At Ateme, innovation is part of our DNA. Whether it’s rethinking how video is compressed or reshaping how it’s delivered, we strive to stay ahead of the curve. And sometimes, we even bend it. In our latest collaborative success with ORS Group, we’ve done just that — conducting the world’s first trial of IP-based Statistical Multiplexing (StatMux) over 5G-Broadcast.
This marks more than a technical milestone; it’s a glimpse into the future of broadcast — more efficient, more scalable, and more aligned with how audiences consume content today.
Why 5G-Broadcast Needs a New Approach
The potential of 5G-Broadcast lies in its ability to reach mobile devices directly — without data plans, Wi-Fi, or even SIM cards. It’s an ideal solution for mass distribution of live sports, news, emergency alerts, and more. But 5G-Broadcast also faces an inherent challenge: how to do more with less.
Limited spectrum in UHF bands (6, 7, or 8 MHz) means there’s little room for inefficiency. That’s where NextGen StatMux comes in — a smarter way to make the most of every bit.
From Transport Stream to IP: A Broadcast Evolution
Historically, StatMuxing was used in transport stream-based environments. But today’s broadcast networks are rapidly transitioning to IP-based workflows. Ateme’s NextGen StatMux is designed for this new era.
Fully aligned with 3GPP, DVB-I, and ATSC 3.0 standards, our solution integrates seamlessly with modern delivery architectures. In Vienna, ORS Group integrated this technology into its 5G-Broadcast Nakolos platform, successfully transmitting and receiving a multiplex of five services. Each service dynamically adjusted to available bandwidth — a textbook case of what StatMux does best.
What Makes Statistical Multiplexing So Powerful?
Statistical multiplexing (StatMux) has long been a cornerstone of bandwidth efficiency in digital broadcasting — and Ateme has been at the forefront of it, particularly in ATSC 3.0 deployments. But our NextGen StatMux solution introduces a major breakthrough: it operates directly at the OTT level, on ROUTE fragments, rather than on traditional transport streams.
This architectural shift brings up to 20% efficiency gains compared to previous generations of StatMux. Why? Because the statistical optimization is applied to each DASH fragment in real time, enabling more accurate bandwidth allocation based on actual content complexity.
This advanced approach unlocks new benefits:
- More services in the same frequency band
- Consistent video quality, even on mobile delivery
- Full compatibility with IP-based and 5G-Broadcast architectures
By working directly at the OTT element level, NextGen StatMux bridges the gap between traditional broadcast techniques and modern IP-first delivery models — all while raising the bar in efficiency.
NextGen StatMux: Real-World Performance Meets 5G Innovation
Ateme’s NextGen StatMux is far from experimental — it’s a production-grade solution already in widespread use across ATSC 3.0 deployments in North America. It’s been battle-tested for large-scale, over-the-air terrestrial broadcasting, where efficiency and video quality are non-negotiable.
What makes the recent collaboration with ORS Group so exciting is that it demonstrates how this proven broadcast tool can now unlock value in new environments — like IP-based 5G-Broadcast for mobile delivery.
This trial isn’t about validating StatMux. It’s about expanding its reach — applying the same robust, efficient engine to a new delivery model with different constraints: mobile bandwidth, UHF spectrum limitations, and flexible service composition. And once again, NextGen StatMux delivered.
Use Cases: Beyond the Trial
This isn’t just about proving what’s technically possible — it’s about unlocking real-world value and enabling new service models.
- National content providers can deliver more channels or higher video quality within the same frequency band, without needing additional spectrum.
- Mobile network operators can partner with media companies to deploy hybrid delivery models — combining 5G mobile data (unicast) for personalized or on-demand content, with 5G-Broadcast for mass distribution of live events, reducing network congestion and improving scalability.
- Event organizers can deliver immersive, multi-angle experiences to audiences in stadiums or public spaces — all without putting stress on mobile unicast networks.
As mobile video consumption continues to grow, 5G-Broadcast becomes a powerful complement to existing delivery infrastructures — offering a cost-effective, scalable, and spectrum-efficient way to reach large audiences.
What’s Next for NextGen StatMux?
NextGen StatMux continues to evolve to meet the growing demands of modern video delivery. As broadcast networks embrace IP-native workflows, regionalization, and hybrid broadcast/OTT models, our technology is keeping pace — and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Upcoming innovations include:
- Dynamic ad insertion support within statmuxed services
- Hybrid workflows combining unicast and broadcast delivery
- Enhanced integration with multicast ABR (mABR) and low-latency OTT
Whether you’re planning for mobile-first delivery, optimizing a national terrestrial network, or preparing for targeted content delivery, NextGen StatMux adapts to your strategy — not the other way around.
Ready to Unlock More from Your Bandwidth?
No matter your platform — ATSC 3.0, DTV+, DVB-I, or 5G-Broadcast — bandwidth is finite, and expectations keep growing. NextGen StatMux helps you:
- Maximize service density without compromising quality
- Adapt to IP-native workflows, including DASH
- Support scalable delivery for both fixed and mobile audiences
Let’s talk about how we can help you reduce costs, expand service offerings, and stay agile in a rapidly shifting broadcast landscape.
Reach out today to start the conversation.
About the Author
Solution Marketing Senior Director at Ateme
Julien joined Ateme in 2001, starting in the Hardware Department before moving into Product Management, where he led the launch and evolution of the Kyrion product line.
In 2017, he co-founded the BISS-CA standard with the EBU, reshaping the secure distribution of international live events.
He is currently Solution Marketing Director for Contribution and Distribution, driving partner and customer engagement around the Kyrion and TITAN product lines.