Amagi, which deals in cloud-based technology for media processing, has announced the launch of Tornado, a machine learning-based content preparation service that enables TV networks and content owners to scale their operations, accelerate broadcast workflows, generate new revenues and reduce operational costs. Tornado is a first-of-its-kind, cloud-based machine learning-augmented content preparation suite that tackles content preparation challenges head-on. Amagi Tornado is conceptualised as a suite of machine learning-based content preparation services that dynamically evolves as machines learn more about each segment of a video asset as they process higher volumes of content. Tornado can cater to the unique preparation needs of TV networks, content owners, vMVPD platforms, and digital-first networks with the company planning to continually expand the suite functionality and capabilities to optimise the entire broadcast workflow. Factory-scale VOD segment creation: Linear broadcast model is highly reliant on sophisticated processing of video for ad break points identification, credits, color bars and blacks.

Amagi, a global leader in cloud-based technology for media processing, today announced the launch of TORNADO, a machine learning-based content preparation service that enables TV networks and content owners to scale their operations, accelerate broadcast workflows, generate new revenues and reduce operational costs. Compared to traditional manual content preparation, Amagi TORNADO is nearly six times more efficient, allowing broadcasters free up capital and streamline workflows. Over the last three years, the broadcast industry has had to evolve significantly due to a rise in multi-screen content consumption, demands for "here and now" content and a shift in how consumers are viewing content as more consumers move from cable to OTT services. In such an evolving scenario, TV networks, content owners, and digital-first networks are creatively trying to grab a piece of the action by trying new mediums and delivery methods to provide better experiences to consumers while streamlining costs and operations. However, despite these efforts, content preparation continues to require pain-staking hours of manual work and massive overhead costs.

Although cutting the cable TV cord can save you lots of money--and provide non-monetary benefits as well--there's always room for improvement. Hardware can get better, channel bundles can get more flexible, access to the content you want can get easier. To that end, here are eight things I'd like to see from streaming and over-the-air video in 2018, a year that's likely to record numbers of people abandon traditional pay TV services. Although a la carte cable channels are still just a fantasy, 2017 brought unprecedented fracturing of the TV bundle as audiences dwindled and networks entered panic mode. The most notable example: AMC, Discovery, A&E, and Viacom, all frustrated over their exclusion from various streaming bundles, got together to launch Philo, a $16-per-month sports-free streaming package.

You already get a Star Wars movie every year. Star Trek is coming at you from at least two directions. A good chunk of the Marvel movies are basically space opera. Bigscreen fascination with science fiction and fantasy is nothing new--but now you can add the many flavors of TV network, from legacy broadcast to basic cable to streamers. Forget comic books; somehow, SF/F novels have become Hollywood's hottest IP.