Edge Computing in Live Video: The Shift from Niche to Mainstream

‍By Lionel Bringuier, Chief Product Officer

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For years, cloud computing has been central to live video workflows, but as the industry evolves, edge computing is becoming more prominent. Broadcasters and content creators are embracing edge solutions not as an alternative to cloud but as a complementary, integrated approach that unlocks new capabilities. This shift is driven by the need for flexibility, cost control, and ultra-low latency—areas where Videon’s LiveEdge^® platform shines.

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What’s Driving the Move to the Edge?

The core of edge computing is simple: processing data closer to its source. In live video, this means performing tasks like encoding, graphics insertion, and packaging at the site of production, rather than sending all data to the cloud for processing. The benefits are clear:

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- Operational Cost Control: By running video encoding on-premises, broadcasters control their video processing costs.

- Greater Flexibility: Edge devices like Videon’s LiveEdge^® Node and Max enable broadcasters to do more with fewer resources. Remote teams can manage, monitor, and control devices from anywhere via the cloud while keeping the core processing at the edge.

- Faster Adaptation to New Workflows: Docker containers on edge devices allow quick changes to video workflows without hardware upgrades, making it easier to adapt to new standards or project-specific requirements.

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The result is not just cost control, but a more streamlined workflow that can handle the complexities of modern live production while the cloud stands integral to the entire workflow.

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Why Edge Computing Is the Perfect Fit for Live Sports

Live sports broadcasts are among the most demanding video productions, requiring ultra-low latency, synchronized camera feeds, and real-time data overlays. Edge computing is uniquely suited to meet these demands, which is why sports broadcasters are increasingly turning to solutions like LiveEdge^®.

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- Sports Analytics at the Edge: An unnamed sports analytics platform deployed LiveEdge^® on-premises to run custom Python scripts in Docker containers, reducing cloud processing costs and latency. This setup allowed for real-time analysis and in-game insights while streamlining the overall workflow.

- Real-time Betting and Multi-Camera Feeds: LiveEdge^® can enable sports broadcasters to integrate live betting and synchronize multiple camera angles at ultra-low latency (down to 180ms).

- VAR and Decision-making: For sports relying on Video Assistant Referee (VAR) systems, edge computing speeds up the decision-making process by processing footage on-site immediately rather than in the cloud, ensuring referees can make faster, more accurate calls.

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These examples demonstrate how edge computing isn’t just a technical upgrade—it’s a fundamental shift in how live video is produced and delivered. By processing video and data closer to the action, broadcasters can unlock new opportunities for engagement, monetization, and efficiency.

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AWS Elemental MediaLive Anywhere: Complementing the Edge

Videon is not alone in advancing edge computing. AWS has recently introduced AWS Elemental MediaLive Anywhere, which gives users the ability to run video encoding on their own hardware while maintaining cloud-based control. This hybrid model combines the best of both worlds: on-premises processing with cloud monitoring and management. Together, solutions like these are shaping the future of live video by making workflows more efficient and scalable.

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The Role of AI in Edge Computing’s Future

While edge computing is already transforming live video, it also opens the door to new technologies like AI. One exciting example is in high-speed sailing, where onboard tracking graphics use AI to follow sailors around the boat. Though this is not an official LiveEdge^® use case, it illustrates the potential for AI-driven edge workflows across various sports and live productions. As AI continues to advance, we expect more examples of AI-enhanced content creation and distribution at the edge.

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Edge Computing as the New Norm: Where Videon Stands

Videon has been a leader in pushing edge computing forward. With LiveEdge^®, we’ve seen customers build groundbreaking workflows that highlight the ingenuity and passion of the live video community. As edge computing becomes mainstream, we’re seeing a new era of live video production unfold—one where broadcasters, content creators, and sports organizations are empowered to do more with less.

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Hardware Built for Flexibility

One of the reasons LiveEdge^® has been so successful is its versatility. Unlike other solutions, Videon designs and builds its own hardware to suit a range of live video needs. Whether it’s a single-channel ruggedized portable unit on-the-go to stream over cellular 5G networks,  or a rack of multiple-channel l devices for enterprise-level broadcasts, all LiveEdge^® devices share the same platform. This uniformity allows teams to easily swap devices in and out of workflows based on the specific needs of each modern live production project.

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Continuous Innovation: New Features for LiveEdge^®

At Videon, we understand that live video production is constantly evolving, and our platform evolves with it. Recent updates include:

- LiveEdge^® Cloud Control: Operators can now view all streaming devices’ previews on a single screen, simplifying monitoring of large-scale operations, whether on-premises or remote.

- LiveEdge^® App Management: Deploy and remove Docker containers (or Edge Apps) remotely across an entire fleet with just a few clicks.

- LiveEdge^® Max Stream Previews: Stream previews can now be accessed directly from the front panel, providing quick visual confirmation of video feeds.

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These updates reflect our commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that broadcasters have the tools they need to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

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Looking Ahead: The New Frontier of Live Video

Edge computing is no longer an emerging trend—it’s the new standard. As more broadcasters adopt this technology, we are consistently amazed by the creative and impactful workflows our customers develop using LiveEdge^®. As the live video space continues to evolve, Videon is excited to see what new possibilities edge computing will unlock.