AIMS has announced that Riedel Communications is the latest of the world’s leading media technology companies to join the alliance. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Wuppertal, Germany, Riedel Communications is renowned as a leading pioneer of real-time networks for audio video and communications applications; in particular, digital audio matrix systems and fibre-based real-time media network technology.
Their products and technologies, including MediorNet, the world’s first fibre-based video network for integrated signal transport, are in common use throughout the world in broadcast, pro-audio, events, sports, theatre and security applications. These include applications in the staging of major global sporting events and within international sports governing bodies.
Commenting for the company on joining the alliance, Lars Hoehmann, Product Manager MediorNet stated the following: “At Riedel, we have always been dedicated to facilitating reliable and versatile workflows that meet our customers’ individual requirements. By joining the Alliance for IP Media Solutions, we extend our product’s format support, providing our customers with more benefits of standards-based communications solutions while offering them plug-and-play simplicity. Our aim, as a solutions provider, is to secure their investments and to support them on their path towards IP-based media infrastructures.”
AIMS’ efforts are focused on promoting the adoption, standardisation, 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 organisations 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 organisation 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.
