EKT, EasyBroadcast and ST Engeneering/iDirect presented SKYflow

EKT, EasyBroadcast and ST Engeneering/iDirect are collaborating on SKYflow, a next-generation multicast ABR (Adaptive Bit Rate) ecosystem.

Launched at NAB Show 2022, the ecosystem features ultra-fast, low-latency, cost-effective delivery of live video to mobile devices and big screens for global audiences.

SKYflow now opens the door for many use cases that require satellite delivery of OTT services.

The ecosystem is very important to service providers and telcos who have struggled in the past to reach subscribers and have had to deal with congested networks.

It confirms that satellite is the ideal medium to deliver this content due to its ability to carry high bit rates to the edge, its multicast performance, and intelligent pre-positioning of content at the edge.

This has far-reaching implications, as it means that content delivery will not be limited to media and entertainment, but will also enable educational institutions to reach their students; health care providers to offer telemedicine services; mobility markets to deliver video on the move and video distribution to consumers and households that may not have a computer but do have a television.

The SKYflow ecosystem was recently demonstrated during a DVB Project event where the team successfully demonstrated the creation, transport, reception and consumption of live OTT satellite video in a completely seamless manner, enhancing the overall viewing experience. 

Native IP delivery over satellite creates a range of possibilities for mobile and multi-room viewing, distribution of educational videos, and network cost savings.

The fruit of the ecosystem is the result of intense collaboration and months of work by the four companies, each of which plays a fundamental role.

The collaboration has resulted in an ecosystem for efficient satellite delivery to a range of terminals ranging from broadcast-only (via a set-top box) to high-performance, high-bandwidth, bidirectionally connected remote points of presence using a single platform. VSAT which takes care of video applications running on top of it.