Telstra Broadcast Services Launches the Next Generation of its Cutting-Edge Internet Delivery Network (IDN)

Telstra Broadcast Services (TBS) has launched the next generation of its cutting-edge IDN, to cater for the specific needs of international broadcasters for major event delivery.

The next generation IDN expands on the capabilities of this unique network, being based on internet standards and taking a web-first approach to delivery for broadcasters. The upgraded IDN features more automation for efficiency, greater network flexibility, higher bandwidth, and lower latency.

Broadcasters require robust, cost effective and flexible international delivery. They need networks that feature flexibility and different modes of delivery to ensure they can deliver more content to drive a greater number of viewers. Telstra’s IDN is a software-defined, cloud-based platform enabling the transport of high-quality video content and live broadcast streams to any registered endpoint across shared networks like the public internet. The IDN features over 40 sites spread over EMEA, APAC and North America with these primary use cases:

1. Cost efficient delivery of live video media (contribution or distribution) over the internet and for last mile delivery

2. Flexibility to deliver live video media leveraging the TBS core delivery networks such as the Global Media Network for global reach

3. Supporting extensive handoff options to cloud & permanent services

The IDN upgrade follows TBS joining the SRT Alliance, a collaborative community of industry leaders and developers striving to achieve lower latency internet video transport, last December. By collaborating with the SRT Alliance, TBS is able to more effectively provide broadcasters of any size with the most flexible, cost effective and robust ways to manage their content. For example, SRT (Secure Reliable Transport), the fastest growing open source streaming project. SRT is a free open source video transport protocol and technology stack originally developed and pioneered by Haivision, which enables the delivery of high-quality and secure, low-latency video across the public Internet.

“Contemporary broadcasters are being charged with delivering more content, in order to increase the reach of existing and new audiences,” says Andreas Eriksson, Head of Telstra Broadcast Services. “However, the increased demand for content distribution is often challenged by budgetary constraints. Our next generation IDN supports broadcasters and rights holders to achieve these goals reliably, flexibly and cost effectively with cutting edge features and workflows. IP is the only way forward for broadcasters to deliver more content and capture a great amount of the audience.”

The IDN rounds out TBS’ stable of network connectivity solutions, giving customers the flexibility to choose the delivery method that works best for them – satellite, fiber, or the internet. TBS also provides options to purchase bundled media delivery solutions - typically satellite delivery for broad regional coverage, fiber for high-value specific content or remote production, plus internet delivery for extra content or for back-up feeds. TBS is continually adding new features and capabilities to the IDN to keep pace with evolving workflows for broadcast and production.

About Telstra

Telstra is a leading telecommunications and technology company. We offer a full range of services and compete in all telecommunications markets in Australia, operating the largest mobile and Wi-Fi networks. Globally, we provide end-to-end solutions including managed media networks, managed network services, global connectivity, cloud, voice, colocation, conferencing and satellite solutions. We have licenses in Asia, Europe and the United States and offer access to more than 2,000 points of presence across the globe.