However, this will change very soon. By Ariff Sidi, General Manager & Chief Product Officer, Edgecast of edge computing on the broadcast industry from the industry Ariff Sidi, General Manager & Chief Product Officer, Edgecast