Playout Automation & Channel-in-a-Box Market

[322 Pages Report] The playout automation & channel-in-a-box market is projected to grow from USD 2.9 billion in 2023 to USD 6.1 billion by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.8% during the forecast period. Due to various business drivers, the playout automation & channel-in-a-box market is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for OTT services. Escalating demand for video content across various industries, increasing engagement in HD and UHD content consumption and proliferation of live broadcasting at an accelerated pace are also responsible for driving the market’s growth.

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Market Dynamics

Driver: Escalating demand for video content across various industries

The escalating demand for video content across diverse industries has emerged as a pivotal driver fueling the widespread adoption of playout automation and channel-in-a-box solutions in the market. As consumers increasingly gravitate towards video-centric communication, businesses are compelled to enhance their digital presence through dynamic and engaging content. This surge is particularly evident in the entertainment, broadcasting, and e-learning sectors. According to research, global video traffic is projected to account for 82% of all internet traffic by 2023, underscoring the profound impact of video consumption. In response to this trend, organizations are turning to playout automation solutions that streamline content delivery, ensuring seamless broadcasting and distribution. The efficiency gains and cost-effectiveness offered by channel-in-a-box solutions further bolster their appeal in meeting the escalating demands for video content, providing a consolidated and streamlined approach for content creation and distribution across industries. With audiences devouring everything from corporate training videos to live streams of product launches, content creators are scrambling to keep up. Playout automation steps in, streamlining the complex process of preparing and transmitting video, drastically reducing the labor-intensive manual edits and scheduling. Channel-in-a-box takes it a step further, offering a fully packaged solution, from content ingestion to branding and scheduling, ideal for businesses without dedicated broadcast teams. Companies like Walmart and Nike are already leveraging playout automation to manage their internal video channels, while educational institutions are adopting channel-in-a-box solutions to broadcast lectures and events.

Restraints: Issues pertaining to network connectivity and infrastructure

Network connectivity and infrastructure challenges pose significant obstacles to the widespread adoption of playout automation and channel-in-a-box solutions in the market. In regions with inadequate or unreliable network connectivity, the seamless transmission of media content becomes a challenge, impacting the efficiency of these automation systems. Moreover, the high bandwidth requirements of advanced playout solutions may strain existing infrastructure, leading to latency issues, and compromising the quality of content delivery. Additionally, the initial investment required for upgrading network infrastructure to support these solutions can be substantial, acting as a deterrent for broadcasters, especially in emerging markets. The limitations in network capabilities not only hinder real-time content distribution but also limit the scalability of playout automation systems, impeding their adoption in regions struggling with connectivity issues. Overcoming these challenges requires concerted efforts to bridge the digital divide and invest in robust network infrastructure, ensuring a conducive environment for the seamless integration of advanced broadcasting technologies. Satellite and microwave technologies offer alternative avenues for data transmission, particularly in remote areas. Additionally, the rollout of 5G networks promises lower latency and increased bandwidth, potentially paving the way for wider adoption of automation solutions. Ultimately, bridging the connectivity gap is crucial for unleashing the full potential of playout automation and channel-in-a-box solutions. By investing in network infrastructure and exploring alternative technologies, broadcasters can overcome these limitations and truly embrace the automated future of broadcasting.

Opportunity: Surge in online education and E-Learning for the enhancement of the educational landscape

The surge in online education and e-learning has presented a significant opportunity for the adoption of playout automation and channel-in-a-box solutions, revolutionizing the education, and learning landscape. With the increasing reliance on digital platforms for educational content delivery, institutions and educators are seeking streamlined solutions to enhance the production and distribution of educational material. Playout automation systems enable efficient scheduling, playback, and management of educational content, ensuring a seamless and engaging learning experience. The demand for innovative content delivery solutions, coupled with the need for cost-effective and scalable broadcasting infrastructure, positions playout automation as a key enabler in meeting the evolving requirements of educational institutions. As the e-learning landscape continues to expand, the integration of channel-in-a-box solutions becomes crucial for optimizing workflows, reducing operational complexities, and ultimately providing educators with a powerful tool to deliver quality content to a growing online audience. Automation removes geographical barriers, making quality education accessible to students in remote areas or with limited mobility. Channel-in-a-box solutions enable delivery across diverse platforms, from smartphones to smart TVs, ensuring all learners have a front-row seat.

Challenge: Degradation of video quality due to inadequate internet service

The challenge posed by poor internet service, leading to degraded video quality, presents a significant hurdle in the widespread adoption of playout automation & channel-in-a-box solutions. As these technologies heavily rely on seamless and high-speed internet connectivity for content distribution, unreliable or slow connections can result in disruptions, buffering, and reduced video quality, hampering the overall viewer experience. Additionally, in regions with inadequate infrastructure, the implementation of these solutions becomes less feasible, limiting their accessibility and adoption. The industry faces the task of addressing these connectivity concerns to ensure the optimal performance of playout automation technologies and maximize their potential in revolutionizing content delivery workflows. Automation thrives on efficient data flow, but sluggish internet channels turn high-resolution content into a blurry, pixelated mess. HD and UHD visuals, the hallmark of modern broadcasting, require significant bandwidth, and choppy connections reduce them to blocky shadows. A 2023 Ookla report found that 15% of global internet connections fall below the minimum recommended speed for HD streaming, painting a clear picture of the widespread challenge. Live broadcasts and interactive experiences demand pinpoint timing and responsiveness. However, high latency, the delay between signal transmission and reception, throws a wrench in the works. Automation platforms rely on precise timing for seamless transitions and cueing, but laggy internet disrupts the flow, creating frustrating delays and robbing live events of their immediacy. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for broadcasters and content providers aiming to capitalize on the benefits of automation while delivering high-quality content in diverse and evolving digital landscapes.

Playout Automation & Channel-in-a-Box Market Ecosystem

By channel type, the multiple channel segment to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The playout automation & channel-in-a-box market by channel type includes single channel, multiple channel, and other channels. The multiple channel segment is witnessing notable growth driven by several pivotal factors. Multi-Channel Playout represents another facet of this market, addressing the requirements of networks managing multiple channels simultaneously. This type of solution allows broadcasters to efficiently manage and coordinate the scheduling, graphics, and playout automation for numerous channels from a centralized system. Multi-channel playout is especially advantageous for large media organizations or those with an extensive portfolio of channels, enabling them to streamline workflows and optimize resources effectively.

By vertical, education and corporate sectors register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The education & corporate sector segment is projected to grow more during the forecast period. Playout automation and channel-in-a-box solutions are becoming integral in the education and corporate sector, transforming the way content is delivered and consumed. Educational institutions are leveraging these technologies for seamless live streaming of lectures, virtual classrooms, and on-demand educational content. In the corporate sector, these solutions facilitate efficient communication through webinars, training videos, and corporate broadcasts. The latest trends involve the integration of interactive features, real-time analytics, and virtual reality to create engaging and immersive learning experiences.

By channel application, the sports segment registered the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Playout automation & channel-in-a-box are reshaping the landscape of sports, experiencing notable growth due to several influential factors. This technology has found a robust application in sports broadcasting, where the demand for real-time, engaging content is paramount. By automating the playout process, broadcasters can streamline their operations, reduce human errors, and enhance the overall viewing experience for sports enthusiasts. Sports channels leverage channel-in-a-box solutions to seamlessly blend live events, replays, and dynamic graphics, ensuring a visually captivating presentation.

By region,  North America to witness the largest playout solutions market size during the forecast period.

North America is experiencing significant technological growth in the playout automation & channel-in-a-box market. The region's robust demand is fueled by the ever-evolving broadcasting industry and the continuous integration of digital platforms. Growth drivers include the increasing adoption of high-definition broadcasting, virtualization, and cloud-based playout solutions. North American broadcasters are keen on enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs, leading to a surge in the implementation of automated playout solutions market.

Key Market Players

The playout automation & channel-in-a-box solution and service providers have implemented various types of organic and inorganic growth strategies, such as product upgrades, new product launches, partnerships, and agreements, business expansions, and mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their offerings in the market. Some major players in the playout automation & channel-in-a-box market include Harmonic (US), Evertz (Canada), Pebble Beach Systems (UK), Imagine Communications (US), Avid Technology (US), Grass Valley (US), Brightcove (US), Cinegy (US), Pixel Power (UK), ENCO Systems (US), BroadStream Solutions (US), PlayBox Technology (UK), Florical Systems (US), TSL Products (UK), Hardata (US), PlayBox Neo (Bulgaria), Hexaglobe (France), PlanetCast (India), Axel Technology (Italy), Aveco (Czech Republic), Anyware Video (France), Aplomb Technology (India), SI Media (Italy), Amagi (US), TVU Networks (US), Veset (Latvia), Evrideo (Israel), coralbay.tv (UK), Muvi (US), LTN Global Communications (US), and Zixi (US).

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Scope of the Report

This research report categorizes the playout automation & channel-in-a-box market based on offering, channel type, coverage area, channel application, vertical, and region.

By Offering:

• Solution
  • Playout Scheduling and Management
  • Master Control Automation Software
  • Media Asset & Content Management
  • Graphics and Branding Solutions
  • Graphics Playout Software
  • Traffic and Scheduling Software
  • Remote Playout Software
  • Ad-Insertion Software
  • Monitoring and Control Systems
  • Network Management Software
  • Other solutions
• Solutions by Deployment Mode
  • Cloud
  • On-premise
• Services
  • Consulting & Advisory Services
  • Installation & Deployment Services 
  • Support & Maintenance Services
  • Training & Education Services
  • Migration & Upgrades

By Channel Type:

• Single Channel
• Multiple Channel
• Other Channels

By Coverage Area:

• National Broadcasters
• International Broadcasters

By Channel Application:

• Broadcast TV Channels
  • National Broadcast Networks
  • Regional & Local Broadcast Channels
• Cable & Satellite Tv Channels
• News Production
• Sports  
• OTT Platforms
  • Subscription-Based OTT Channels
  • Ad-Supported OTT Channels
• Web TV & Streaming Services
  • Independent Web TV Channels
  • Streaming Service-Specific Channels
• Other Applications

By Vertical:

• Media & Entertainment
• Telecommunications
• Education & Corporate Sector
• Other Vertical

By Region:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia and New Zealand (ANZ)
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Turkey
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America

Recent Developments:

• In November 2023, Avid Technology announced the completion of its acquisition by an affiliate of STG in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.4 billion. The acquisition was previously announced on August 9, 2023, and approved by Avid stockholders on November 2, 2023.
• In October 2023, Harmonic announced that its virtualized cOS broadband platform, previously known as CableOS, now offers a rich array of next-generation capabilities that further extend its unique market-leading position. These capabilities include unified DOCSIS 4.0, BoostD 3.1, simplified timing synchronization for DAA, hitless software upgrades, integrated Profile Management Application (PMA) intelligence, and significantly reduced data center power consumption.
• In September 2023, Imagine Communications announced an innovative collaboration with Google Ad Manager that is set to transform converged TV advertising. This strategic collaboration empowers broadcasters and TV operators to seamlessly offer cross-platform campaigns while ensuring consistent ad placement across all delivery methods — be it linear, over-the-air, or internet-streamed CTV.
• In September 2023, Pebble and Virtual AI partnered to address the growing FAST market; the two companies are combining market leading playout solutions with advanced traffic and planning capabilities to bring new levels of functionality for FAST services.
• In April 2023, MSG Networks announced Harmonic as its strategic technology partner to provide MSG Networks with reliable and real-time scaling capabilities, ultimately enhancing the viewing experience for MSG+ subscribers. Harmonic's worldwide DevOps team reinforces the solution's reliability, ensuring high availability for uninterrupted streaming services.
• In April 2023, Evertz showcased Evertz.io, a robust Software as a Service (SaaS) platform that revolutionizes the process of launching new channels and monetizing content across various distribution applications such as Over-the-Top (OTT), Direct-to-Consumer (DTC), Connected TV, and traditional Broadcast streaming, at NAB 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

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