FRIDAY 28TH MARCH 2025
Top Four Broadcast Technology Trends: How HMI Solutions Are Shaping the Future of Control Rooms
The broadcast industry is rapidly evolving, and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) solutions are playing a critical role in improving the glass-to-glass process, streamlining workflows and enhancing the day-to-day user experience. As operational challenges present themselves so do opportunities. We have seen the most forward-thinking minds in the broadcast industry overcome the challenges presented by a global pandemic, and the evolution of AI. Prior to 2020, location and proximity to the technology were paramount to managing workflows and operating a control desk. As a result of the pandemic measures, broadcast organisations had no choice but to adapt to work remotely, which has resulted in a shift in mindset and technology requirements. Five years on from COVID, the way Broadcast operations function continues to evolve.
Here are the top four technology trends we have observed in the Broadcast industry, and how our solutions enable broadcasters to improve the workflow of their broadcast control room.
Our ProDeck 24 desktop control surface, that is fully customisable to a myriad of operational environments
1. Touchscreen and multi-touch interfaces, haptic feedback and tactile controls
Traditionally, broadcast control rooms were operated with manual controls and analogue equipment. The shift towards interactive touchscreens that reduce the requirement for traditional button-based control panels and deliver a more intuitive experience has been slower than in other industries.
In dark control rooms with high-pressured environments, there remains a requirement for ‘physical confirmation’ of an action taking place through haptic feedback and physical controls, in order to optimise effectiveness. Despite this, we have seen a definite desire to utilize the intuitive technology that individuals are using in their personal lives, such as smart phones and smart appliances.
A hybrid solution that combines touchscreen flexibility with mechanical tactility has proven to be the perfect solution for many, where the display can be configured by the customer and integrated with the software of their choice. Our range of innovative rack-mounted control surfaces incorporate tactile technology such as jog dials, haptic feedback and touchscreen functionality, giving our customers the flexibility and control they need to achieve this hybrid technology model.
2. The rapid increase in content demand
As demand for increasing volumes of content grows, broadcast operations must scale their infrastructure to support higher volumes of content, both in terms of production and delivery. This requires significant investment in teams, hardware and software solutions. And whilst they need to generate more content, quality also remains paramount. This leads to challenges in efficient content creation, curation and management, especially when working with a large and diverse array of media assets.
With this growing content requirement, having the right technology to process and deliver the content is key. Our IDS software solution is proving a key remedy to this challenge. As a universal control system that seamlessly integrates into existing broadcast infrastructures, the solution enables Broadcasters to accelerate output and enhance production workflows, effectively delivering increasing volumes of content.
Effectively solving key broadcast challenges for over 17 years, it is able to manage any device across any network, bringing together a wide range of equipment and workflows in a single easy to use interface.
Offering customisable GUI, device API integration, extensive driver library (and we can code one quickly when required) and flexible hardware options, IDS is infinitely scalable. It is primarily used by broadcasters around the world for live events, internet, TV and radio content, including CNN, BBC, NBC, CBS and YouTube.
3. Customizable software and finished hardware
Another trend we are observing with our Broadcast customers is the demand for fully customizable HMI solutions that allow them to configure layouts, buttons and workflows to suit their specific needs. Coupled with this is the need to be cost effective, as broadcasters are being driven to deliver more with less. But developing and implementing advanced HMIs with high-levels of customization requires an investment of not only money, but time. Time that we know our customers would rather spend focussed on creating compelling content.
To meet this growing need, we offer our customers complete flexibility by manufacturing both hardware and software solutions, saving them valuable time and cost investment which can be better deployed elsewhere.
We provide a range of highly customisable broadcast control panels to meet the individual requirements of our customers, which work with their choice of software, or we are able to develop the complete solution on their behalf.
4. Balancing simplicity with advanced technology
One of the biggest challenges in the broadcast world is the complexity of the systems used. Broadcast facilities usually require a range of equipment, all with their powerful control interfaces that are part of a complex workflow. Historically, the people operating these systems have been trained technical and engineering staff. The demographic of these users is changing, with less focus on engineering backgrounds and more embracing of digital technology that requires less technical expertise.
Striking the balance between the advanced features needed for high quality productions, with the user-expectation to access information quickly, easily and control the workflow efficiently, is one of the biggest challenges of today.
One way that we can help our customers overcome this challenge is by providing finished hardware and software solutions that have the end-user in mind.
With Densitron, customers can choose out-of-the-box solutions such as ProDeck, our professional-grade desktop control solution that effortlessly drives efficiencies and enhances the viewer experience.
The ProDeck also appeals to the increase in end users who are creating their own content to broadcast to online audiences. Typically, influencers and gamers, these are individuals that do not operate from a production control room, or have a complicated technology infrastructure, rather are broadcasting from their own homes and requiring a straightforward, ‘plug and play’ solution that enables them to manage their hardware, software and streaming platform in one place.
To learn more about how we are driving innovation Broadcast HMI Solutions, visit Densitron at NAB booth SL3628. Our experts will be on hand to discuss these trends and showcase technologies that redefine the possibilities in the broadcast market. We look forward to meeting you and exploring how we can support your specific requirements.