Implementing 8K Vision Mixer for Cloud-Based Production System

Abstract

We are developing an IP-based program production system for 8K ultrahigh-definition television (UHDTV). SMPTE ST 2110-20, which is the standard for transporting video over IP network, covers 8K transmission. However, the required bandwidth to transport an uncompressed 8K image (YCbCr 4:2:2, 10 bits, and 60 frames/s) is about 40 Gbits/s, so devices must use a high-bandwidth interface such as 100 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE). Also, devices for processing a single 8K stream require far more processing power than 2K and 4K production devices. To transport 8K images on multiple low-bandwidth interfaces and processes with general-purpose CPUs, our system divides a high-resolution image into multiple low-resolution subpictures and transports each subpicture as a SMPTE ST 2110-20 flow. This system has three advantages. First, this method enables us to use affordable low-bandwidth interfaces and CPUs to build a program production system for the high-resolution image. Second, as production devices for low resolution can be used as part of a production system for high resolution with this method, broadcasters can upgrade their system instead of replacing it. Finally, this method enables us to operate a production facility more efficiently and flexibly. As processing 2K images does not require high performance, production processes can be performed without high CPU usage. We can implement a software production system and run it on generic servers to enable us to deploy and use resources for program production on demand.