World's First 5G-Advanced-based UHD Shallow Compression Encoding and Real-Time Production System Debuts at BIRTV

At the Beijing International Radio, TV & Film Exhibition 2023 (BIRTV2023), China Media Group (CMG), China Unicom Beijing, and Huawei launched and showcased an innovative 5G-Advanced-based ultra-high-definition (UHD) shallow compression encoding and real-time production system at CMG's exhibition booth. Shallow compression encoding offers higher image quality and lower latency than conventional compression methods. Part of a growing trend towards higher-quality audio and video production and broadcasting, shallow compression encoding is visually lossless, greatly improving user viewing experiences. Conventional broadcasting is mainly based on wired connections, since wireless connections require greatly reduced bit rates. 5G-Advanced solves this problem by delivering 10 times higher wireless uplink rates than 5G connections, making wireless backhaul for ultra-high-bit-rate videos possible. This new 5G-Advanced-based UHD shallow compression encoding and real-time production system is the first of its kind to see successful application, proving the maturity of UHD shallow compression and real-time content production technology thanks to 5G-Advanced. The technology enables lightweight and convenient deployment for studios and injects fresh vitality into 5G-based new media applications in the media industry.

CMG's exhibition showcase of the 5G-Advanced-based UHD shallow compression encoding and real-time production system

A 5G-Advanced site at the Beijing International Exhibition Center

5G-Advanced is 10 times faster than 5G and its latency is only one tenth of that of 5G. 5G-Advanced also leverages additional technological innovations such as ultra-fine and ultra-narrow beams, large uplink frame structure, and dual-link data split assurance to achieve 1 Gbps uplink and millisecond-level end-to-end latency. These advanced capabilities support the diversification of 5G-based production and broadcasting applications and other innovative applications such as real-time wireless video recording and broadcasting based on UHD shallow compression. The media industry is quickly latching on to the opportunities for digital transformation that these technologies are creating, contributing to a current boom in the digital economy.

CMG explained that they had conducted their own 5G-Advanced-based HD shallow compression encoding and real-time video production and broadcasting at a stable uplink bit rate of 1.1 Gbps in each sector, marking the world's highest uplink bit rate. This super-high bit rate allows for two channels of shallowly compressed data streams. CMG's broadcasting also maintained a stable end-to-end latency of no more than 30 ms, the lowest on record for UHD live broadcast, and achieved zero packet loss during their three-day UHD video production and broadcasting, even in heavy rain.

5G-Advanced terminals at the Beijing International Exhibition Center

A UHD shallow compression encoding and recording device connected to 5G-Advanced terminals

The new system enables lightweight deployment of indoor and outdoor electronic news gathering (ENG) and channel cameras. It uses the ultra-large uplink and low latency capabilities of both indoor and outdoor 5G-Advanced networks to stably transmit multiple channels of UHD shallowly compressed video streams to a IP-based production system in real time for broadcast. This simplifies cabling and connection in studios and enables lightweight deployment and flexible movement of 5G wireless converged media studios. The 5G-Advanced-based system supports a bit rate of more than 550 Mbps for transmitting a single channel of video stream, which is more than 10 times higher than that of UHD deep compression. It also reduces end-to-end backhaul latency to 100 ms, which is only one fifth of that of UHD deep compression. The system supports multiple channels of UHD shallowly compressed audio and video streams at the same time. Unlike wired backhaul, wireless backhaul of UHD video signals through a 5G-Advanced network is able to support the transmission latency and image quality required to produce high-quality videos by mixing multiple channels of UHD signals.

Comparison of the image quality and latency of UHD shallow compression encoding over 5G-Advanced (lower left) with optical fiber (lower right)

A technical expert from CMG's 5G Media Application Lab said, "We will continue to innovate and use the multi-dimensional capabilities of 5G-Advanced networks to optimize our systems and facilities with industry partners such as China Unicom Beijing and Huawei. Our aim is to improve image quality, simplify our systems, and wirelessly deploy cameras that support shallow compression and high-quality production. This will create the technical foundation needed for a 5G wireless studio at our CMG UHD Innovation Center in Mentougou District, and provide more options for those in the media industry who want real-time UHD production based on 5G-Advanced networks."

Yang Lifan, Deputy General Manager of China Unicom Beijing, said, "We will continue to promote 5G-Advanced evolution and implementation, and work with industry partners to build benchmark 5G-Advanced networks in multiple high-value areas in Beijing. This will empower and expand industry applications. Providing network support for CMG's UHD shallow compression, recording, and broadcasting is a good start for this work and opens up new space for industry digitalization."

Ritchie Peng, President of Huawei's 5G Product Line, said, "Application scenarios within the digital economy are becoming increasingly diverse and complicated. This means networks need better capabilities and continuous 5G evolution. 5G-Advanced will further unleash network potential, accelerate the digital transformation of industries, and stimulate the digital economy. We look forward to working with the industry to embark on a new journey into 5G-Advanced."