by James Delhauer
In the modern day, communication workflows continue to accelerate. Brought about by the globalization of production and changes in the ways that audiences consume content, current projects require an infrastructure that allows both stakeholders and key creatives to collaborate in real time despite potentially residing across multiple time zones. It is now common for teams on multiple continents to put eyes on content mere minutes after it has been shot and, in the case of live events, for that content to be edited, repackaged, and distributed to social media within just a few more minutes of that. That is why Local 695 has partnered with Teradek and Adobe company Frame.io, and on December 11, 2024, held a workshop on accelerating production.
Both these companies are well established and regarded entities in their own right. Teradek is best known for its wireless video transmission and live streaming solutions. Their products are widely used throughout the film, television, and live-production industries to provide reliable, high-quality video transport. Their innovations in these areas of tech have made them an industry standard on sets across the globe.
Frame.io, on the other hand, is a cloud-based video collaboration platform used to streamline the review and approval process for video content. It allows creative teams to upload, organize, share, and comment on video files in real time for efficient communication and feedback. Since being acquired by Adobe Systems in 2021, the platform has been integrated with the various apps of Adobe’s Creative Cloud software suite.
The integration of Frame.io and Teradek products offers a game-changing solution for modern production workflows. Together, these tools enable seamless collaboration, reduce latency, and enhance the efficiency of live and post-production processes.
Teradek Prism is a line of high-performance video streaming encoders and decoders designed for real-time video transmission. Boasting low-latency streaming, 4K HDR support, H.265 compression, and a variety of connectivity options, Prism serves as an IP-based streaming multi-tool for based video signals. The device comes in three form factors, each suited to distinct purposes and use cases.
The Prism Mobile is a compact module designed to be mounted to the back of a camera unit and connected via either 12G-SDI or HDMI 2.0 in order to stream compressed files directly from the unit to the cloud (though an onboard SD card reader does allow for local capture as well). These units offer either 5G or LTE cellular support, allowing for dual SIM profiles to split upload workloads for sustained real-time streaming regardless of location. This makes signal transmission possible, even in the most challenging of network environments. Devices can be configured locally on the unit itself or can be managed remotely via the network.
This is where it becomes important to understand the role that jurisdiction plays in these discussions. Teradek, as a company, is best known for its array of camera peripherals. Local 695 does not hold any jurisdiction within the camera department itself and therefore is not permitted to physically set up camera accessories. This is true even in the case of wireless video transmitters or cloud transmission tools that directly facilitate work that does fall within our jurisdiction, such as video playback and off-camera recording. However, once a device attached to a camera joins a wireless network, responsibility for network configuration and video engineering processes should be managed by a Local 695 member. Similarly, once a signal has been transmitted from the device, that signal and its continued use in the production pipeline fall into video engineer territory and Local 695’s jurisdiction on set.
The Prism Flex performs the same functions as the Prism Mobile but is designed with flexibility in mind, catering to both field and studio environments. Unlike the compact, camera-mounted Prism Mobile, the Prism Flex is a standalone device that connects to video sources via 12G-SDI or HDMI 2.0, making it an ideal choice for setups where mobility isn’t a priority, but adaptability is essential.
The Prism Flex excels in multi-camera productions, live streaming, and scenarios where video sources are stationary, such as interviews, live panels, or events filmed from a fixed location. It supports a wide range of connectivity options, including Ethernet and Wi-Fi, in addition to cellular modems for redundancy. Its compact design makes it suitable for placement in various setups, from a simple tabletop arrangement to a fully integrated production rack.
For productions where scalability is key, the Prism Flex shines. Its ability to integrate seamlessly into complex network environments allows Local 695 members to manage signal routing, quality control, and cloud-based workflows effectively. With its remote management capabilities, the device can be monitored and adjusted in real time through Teradek’s web-based interface or mobile app, ensuring uninterrupted signal quality and transmission.
The Prism RU (Rack Unit) is the heavyweight champion of the Prism family, designed specifically for broadcast-grade workflows and high-demand production environments. Housed in a standard 1RU or 2RU rack-mountable chassis, the Prism RU is built for productions that require the highest levels of reliability, scalability, and performance.
Unlike the Mobile and Flex models, the Prism RU is tailored for centralized control rooms, production trucks, and permanent studio installations. It supports up to four simultaneous video channels, making it an excellent choice for multi-camera productions or setups that require multiple streams to be encoded and transmitted concurrently. This capability is invaluable for live sports broadcasts, concert productions, and other events where multiple perspectives need to be captured and distributed in real time.
The Prism RU also supports robust connectivity options, including dual power supplies for redundancy, ensuring uninterrupted operation even in the most critical scenarios. Its advanced configuration settings allow Local 695 members to fine-tune streaming parameters, integrate with other on-set systems, and ensure seamless compatibility with downstream workflows.
At its most basic, Prism can allow users to provide clients with real-time monitoring of production feeds, allowing them to view live feeds from anywhere in the world with a stable internet connection. Prism’s H.265 compression ensures that high-quality video streams are transmitted efficiently without overwhelming bandwidth, an essential feature for remote collaboration. Teams can monitor footage in real time, identify issues, and make decisions on the fly. These capabilities not only reduce logistical challenges but also minimize travel costs, making productions more efficient and budget-friendly. This is a feature that has grown in demand as decentralized production infrastructures have become the norm.
However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. IP-based video signals are routable and by taking advantage of SRT video protocols, Teradek Prism devices can stream content directly to IP-based recording platforms such as Pronology’s StreamFile Core platform—which can then re-encode signals in edit-friendly codecs such as Apple ProRes or Avid DNx.
Additionally, assets can be streamed directly to platforms such as Frame.io, making it possible for content to be uploaded to the cloud the moment it is shot. This enables instant review, feedback, and approval without delays or cumbersome file transfers. This integration not only accelerates production timelines but also enhances team communication across geographical boundaries. Frame.io’s real-time capabilities mean that stakeholders, whether in the next room or on another continent, can begin reviewing footage almost instantly.
Prism & Frame.io have already been used in several network challenging environments. For example, the NBA’s Golden State Warriors utilized this workflow to publish game highlights to social media within three minutes of when they actually occurred—which is nearly unheard of in terms of turnaround times. At the Laax Open in the Swiss Alps, DropIn-TV was able to send full-quality media directly to editors despite the 2km elevation altitude and poor network conditions. Then, during the Baja Aragón, Faraway Films was able to send racing footage from motorcycles and drones to their production team over an hour away, allowing both production management from a distance and the creation of daily social media highlight reels.
The combination of Teradek Prism and Frame.io represents a significant leap forward for production workflows. By addressing the challenges of decentralized teams, tight schedules, and high-quality demands, these tools empower creatives to collaborate more effectively and deliver exceptional results. For Local 695 members, embracing these technologies creates an opportunity to stay competitive in an ever-changing landscape.
As the industry continues to adapt to new technologies and methodologies, partnerships like the one between Teradek, Frame.io, and Local 695 will play a vital role in shaping the future of production. Whether in film, television, live events, or corporate video, these tools offer the speed, efficiency, and innovation needed to meet the demands of modern audiences.