BT Group has recently introduced Multicast-Assisted Unicast Delivery (MAUD), a pioneering technology designed for the delivery of live content over the internet. This innovative technology is intended to support a range of live content and is currently being considered for evaluation and possible trial by broadcasters, including the esteemed BBC.
In contrast to traditional unicast streaming methods, MAUD leverages multicast to aggregate single streams into a shared stream. It offers a significant advantage over regular multicast technology, as its integration seamlessly interfaces with the player application, eliminating the need for content service providers to modify their customer apps.
According to BT, MAUD is capable of consuming up to 50% less bandwidth during peak events, thereby reducing energy usage through the use of fewer caches. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionize the landscape of live streaming.
A recent study conducted by BT revealed that an overwhelming 90% of UK viewers still prefer to consume live content, especially news and sports, primarily via television. The study also highlighted that picture quality and reliability are top priorities for viewers, surpassing interactive features, commentary, and stream syncing by a significant margin. This emphasis on high picture quality and reliability over reduced latency underscores the importance of providing high-quality live streaming experiences.
Developed by the Content Delivery Research team at BT’s Research Labs, MAUD was designed as an efficient live streaming solution that caters to the diverse needs of content delivery organizations. It was presented to broadcasters at IBC 2023 in Amsterdam and has garnered significant interest from industry players.
In the realm of Multi-Protocol ABR solutions, BT’s MAUD distinguishes itself due to its minimal integration requirements, making it highly suitable for over-the-top (OTT) providers. The technology obviates the need for modifications to content player applications and seamlessly maintains all delivery and performance reporting required by content owners and distributors from their CDN provider.
According to Howard Watson, Chief Security and Networks Officer at BT Group, “MAUD is a major breakthrough in how we deliver content over the internet. Developed in our world-leading labs at Adastral Park in Suffolk, MAUD could be a key solution to how we manage ever-increasing traffic loads. By combining individual streams, MAUD delivers a more reliable, consistent picture, regardless of the network type customers are using.”
Paolo Pescatore, Founder at PP Foresight, emphasized the significance of high-quality, premium live content in the on-demand era. He stated, “With live sports and events driving peak network demand to new heights, it’s great to see innovation ensuring that high-quality, premium live content can reach the widest possible audiences across multiple types of devices, and to be possible in an increasingly environmentally sustainable manner.”
BT’s MAUD technology has the potential to transform the live streaming experience, providing viewers with a more reliable, energy-efficient, and seamless content delivery solution that meets the demands of the modern digital landscape.
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