In late 2025, Deutsche Welle became the first broadcaster to host the EBU’s Live IP Media Sandbox project, a model IP-based media production facility housed in two flight racks designed to support the industry's transition from traditional SDI-based production systems.
The initiative, developed by the EBU's Technology & Innovation department addresses the growing need for practical expertise among media professionals navigating the shift to IP-based workflows.
The Sandbox racks feature two alternative options for most system components required to build an ST-2110-based production environment, enabling broadcasters to evaluate different technologies and make informed procurement decisions.
EBU T&I joined Deutsche Welle at their premises in Bonn to set up the racks and conduct a three-day workshop for DW engineers. The equipment remained on-site for another month, providing the DW team with four additional weeks of independent hands-on experience following the initial training.
Jens Röhr, Production Innovations Manager at DW, said: "The sandbox experience accelerated our understanding of MoIP integration and highlighted critical workflow improvements. Beyond the technical gains, it brought together experts from different fields, building bridges that will strengthen future projects."
The project serves dual functions as both an educational tool and a pre-built proof of concept for EBU Members planning their first IP-based projects. It aims to close the skill gap often encountered during technological transitions by providing practical insights into IP-based media production workflows.
For media organizations such as Deutsche Welle, the deployment offers an opportunity to simulate real-world production scenarios before committing to larger, long-term infrastructure projects. The hands-on experience particularly benefits engineers who have completed theoretical training through EBU Academy courses such as "Preparing Your Move to Live IP Production" and "Live IP Essentials."
EBU Members interested in hosting the Live IP Media Sandbox project for their own IP migration initiatives can contact EBU at [email protected] for more information.