Haivision Releases Sixth Annual Broadcast Transformation Report, Showcasing Key Industry Shifts and Emerging Technologies

Key Takeaways:

• AI Adoption Accelerates: 25% of broadcasters now use AI, with 64% believing it will have the biggest industry impact in the next five years.
• 5G Becomes Predominant: 76% of broadcasters using cellular networks rely on 5G, citing benefits like greater bandwidth and lower latency.
• SRT Usage Surges: SRT is now the most widely used transport protocol, with 77% adoption among broadcasters.
• Hybrid Cloud Solutions Mainstream: 86% use cloud technology, with a rise in hybrid on-premise and cloud workflows.
• HEVC Closes Gap with H.264: HEVC usage has increased to 70%, nearing H.264’s 79%.

Broadcasting’s Technological Transformation Unveiled

The broadcasting industry is undergoing a significant technological transformation, according to Haivision’s sixth annual Broadcast Transformation Report. Based on a survey of nearly 900 broadcast and media professionals conducted between November and December 2024, the report reveals how broadcasters are embracing emerging technologies like AI and 5G to enhance operational efficiency and production quality.

AI Adoption Accelerates

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making significant inroads in broadcasting. The report notes that AI usage among broadcasters has jumped to 25%, up from 9% in 2024. Furthermore, 64% of respondents believe that AI will have the biggest impact on the industry in the next five years. Broadcasters are leveraging AI for various applications, aiming to streamline workflows and deliver more personalized content.

5G Becomes Predominant in Cellular Networks

The adoption of 5G technology is reshaping the way broadcasters transmit live content. According to the report, 76% of broadcasters using cellular networks now rely on 5G, with an additional 21% planning to adopt it within a year. The top benefits cited include greater bandwidth (55%), lower latency (50%), and cost savings (31%). This shift to 5G enables broadcasters to deliver high-quality live video more efficiently and reliably.

Surge in SRT Usage

Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) has emerged as the most widely used transport protocol among broadcasters, with usage increasing from 68% in 2024 to 77% in 2025. SRT’s ability to deliver low-latency, secure video streams over unpredictable networks has made it a preferred choice over protocols like RTMP, which is used by 58% of respondents.

Hybrid Cloud Solutions Become Mainstream

Cloud technology continues to gain traction in the broadcast sector. The report indicates that 86% of broadcasters use cloud technology in some capacity, with a notable increase in hybrid on-premise and cloud workflows. Specifically, 49% of respondents rely on cloud technology for less than a quarter of their workflows, up from 43% in 2024. This trend highlights a balance between leveraging the scalability of the cloud and maintaining traditional on-premise solutions.

HEVC Usage Closes the Gap with H.264

In the realm of video codecs, High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) usage has reached 70%, up from 50% in 2021, narrowing the gap with H.264’s leading position at 79%. This shift indicates a growing preference for HEVC’s ability to provide higher quality video at lower bitrates, which is essential for efficient streaming and storage.

Navigating Challenges Amid Innovation

Despite the rapid adoption of new technologies, broadcasters continue to face challenges such as budget constraints and workforce shortages. “The findings in this year’s Broadcast Transformation Report reveal both the exciting innovations and the persistent challenges facing broadcasters today,” said Marcus Schioler, Vice President of Marketing at Haivision. “From the continued expansion of SRT, 5G, and AI to the measured adoption of cloud technologies, broadcast ecosystems are evolving to leverage new tools that drive efficiency, enhance production quality, and future-proof their operations.”

Looking Ahead

Haivision’s report underscores the dynamic nature of the broadcasting industry as it navigates the intersection of technological innovation and operational challenges. As broadcasters continue to adopt AI, 5G, and hybrid cloud solutions, these technologies are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of live video contribution and production.