Top Live Broadcast Providers, Overview: CP Communications, NEP, Broadcast Solutions, Gearhouse Broadcast, & Gravity Media

There are Many Live Broadcast Event Companies out there, all with their own range of services.  Following is a short overview of some of them.  Feel Free to chime in with others…..

CP Communications is an audiovisual and live event production company that provides services for sports and entertainment events. They specialize in live event production, audio and video equipment rental, and staging and lighting design. The company offers a range of services, including:

1. Live event production – live event production services for sports, music, and entertainment events. This includes production planning, camera coverage, audio and video mixing, and on-site technical support.

2. Audio and video equipment rental -offers a range of audio and video equipment rental services, including cameras, microphones, speakers, and projectors. They also provide on-site technical support for equipment setup and operation.

3. Staging and lighting design – staging and lighting design services for live events, including custom stage design, lighting installation, and video projection mapping.

NEP Group is a leading provider of production services, engineering solutions, and media management for live sports and entertainment events worldwide. NEP Group provides a wide range of services, including:

1. Live event production – production services for sports, music, and entertainment events. This includes production planning, camera coverage, audio and video mixing, and on-site technical support.

2. Remote production – remote production services for sports events, allowing broadcasters to produce live events from a centralized location. This includes remote camera control, audio and video mixing, and on-site technical support.

3. Media management – media management services, including content storage, archiving, and distribution. This includes video editing, metadata tagging, and asset management.

4. Technical support – technical support services for audiovisual equipment and systems, including equipment rental, maintenance, and repair.

Broadcast Solutions is a global provider of production services and engineering solutions for sports, music, and entertainment events. The company offers a range of services, including live event production, remote production, and media management.

Gearhouse Broadcast is a global provider of production services and engineering solutions for sports, music, and entertainment events. The company offers a range of services, including live event production, remote production, and equipment rental.

Gravity Media is a global provider of production services and engineering solutions for sports, music, and entertainment events. The company offers a range of services, including live event production, remote production, and equipment rental. Gravity Media also provides specialized solutions for specific industries, such as esports and motorsports.

The differences between the above competitors include their range of services, geographic coverage, and industry specialization. It is recommended to evaluate the features, capabilities, and pricing of each provider before making a decision.

Wiki Collab

Wiki collaboration refers to a collaborative process of creating and editing content on a wiki platform. A wiki is a website or online platform that allows users to create and edit content collaboratively. Wiki collaboration can be used in a variety of contexts, including education, research, business, and community building.

Some of the benefits of wiki collaboration include:

1. Collaboration – Wikis promote collaboration among users by allowing them to work together to create and edit content.

2. Easy accessibility – Wikis can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy for users to contribute and access content.

3. Version control – Wikis typically offer version control, which allows users to track changes and revisions to the content.

4. Transparency – Wikis are transparent, meaning that all changes made to the content are visible to all users. This promotes accountability and encourages users to contribute responsibly.

5. Knowledge sharing – Wikis can be used to share knowledge and information with a community of users, which can be beneficial for education, research, and business purposes.

To collaborate on a wiki platform, users typically create an account and log in to access the content. They can then create and edit pages, add images and videos, and collaborate with other users. Some wiki platforms offer features such as discussion forums, chat rooms, and task management tools to help users collaborate more effectively.

There are various wiki platforms available, including:

1. Wikipedia – The world’s largest and most popular wiki platform, Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

2. MediaWiki – An open-source wiki platform that powers Wikipedia and many other wikis.

3. Confluence – A wiki platform designed for business and team collaboration, Confluence offers features such as task management, calendars, and chat rooms.

4. Fandom – A wiki platform for fan communities, Fandom allows users to create and edit pages related to their favorite TV shows, movies, and other interests.

5. DokuWiki – An open-source wiki platform that is easy to use and highly customizable.

Overall, wiki collaboration can be a powerful tool for promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community building. By allowing users to work together to create and edit content, wikis can facilitate the sharing of information and ideas across a wide range of contexts.

Turn Yourself Into a Resource (not a Commodity) that Companies Need!

Turn yourself into a resource that companies need!

1. Identify Your Unique Skill Set: First, you need to recognize and understand your unique skill set. Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and consider how they might be valuable to a company.

– For instance, if you are interested in the broadcast industry, you may have skills such as live event production, video editing, scriptwriting, or on-air presenting. Identify which of these skills you excel at and enjoy doing the most.

2. Research the Market: Research the target market and identify the skills or resources that companies are looking for. This will help you tailor your skills and promote them in a way that meets company needs.

– Research the broadcast industry and identify the skills or resources that companies are looking for. For example, many broadcast companies seek individuals who are skilled in live production, video editing, and social media management.

3. Focus on Value Proposition: Craft a strong value proposition that highlights the benefits of your skills, knowledge, or experience. Explain how you can add value and solve problems for the company by using your skills.

– Craft a compelling value proposition that highlights the benefits of your skills. For instance, you could say something like: “I’m an experienced live event producer with a passion for creating engaging, high-quality content that connects with audiences. With my skills and experience, I can help your broadcasting company create engaging programming and reach a wider audience.”

4. Develop a Professional Brand: Build a professional brand that conveys your skills, professional approach, and your unique value proposition. Use social media, online portfolios, cover letters, and resumes to showcase your brand.

– Build a professional brand that conveys your skills and value proposition. Create an online portfolio that showcases your work, and use social media to share your expertise and connect with others in the broadcast industry.

5. Network: Build relationships and connect with people in your target market. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and engage with companies and their employees through social media. Establishing relationships with people can help you learn about new opportunities and make you a valuable resource in the eyes of companies.

– Build relationships and connect with people in the broadcast industry. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and engage with others in the industry through social media. This can help you learn about new opportunities and make valuable connections.

6. Demonstrate Credibility: Establish credibility by sharing your expertise through articles, presentations, or blogs. Share your knowledge, insights, and experiences related to your area of expertise, both online and offline. This will show companies that you are a credible expert and a valuable resource.

– Establish your credibility by sharing your expertise through articles, presentations, or blogs. For example, create a YouTube channel where you share live event production tips or write articles on the latest trends in video editing. This will show companies that you are knowledgeable and passionate about your craft.

7.  Be Consistent.  

You can set yourself apart in the broadcast industry, or any Industry really, and become a valuable resource that companies are eager to work with.

Quick Overview: Checksum / How it’s Utilized & How to Use Them

A checksum is a value that is computed from a block of data using a specific algorithm. The purpose of a checksum is to provide a way to verify the integrity of the data. When a sender transmits data, it can compute a checksum and include it with the data. The receiver can then compute a checksum on the received data and compare it to the transmitted checksum. If the two values match, it is likely that the data was transmitted without errors.

Checksums are used in a variety of applications, including network protocols, file transfers, and software updates. They are particularly useful in situations where data corruption or errors are likely to occur, such as over unreliable network connections.

In network protocols, checksums are often used to detect errors in data packets. For example, the Mo of each IP packet. If the checksum indicates that the packet is corrupted, it can be discarded and a new packet can be requested.

In file transfers, checksums are used to verify that the file was transferred correctly. After a file is transferred, the sender can compute a checksum on the file and include it with the file. The recipient can then compute a checksum on the received file and compare it to the sender’s checksum. If the two values match, it is likely that the file was transferred without errors.

In software updates, checksums are used to verify that the update was downloaded correctly. After a software update is downloaded, the user can compute a checksum on the downloaded file and compare it to the checksum provided by the software vendor. If the two values match, it is likely that the update was downloaded correctly.

Overall, checksums are an important tool for ensuring the integrity of data in a variety of applications.

In broadcasting, checksums are often used in conjunction with SCTE markers to ensure the integrity of the video and audio streams. For example, SCTE-35 markers are used to signal ad insertion points in a video stream. When an ad break is signaled, the receiver can use a checksum to verify the integrity of the video data before and after the ad break. If the checksum indicates that the video data has been corrupted, the receiver can request a retransmission of the video data.

Similarly, checksums can be used to verify the integrity of audio data in a broadcast stream. For example, if an audio stream includes a checksum value, the receiver can use the checksum to verify that the audio data has not been corrupted during transmission.

Overall, checksums are an important tool for broadcasters to ensure the quality and integrity of their broadcast streams. By using checksums in conjunction with SCTE markers, broadcasters can provide a more reliable and consistent viewing experience for their audiences.

Quick Overview: API Calls-What Are They & What Is The Workflow?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. An API call is a request made by one software application to another application’s API in order to retrieve or manipulate data. APIs enable different software applications to communicate with each other, allowing developers to integrate different services and functionalities into their own applications.

API calls work by sending a request to the API, specifying the endpoint and any required parameters. The API processes the request and returns a response back to the calling application. The response can include data, metadata, or error messages, depending on the specific API.

APIs are used in a variety of applications, including web and mobile applications, IoT devices, and enterprise software. For example, social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook provide APIs that allow developers to access and manipulate user data, such as posts or tweets. E-commerce platforms like Shopify provide APIs that enable developers to build custom applications that interact with the platform’s inventory and customer data.

APIs are also used to integrate different software applications in enterprise settings. For example, an API can be used to connect a customer relationship management (CRM) system to a marketing automation platform, allowing marketing teams to access customer data and automate targeted campaigns.

Overall, APIs are a powerful tool for software developers, enabling them to build more complex and sophisticated applications by integrating different services and functionalities. Users can select GPT-3.5(ChatGPT) or GPT-4 to interact with me.

Building an API from scratch typically involves several steps. Here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Define the API endpoints: Determine the specific functionality and data that will be exposed through the API. This includes identifying the specific endpoints that will be used to access the data.

2. Choose a programming language: Select a programming language that is well-suited for building APIs, such as Python, Ruby, or Node.js.

3. Choose a web framework: Choose a web framework that supports building APIs, such as Flask, Django, or Express.

4. Design the API data model: Create a data model that defines the data that will be exchanged through the API, including the data types and relationships between different data entities.

5. Implement the API endpoints: Use the chosen web framework and programming language to implement the API endpoints, including handling request and response data.

6. Test the API: Use API testing tools to verify that the API endpoints are working as expected and returning the correct data.

7. Deploy the API: Deploy the API to a server or cloud hosting service so that it can be accessed by other applications.

8. Document the API: Create documentation that describes the API endpoints, parameters, and data structures so that other developers can use the API.

Overall, building an API from scratch can be a complex process that requires a solid understanding of programming, web frameworks, and data modeling. However, there are many resources available online that can help guide you through the process. Users can even utilize AI, ChatGPT 3.5/4 to assist the process.

Overview: Enterprise project management software systems

Enterprise project management software systems are powerful tools designed to help organizations manage, track, and control their projects. These systems help project managers to plan, execute, and complete projects on time and within budget. They provide features such as resource allocation, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and reporting that help project managers to stay on top of their projects and make informed decisions.

Some examples of enterprise project management software systems, with their features, industries they target:

1. Microsoft Project: Microsoft Project is a popular project management software that is widely used across various industries. It offers features such as task management, resource allocation, budgeting, scheduling, and reporting. It is designed for use in industries such as construction, engineering, healthcare, and IT.

2. Oracle Primavera: Oracle Primavera is a project management software that is specifically designed for use in industries such as construction, engineering, oil and gas, and utilities. It offers features such as project planning, risk management, cost control, and reporting.

3. Workfront: Workfront is a cloud-based project management software designed for marketing and creative teams. It offers features such as project planning, resource management, task management, and reporting. It is used in industries such as advertising, media, and publishing.

4. Asana: Asana is a project management software that is designed for use by teams of all sizes. It offers features such as task management, project planning, team collaboration, and reporting. It is used in industries such as marketing, design, and software development.

5. Jira: Jira is a project management software that is specifically designed for use in software development. It offers features such as issue tracking, Agile project management, and reporting. It is used in industries such as technology, software development, and IT.

6. Smartsheet: Smartsheet is a cloud-based project management software designed for use in industries such as construction, engineering, and marketing. It offers features such as project planning, resource management, task management, and reporting.

7. Basecamp: Basecamp is a project management software that is designed for use by small teams and freelancers. It offers features such as task management, team collaboration, and reporting. It is used in industries such as design, marketing, and software development.

8. Trello: Trello is a project management software that is designed for use by teams of all sizes. It offers features such as task management, project planning, team collaboration, and reporting. It is used in industries such as marketing, design, and software development.

9. Wrike: Wrike is a project management software that is designed for use by teams of all sizes. It offers features such as task management, project planning, team collaboration, and reporting. It is used in industries such as marketing, design, and software development.

10. LiquidPlanner: LiquidPlanner is a project management software that is designed for use in industries such as technology, software development, and IT. It offers features such as project planning, resource management, task management, and reporting.

11. Clarizen: Clarizen is a project management software that is designed for use in industries such as technology, software development, and IT. It offers features such as project planning, resource management, task management, and reporting.

12. Procore: Procore is a project management software that is designed for use in the construction industry. It offers features such as project planning, resource management, task management, and reporting.

13. Planview: Planview is a project management software that is designed for use in industries such as technology, software development, and IT. It offers features such as project planning, resource management, task management, and reporting.

14. Mavenlink: Mavenlink is a project management software that is designed for use in industries such as marketing, design, and software development. It offers features such as project planning, resource management, task management, and reporting.

15. Monday.com: Monday.com is a project management software that is designed for use by teams of all sizes. It offers features such as task management, project planning, team collaboration, and reporting. It is used in industries such as marketing, design, and software development.

These are just a few examples of enterprise project management software systems and the industries they target. Each software has its own unique set of features that make it suitable for specific industries and use cases.

Broadcasting Standards: Utilizing AI with SCTE-35, SCTE-104

SCTE markers are metadata tags that are inserted into a video stream to signal specific events or actions, such as ad insertion points. DAI stands for Dynamic Ad Insertion, which is a technology that enables the insertion of targeted ads into live or on-demand video streams. Users can now elect to use or interact with AI bots like GPT-3.5/GPT-4 to even further automate these processes.


There are several SCTE standards that define SCTE markers for different use cases. For example, SCTE-35 defines markers for digital program insertion (DPI) and SCTE-104 defines markers for ad insertion. The specific SCTE markers used for DAI will depend on the implementation.

AI can help the process of dynamic ad insertion by analyzing data to identify patterns and make predictions about viewer behavior. Here are a few ways AI can be used:

1. Predicting viewer preferences: AI can analyze data about viewer behavior, such as which ads they tend to skip, and use that information to predict which ads will be most effective for a particular viewer.

2. Optimizing ad placement: AI can analyze data about viewer behavior to determine the optimal placement of ads within a video stream, such as which ad formats are most effective at different points in the video.

3. Targeting ads to specific audiences: AI can analyze data about viewer demographics and behavior to identify specific audience segments and deliver targeted ads to those segments.

4. Creating personalized ads: AI can analyze data about individual viewers to create personalized ads that are more likely to be effective.

Overall, AI can help make the process of dynamic ad insertion more efficient and effective by using data to make smarter decisions about ad placement and targeting.

MAM vs DAM – A Quick Comparison

MAM and DAM systems are both used for managing digital assets, but there are some differences between them.

1. Mam (Media Asset Management) System – A MAM system is a software solution that provides centralized management of digital media assets such as videos, images, and audio files. It offers features such as asset ingestion, organization, metadata management, search and retrieval, and workflow automation. The MAM system is used primarily by media and entertainment companies to manage their content libraries and make it easier to find and access files.

2. DAM (Digital Asset Management) System – A DAM system is a software solution that provides centralized management of digital assets such as documents, images, videos, and audio files. It offers features such as asset ingestion, organization, metadata management, search and retrieval, and workflow automation. The DAM system is used by a variety of companies to manage their digital assets, including marketing collateral, product images, and other digital content.

The key difference between MAM and DAM systems is the type of assets they are designed to manage. MAM systems are primarily focused on managing media assets, while DAM systems are designed to manage a broader range of digital assets. Additionally, MAM systems are often used by media and entertainment companies, while DAM systems are used by a variety of organizations across different industries.

It is worth noting that some companies may use the terms MAM and DAM interchangeably, and the features and capabilities of these systems can vary depending on the specific vendor and product. Ultimately, the choice between a MAM or DAM system will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the organization, and it is recommended to evaluate the features, capabilities, and pricing of each solution before making a decision.

Quick Comparison Guide: LTN, The Switch, AWS Elemental , Haivision, & Grabyo

Ltn and The Switch are two of the leading providers of live video transmission and broadcasting solutions, but there are also other competitors in this market. Here is a brief comparison of Ltn, The Switch, and other competitors in this space:

1. Ltn – Ltn offers a range of cloud-based video transport and managed network solutions for broadcast and live events. Ltn’s solutions support up to 4K resolution, and offer features such as low-latency transmission, bonding of multiple cellular networks, and support for a range of video formats. Ltn’s pricing model is subscription-based, with customized pricing plans based on the specific needs of the customer. Ltn also offers 24/7 support and a global network of data centers.

2. The Switch – The Switch offers a range of video transport and production solutions for broadcast and live events, including fiber-optic networks, satellite trucks, and remote production services. The Switch’s solutions support up to 4K resolution, and offer features such as low-latency transmission, bonding of multiple cellular networks, and support for a range of video formats. The Switch’s pricing model is based on usage and location, with customized pricing plans based on the specific needs of the customer. The Switch also offers 24/7 support and a global network of data centers.

3. Haivision offers a range of video transport and production solutions for broadcast and live events, including cloud-based video streaming, low-latency encoding, and remote production services.

4. AWS Elemental offers a range of cloud-based video processing and delivery solutions for broadcast and live events, including live streaming, video encoding, and content delivery.

5. Grabyo offers a cloud-based platform for live video production and distribution, with features such as live clipping, real-time graphics, and social media integration.

The choice between these companies will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the organization, as well as factors such as pricing, support, and integration with other systems. It is recommended to evaluate the features, capabilities, and pricing of each provider before making a decision.

Quick Guide: Broadcast Technology – SFPs: Hot-Swappable Transceivers

An SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) is a hot-swappable transceiver that allows for flexible optical or copper connectivity in various applications such as A/V, theatre, and TV production. It is commonly used for transmitting high-speed data via fiber optic cables.

There are many companies that offer SFPs, including Cisco, Juniper Networks, HP, Dell, and many more (see below). The features and specs of an SFP will vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific model. However, some common features of SFPs include data rates of up to 10 Gbps, support for various protocols such as Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH, and compatibility with various types of fiber optic cables.

Additionally, SFPs may come in different form factors such as LC, SC or ST connectors, and can support either single-mode or multi-mode fibers. Some SFPs may also support extended temperature ranges for use in harsh environments. It’s important to note that the specific features and specs of an SFP will depend on the application and the specific requirements of the user.

Companies that offer SFPs and their features and specs:

1. Cisco – Cisco offers a range of SFP modules for their switches and routers. Cisco’s SFPs support a range of interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH.

2. Juniper Networks – Juniper Networks offers SFPs for their switches and routers. The SFPs support a range of interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH.

3. HP Enterprise – HP Enterprise offers SFPs for their switches and routers. The SFPs support a range of interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH.

4. Netgear – Netgear offers SFPs for their switches and routers. The SFPs support a range of interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH.

5. Dell EMC – Dell EMC offers SFPs for their switches and routers. The SFPs support a range of interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH.

6. Allied Telesis – Allied Telesis offers SFPs for their switches and routers. The SFPs support a range of interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH.

7. Black Box – Black Box offers SFPs for their switches and routers. The SFPs support a range of interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH.

8. Brocade – Brocade offers SFPs for their switches and routers. The SFPs support a range of interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH.

9. Extreme Networks – Extreme Networks offers SFPs for their switches and routers. The SFPs support a range of interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH.

10. Finisar – Finisar offers SFPs for a range of applications, including data center, telecommunications, and industrial. The SFPs support a range of interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH.

11. Mellanox – Mellanox offers SFPs for their switches and routers. The SFPs support a range of interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and InfiniBand.

12. Molex – Molex offers SFPs for a range of applications, including data center, telecommunications, and industrial. The SFPs support a range of interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH.

13. TP-Link – TP-Link offers SFPs for their switches and routers. The SFPs support a range of interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH.

14. Transition Networks – Transition Networks offers SFPs for a range of applications, including data center, telecommunications, and industrial. The SFPs support a range of interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH.

15. Ubiquiti Networks – Ubiquiti Networks offers SFPs for their switches and routers. The SFPs support a range of interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH.

16. Riedel – Riedel’s MediorNet SFPs, for example, are designed specifically for use with their MediorNet media network system. These SFPs support various protocols such as Ethernet, SDI, and MADI, and are available in various formats such as single-mode, multi-mode, CWDM, and DWDM.

In addition, Riedel also offers SmartPanel SFPs, which allow for flexible connectivity between SmartPanels and other systems such as the MediorNet media network. These SFPs support data rates of up to 10 Gbps and are available in various formats such as LC or SC connectors.

It’s important to note that while Riedel’s SFPs are designed for their specific systems, they still adhere to industry-standard protocols and can be used with other systems as well.

Overall, SFPs from different companies offer a range of features and specs depending on the application and interface type. Some common features of SFPs include hot-swappability, automatic signal detection and configuration, and low power consumption. It is important to select the right SFP for your specific application and ensure compatibility with your switch or router.