The Numbers Tell a Stark Story
In one major systems integration firm, only 3 out of 900 employees possessed the expertise to handle broadcast studio implementations.
Yet, market demand for corporate broadcast studios is surging:
•The broadcast equipment market, currently valued at $5.2 billion, is projected to grow steadily at 5% annually.
•The broadcast-over-IP segment is expanding nearly three times faster at 13%.
For system integrators, this presents both an unprecedented opportunity and a critical challenge. The growing demand for corporate broadcast capabilities is undeniable, but the traditional approach to studio integration—with its resource-intensive custom engineering, complex permitting requirements, and technical expertise barriers—threatens to keep this lucrative market segment just out of reach.
“Most SIs don’t touch these jobs because they’re frightened they’re going to lose money,” explains Daniel Napier, drawing from his extensive experience as both a systems integrator and current sales leader at Ikan.
“A conference room they’ve done a hundred times, they know all the pitfalls. A studio is completely different. There’s a hundred ways a studio can be built, and unless you really understand what your customers are trying to do, and the technology involved, you can go completely wrong and lose everything.”
Yet some forward-thinking integrators are discovering a new approach—one that transforms the economics of broadcast studio implementation while dramatically reducing technical complexity and risk.
By embracing integrated solutions and innovative technologies, these SIs are capturing market share, building recurring revenue streams, and positioning themselves at the forefront of broadcast-AV convergence.
This is the story of that transformation and how it’s reshaping the future of broadcast integration.
The Market Reality
The landscape of broadcast integration has fundamentally changed.
It’s no longer just television stations seeking professional-grade studios. Today’s demand comes from a diverse range of organizations looking to elevate their communication capabilities:
- Corporate enterprises needing to engage global workforces and clients.
- Educational institutions delivering hybrid learning experiences.
- Healthcare organizations providing remote training and communications.
- Government agencies broadcasting critical public information.
- Houses of worship reaching expanded congregations.
- Professional associations delivering member education.
“What we’re seeing is corporations saying, ‘I can build an organic audience through our own organic ways and be able to message them very specifically with as much content or as little content as we want,’” explains James Tian, CEO of Ikan.
“The mechanism for content delivery has increased. Before, it was only commercials. Now we’re talking about corporations wanting to own their own messaging through video.”
Case Study: TK Elevators
TK Elevators, a global manufacturer, recently built a full broadcast studio at their U.S. headquarters. Their use cases span from external marketing to comprehensive technical training—reaching a highly specialized audience that traditional broadcast channels could never efficiently serve.
The Hidden Cost of Traditional Integration
For system integrators and solution providers, this expanding market presents a critical challenge: how to serve this growing demand while maintaining profitability and managing risk.
Engineering Burden
- 30–40 hours of pre-sale engineering time per project.
- 60+ hours for detailed design and documentation.
- Additional hours for custom programming and integration.
Risk Factors
- Complex permitting requirements delaying projects.
- Multiple vendor coordination increasing failure points.
- Limited technical expertise straining resources.
- End-user training and support challenges.
“As an SI, there is not the profitability in a job where you have to keep going backwards and forwards to the client site,” notes Napier.
“Someone has to pay for that time. And if you’re not local to the client, you rely on their information. This is where change orders come from, and where projects can quickly become unprofitable.”
A New Model Emerges
The solution lies in rethinking the entire approach to broadcast studio implementation.
Just as the homebuilding industry evolved from purely custom construction to planned communities with standardized but customizable options, broadcast integration is undergoing a similar transformation.
This New Model Leverages:
1. Standardized Solutions
- Pre-engineered studio packages reducing design time.
- Validated workflows minimizing risk.
- Scalable implementations across multiple sites.
2. Innovative Technology
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting eliminating permitting barriers.
- IP-based systems simplifying integration.
- Automated control reducing operational complexity.
3. Unified Support
- Single-source accountability.
- Comprehensive documentation and training.
- Ongoing operational support.
Transformation in Action
Gwinnett County Public Schools
Using integrated solutions and PoE technology, Gwinnett County Public Schools deployed 23 broadcast studios rapidly without electrical permits or infrastructure modifications.
“The deployments are only made possible because of PoE,” explains Tian.
“Otherwise, they would have lost months getting permits for all 23 schools. And in education—with strict safety requirements—that permitting process becomes even more complex.”
University of Missouri’s School of Communications
A new studio was implemented during a brief Thanksgiving break using integrated solutions—avoiding the need for permits or electrical work.
Home Depot
Home Depot’s broadcast studio transformation delivered unexpected benefits:
- 95% reduction in power consumption.
- Eliminated need for pre-production color adjustment.
- Increased studio utilization through simplified workflows.
“What’s really exciting,” notes Napier, “is that these implementations solve both technical and operational challenges. We’re not just installing equipment—we’re enabling organizations to create professional-grade content without requiring broadcast expertise.”
Breaking Down Barriers
The key to successful implementation lies in addressing three critical areas:
1. Technical Integration
- Pre-configured solutions eliminating compatibility issues.
- Automated control systems simplifying operation.
- Standardized workflows reducing complexity.
2 . Stakeholder Management
- Clear ROI for decision-makers.
- Simplified operations for end users.
- Reduced training requirements for support staff.
3 . Operational Efficiency
- Streamlined deployment processes.
- Reduced maintenance requirements.
- Scalable solutions for future growth.
Future-Proofing Success
The broadcast-AV convergence represents more than a technological shift—it’s a fundamental transformation in how organizations communicate.
Key Strategies for Capturing This Opportunity:
1. Standardization with Flexibility
- Adopt proven solution packages.
- Maintain customization options.
- Build repeatable processes.
2 . Skills Development
- Focus on IP-based technologies.
- Develop automation expertise.
- Build cross-functional capabilities.
3. Partnership Development
- Align with strategic vendors.
- Build recurring revenue streams.
- Establish long-term client relationships.
“The opportunity is massive,” emphasizes Napier.
“The problem is definitely big across the industry, and if you can approach this right as the package solution, you can do really well and form some strong relationships with your clients.”
Taking Action
The path forward is clear. Organizations need professional broadcast capabilities more than ever, but they need them delivered in a way that’s efficient, reliable, and manageable.
Success Requires:
- Embracing integrated solutions.
- Leveraging automation and IP-based technologies.
- Building scalable implementation processes.
- Focusing on long-term client success.
The future of broadcast integration belongs to those who can deliver these capabilities efficiently and effectively.
The question is not whether to make this transition but how quickly you can position your organization to capture this growing opportunity.