Secure Hybrid Workplaces Let Creators Focus on Content

Content creation for broadcasters and designers requires two important factors: high-quality performance and robust cybersecurity. With the growth of hybrid workflows in media and entertainment spaces, these factors have become a higher priority.

How can businesses replicate the power and security of a physical workstation, while also ensuring the transmission of high-quality graphics when working remotely?

That’s what an hour-long discussion entitled ‘Keep Sensitive Broadcast & Video Content Secure in an Age of Hybrid Work’ aimed to answer. Hosted by Stephen Lyle, Teradici Global Strategic Alliances and Business Development, HP, the session included guest speakers David Helmly, Head of Strategic Development, Professional Video – Cloud Edit, Adobe®, and Trevor Carlson, VP of Engineering at THUMBWAR.

The primary focus of the discussion was the importance of user experience while working remotely or in a hybrid environment. The panel also discussed security concerns and the ease of use when switching from one OS to another.

Hybrid workflows are a reality for broadcasters

“Hybrid is the new workplace,” opened David Helmly. There has been a significant move towards hybrid workspaces over the last two years, due to the pandemic, and this structure is going to stay.

A poll conducted during the session backed up Helmly’s assertion. 1/3 of the audience said they were already using remote technology for remote work. There was an even split between users who were still keeping their files locally or using a VPN to access their files.

This is what Teradici® and tvtech found in a recent survey, as well. Improved productivity, work satisfaction and lower business costs are driving the need for hybrid workplaces in broadcast. Read the Remote Media Workflows Survey Report for more.

Security in remote work is the number one priority

The need for security when working remotely was at the top of the list of must-haves for broadcasters. Teradici CAS remoting software prioritizes security. Data remains securely located in industry-compliant, on-site storage or any public cloud – because Teradici CAS sends only encrypted pixels to an end user’s display.

Then there’s the Zero Trust Architecture, where “you’re never trusting the user or device. You’re always verifying,” explained Stephen Lyle, so your data has the highest security. Our recent report found that companies are moving away from VPN in favor of Zero Trust Architecture. Download the full Security Report to learn more.

For Trevor Carlson, using Teradici CAS delivered on the user experience editors need, and the security their companies demand. “Every major broadcast event that we worked on in the United States is done with Teradici at scale at this point.”

Hybrid workflows must match workstation performance

Another must-have for broadcasters was high performance on workstations at home. High-fidelity text and graphics, in particular, are a necessity, as is responsiveness. As Helmly asked, “can editors work as fast as they think using this remote technology?”

One of the major issues facing broadcasters working remotely is collaboration. On-site, broadcasters can work around an editing bay. The hybrid model needs to simulate that type of collaborative workspace even on the cloud.

Trevor Carlson at THUMBWAR had used Teradici CAS for off-site events before the pandemic. “It was a tool that allowed us to put client endpoints in difficult-to-reach parts of a broadcast event. Typically, at one of these broadcast events, there are TV trucks and space is limited, and people are in a remote place where there isn’t high-speed connectivity.”

For THUMBWAR and Adobe, Teradici CAS solved issues related to responsiveness and collaboration by recreating an on-site workflow even when users were working remotely.

Editors need access to their tools and peripherals

Helmly shared a few images of his workspace at home and highlighted the number of peripherals he regularly uses. He stated that most creative professionals within the broadcast industry use peripherals.

Since designers rely heavily on WACOM tablets, Helmly emphasized the need for seamless peripheral integration. Whether editors are physically in their offices, or remoting into the office, they need access to all their applications and peripherals to ensure uninterrupted workflows.

Helmly praised Teradici CAS, which has been available on WACOM tablets for a few years now, for making it easier for editors to access peripherals on the go.

Peak application responsiveness powers the creative process

One of the biggest challenges for THUMBWAR has been the ability to respond to changes from the customer quickly. With CAS Connector, THUMBWAR was able to virtualize almost all their endpoints, so customers could work from anywhere.

For broadcast professionals, using multiple platforms is par for the course – being able to replicate the functionality from one OS to another makes workflows accessible. A major takeaway from the conversation was that Teradici CAS allows users to effortlessly switch from Mac to PC without interruption.

Audio-video sync, especially multi-channel audio and surround sound quality, are key components of a hybrid workflow. Investing in remote technology like Teradici CAS, which removes timing and latency issues, ensures that responsive workflows are successful even when editing in 4K.

Speaking of responsiveness, remote monitoring was another aspect that Helmly touched upon. Because Teradici continues to be platform-agnostic, using the PCoIP® system while editing with Adobe Premiere Pro “lets the creator create,” stressed Helmly.

Broadcasters can build secure hybrid workplaces today

Post-production creative teams can work from anywhere – home, studio, or the cloud – with the right technology.

Learn more about how Teradici CAS can help broadcasters set up hybrid workflows. The full webinar session is now available to watch on demand here.

Check out live demonstrations of Teradici and Adobe solutions at the HP booth at NAB, #N315. Learn more and register here.