Orlando’s interview - First Gulf Company

1- What inspired you to join the industry?

My inspiration to join the industry stems from my passion for technology and media. Growing up, I was always fascinated by how television content wirelessly reaches millions of viewers seamlessly, connecting people from all walks of life. The dynamic nature of broadcasting, combined with the constant innovation in the field of engineering, intrigued me. What truly drew me in was the opportunity to be part of an industry that blends creativity with technical expertise. I wanted to contribute to building reliable and cutting-edge systems that ensure high-quality content delivery while pushing the boundaries of how we experience media. The challenge of solving complex media workflows and working on innovative projects with agile and resilient systems design motivates me every day.

2- What do you think are the most exciting trends in systems integration today?

One of the most exciting trends in systems integration today is the increasing adoption of cloud-based solutions. Cloud integration enables greater scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, allowing remote production systems seamlessly while reducing infrastructure overhead.

A significant emerging trend is the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into broadcast workflows and processing systems. AI is playing a pivotal role in optimizing Media and Production Asset Management systems, as well as in the development of advanced sports playout applications. By leveraging AI, these applications can automate routine tasks, improve metadata management, and enhance decision-making processes, which ultimately drives operational improvements and cost savings across the media production landscape.

A particularly transformative shift is the migration from traditional SDI (Serial Digital Interface) infrastructure to IP-based video workflows, specifically using the SMPTE ST 2110 standard. This transition is revolutionizing the broadcast and media industry by enabling uncompressed, real-time video, audio, and data over standard IP networks. Moving away from the rigid SDI infrastructure allows for greater flexibility, scalability, and cost savings, while also simplifying remote production workflows. The ability to transport multiple streams of content in different formats over a single network provides more efficient use of resources and future-proofs operations as the industry moves toward IP-based production environments.

3- How has the industry evolved since you first started your career?

Since I began my career, the broadcast industry has undergone significant transformation driven by technological advancements and changes in consumer behavior. One of the most noticeable shifts has been the transition from analog to digital broadcasting, which not only improved the quality of content delivery but also enabled more efficient use of spectrum. This evolution laid the groundwork for the high-definition (HD) and ultra-high-definition (UHD/4K) content that is now standard in many homes.

Another major change has been the rise of IP-based workflows, which are rapidly replacing traditional SDI infrastructure. The adoption of standards like SMPTE ST 2110 has allowed broadcasters to migrate to IP, enabling more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective production and distribution models. This shift has also empowered broadcasters to handle content in more complex formats, such as HDR (High Dynamic Range), and facilitated remote production, which has been especially crucial in recent years.

The proliferation of streaming platforms and over-the-top (OTT) services has dramatically altered how content is consumed. Audiences now demand instant access to content on multiple devices, which has pushed broadcasters to adopt new distribution models. This has also fostered a deeper integration of cloud technology, making content management, storage, and delivery more agile and efficient.

In addition to these technological shifts, there’s been a growing emphasis on data analytics and audience measurement. Broadcasters are now using real-time data to better understand viewer preferences and optimize programming and advertising, which helps in personalizing the viewing experience.

4- What challenges do you foresee for the industry in the coming years, and how can companies like ours address them?

One of the most significant challenges facing the broadcast industry in the coming years is the continued rise of streaming services and the shift in consumer viewing habits. As more audiences move away from traditional linear TV to on-demand and OTT platforms, we need to able to offer and adopt more flexible, multi-platform solutions.

5- Can you share a recent project that exemplifies innovation and problem-solving in systems integration?

The Bahrain TV SMPTE ST 2110 Playout project and Saudi TV’s ongoing MCR migration from SDI to IP-based infrastructure are excellent examples of how innovation and problem-solving in systems integration can deliver transformative results.

Bahrain TV’s SMPTE ST 2110 Playout Project:

Bahrain TV undertook a groundbreaking project to transition its playout infrastructure from legacy SDI to IP-based workflows using the SMPTE ST 2110 standard. The project focused on delivering uncompressed real-time video and audio signals over IP, which allowed for more efficient, scalable, and flexible content production and distribution.

One of the key challenges in this project was ensuring seamless integration with existing systems while maintaining uninterrupted broadcasting. The implementation required close coordination between multiple vendors and a strong focus on interoperability. The result was an agile, future-proof infrastructure that now supports multi-format content delivery, faster workflows, and greater control over media assets.

By adopting the ST 2110 standard, Bahrain TV enhanced its capacity to handle high-quality content, such as 4K and HDR, while optimizing resource utilization. This innovation in systems integration allowed Bahrain TV to remain competitive in a rapidly changing media environment.

Saudi TV’s Ongoing MCR Migration from SDI to IP-based ST 2110:

Saudi TV’s MCR (Master Control Room) migration from SDI to IP-based ST 2110 is an ongoing project, and it represents a significant leap toward future-proofing its broadcast infrastructure. The migration aims to address the growing demand for flexible, scalable, and complex production environments that can handle uncompressed video, audio, and data streams with greater efficiency.

The primary challenge for this ongoing project is ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining uninterrupted broadcast operations. Saudi TV has implemented hybrid workflows to achieve this, allowing both SDI and IP-based systems to coexist during the migration. This approach ensures continuity of services while gradually integrating new IP-based technologies.

Once complete, the IP-based MCR will enable Saudi TV to handle multiple high-quality content streams and facilitate remote collaboration, giving the network greater flexibility in managing and delivering content. The project will also enhance network management, reduce operational complexity, and enable seamless scalability for future advancements.

Both projects highlight the importance of embracing IP-based systems for broadcasters seeking to innovate and modernize their operations. The adoption of SMPTE ST 2110 in these projects demonstrates how broadcasters can achieve greater efficiency, flexibility, and scalability in content production and distribution, positioning themselves for the future of media delivery.

6- What advice would you give to professionals looking to grow their careers in this field?

Growing a career in the broadcast and media industry requires a combination of technical skills, industry knowledge, and soft skills. Here are some key pieces of advice for professionals aspiring to advance in this field:

Embrace Continuous Learning: Stay current with emerging technologies, trends, and industry standards.
Develop Soft Skills: In addition to technical expertise, strong interpersonal skills are crucial in the broadcast industry. Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities will help you collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients.
Stay Adaptable: The broadcast landscape is dynamic, with frequent changes in technology and audience preferences. Be open to adapting to new roles, technologies, and workflows.
Understand the Business Side: Familiarize yourself with the business aspects of the broadcast industry. Understanding how your role contributes to the overall success of the organization will enhance your strategic thinking and career prospects.

7- How does technology play a role in shaping the future of system integration and its impact on different sectors?

Technology is fundamentally transforming the landscape of system integration across various sectors, driving efficiencies, enhancing capabilities, and enabling new business models. Here are several key ways in which technology shapes the future of system integration:

Adoption of IP-based Solutions: The shift from traditional SDI to IP-based workflows, particularly in the broadcast and media industry, exemplifies how technology is reshaping system integration. This transition empowers organizations to create more agile and adaptable infrastructures that can easily accommodate future advancements.

Cloud Computing: Cloud technology plays a pivotal role in modern system integration by providing scalable, on-demand resources for remote production, data storage, AV processing, and application deployment. Broadcasters can leverage cloud platforms to spinup systems and services, enabling remote productio, efficient resource management, and cost-effective operations. The ability to access, control and share resources in real-time from any location enhances productivity and drives innovation in broadcasting.

8- What skills do you think are most critical for success in systems integration today?

Success in a systems integration company today demands a diverse skill set that combines technical expertise, project management capabilities, and finance capabilities.

A comprehensive understanding of various technologies and standards relevant to systems integration is essential.

9- What are you most excited about for 2030, and what does the future hold for the industry in Saudi Arabia?

The future of the broadcast and AV industry in Saudi Arabia is incredibly bright. By 2030, the combination of technological advancement, investment in local talent, and the country’s growing role in the global media ecosystem will position Saudi Arabia as a key player in the future of entertainment, culture, and digital media. Vision 2030 represents not only a change in economic strategy but a transformation in how the world perceives and engages with Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity.