2025 - We continue to focus on IP infrastructure, MAM/DAM systems and studying AI impact
A. SMPTE 2110 slowly starting to spread in Romania. More and more native 2110 installations are going live. The IP-based uncompressed and separate video/audio/data transfer is beginning to reveal — and at the same time surprise with — the clear advantages of 2110. However, using 2110 infrastructure requires a paradigm shift and a new way of thinking. We are focused on how we can help transfer this mindset to our customers.
B. NDI and NDI|HX, alternative methods for transferring video signals over IP, now represent mature, simple, robust, and accessible technologies. They are spreading faster than anyone expected. However, pure NDI implementations can be more challenging due to bandwidth accumulation in the IP network and the large number of signals/devices requiring control and reporting. In the NDI world, the number of signals and resolutions is growing rapidly, and there is a need for a simple, intuitive control system at the data network level. This is where we focus our research.
C. For over 7 years, we have been providing media storage and media asset management systems. The impressive growth in storage capacity and access speeds has significantly increased the size of media assets. How can this growth be better managed and secured?
D. For the past 2 years, we have been studying the impact of artificial intelligence on the broadcasting industry. AI applications in playlist scheduling, transcription and translation, and the generation of rich metadata for media assets are becoming a reality. However, training models can be challenging due to the lack of specific databases. In media companies, AI's impact will likely be most significant in optimizing human resources and workflows — though this is not our current focus.
At Hydra, we are dedicated on creating easy-to-use integrated systems to deliver online television to local customers who seek greater flexibility and a way to express their imagination and creativity.
... updated on April 2025...
Who we are
Founded in 1990, Hydra Ltd. is a well established player in the Romanian broadcast industry.
Until 2000 we focused on introducing digital technologies on the Romanian market.
Until 2000 we focused on introducing digital technologies on the Romanian market.
Since 2000, we have concentrated on implementing file-based technologies and modern workflows in Romania.
Beginning in 2010, we started shifting towards the telecom industry. We observed, studied, and assimilated technologies that have now become standard components for telecom companies.
As the broadcast industry merges with the telecom sector, it is a natural step for us to design and deploy these emerging technologies.
Since 1997 we are channel partner for the former Leitch then Harris and now Imagine Communications company. This long-standing partnership has provided us with deep knowledge and a thorough understanding of Imagine Communications' technologies, products, and solutions.
Starting in 2011, we transformed into a System Integrator (SI) company focused on commissioning and installing Imagine Communications solutions worldwide. Our expertise with Imagine products enables us to integrate additional components into Imagine-based systems with enhanced interoperability.
It is widely recognized that both the broadcast and telecom industries are undergoing a major transformation — not only due to the shift to IP, but also because of fundamental changes in how media is handled.
At Hydra, we acknowledge that 100% of today’s broadcasting technology is software-based. Whether embedded in hardware or not, software introduces new challenges:
- There are no longer 100% reliable components within complex systems. From the start, systems must be designed with the understanding that components may have bugs or glitches.
- Software development technologies evolve quickly, often rendering useful components obsolete due to lack of support or prohibitive costs tied to outdated programming languages.
- Software solutions require more maintenance than traditional hardware systems. This maintenance is more demanding and calls for highly skilled human resources.
Our core strengths lie in designing redundant systems and implementing monitoring and control solutions to minimize the impact of maintenance and frequent upgrades.
Whether it's a headend, an OTT system, or a playout solution, the question remains:
- How can systems be designed to handle frequent defects or upgrades?
- How useful, reliable, and trustworthy can a monitoring solution truly be?
... updated on february 2024 ...
| Countries where we were | |
| Bosnia Herzegovina | broadcast |
| Georgia | telco |
| Oman | telco |
| Romania | broadcast and telco |
| Serbia | broadcast |
| Tanzania | telco |
| Uganda | telco |