ARCHIVE
Ecoflow l
IBC Accelerator Session
Watch NowIBC project panelists Kristan Bullet, Robert Seeliger, Gijs Timmerman, and François Polarczyk discuss the ECOFLOW project, covering its methods, challenges, and key findings.
Ecoflow AI generated Podcast
Listen NowWith the help of an AI tool, our team has developed this engaging podcast, offering a thorough overview of the EcoFlow project, including its challenges, impact, and future prospects.
ECOFLOW App walkthrough
Watch NowThis video offers a brief walkthrough of the ECOFLOW streaming application, highlighting its various features and user interface.
Direct Device Measurement Approach
We conducted lab tests to evaluate the impact of various factors on the energy consumption of end devices, including UI settings, display characteristics, streaming format parameters, resolution, bitrate, device settings, and delivery modes. Using the Fraunhofer Green Streaming framework and analytics dashboards, we developed an ECOFLOW test application with Accedo to explore energy-saving potential. This enabled real-time data visualisation and the capture of extensive power-focused data points throughout our tests.
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Summary of Features
Given that previous research tends to point towards end-user devices being a hotspot for energy consumption, we have based our testing on existing and new features created specifically for this project.
Saving energy by adjusting streaming playback dynamically without changing the original content, using AI to optimise settings based on various factors.
Allowing users, on recommended/all content, to stream in audio-mode only, stripping back the video feed to reduce energy consumption.
HDR content requires higher brightness, enhanced colour depth and more complex processing. SDR content, with its moderate brightness and simpler processing needs, uses less energy.
Reduces streaming bandwidth, bitrate and limiting resolution to lower values.
Peer-to-peer streaming, using a decentralised approach to stream video, aiming to reduce energy footprint and reliance on CDN servers.
Using darker colours in the UI of an app can have an impact on its energy consumption.
Streaming apps also provide the opportunity to educate audiences, increasing awareness while also boosting engagement.
Supply Chain Estimation Approach
To support the granular measurement approach, and provide some context as to the broader supply chain impacts, an estimation of the energy consumption and carbon footprint of streaming was conducted.
This involved using the DIMPACT reference architecture and methodology, working with UK data from June 2024, and providing an estimate of the associated per-hour impact of streaming.
This was then broadened to include previous published information from the BBC and the Carbon Trust, providing a range of data points across different scenarios.
Communication & Engagement Approach
As part of the design and product development process, the ECOFLOW project team invited external contacts from various organisations to provide feedback on the ECOFLOW demo app. The purpose of this initiative was to gather insights and perspectives from industry experts and stakeholders.
The external contacts included teams from RTL, BBC, EBU members, and ITV. These teams represented a diverse range of roles, including Designers, Product Owners, Engineers, and Business Analysts. The involvement of these individuals ensured a comprehensive and well-rounded feedback process.
From August 12th to 21st, 2024, the external teams participated in discussions and workshops centred around the ECOFLOW demo app. During these sessions, the project team provided an overview of the initiative, highlighting the current challenges and questions faced.
The participants acknowledged the value and significance of the initiative, emphasising that the topic of sustainability in streaming was not one they commonly considered. They appreciated the effort made by the project team to initiate the discussion, even though some features might have limited impact due to varying factors.
Through the discussions and workshops, the ECOFLOW project team gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities related to sustainability in the streaming industry. The feedback received helped refine the understanding of the project's objectives and allowed for a more targeted approach in addressing the identified challenges.
How can the media industry become more sustainable?
Hear perspectives from the European Broadcasting Union, the IET Media Technical Network, and Accedo on why measuring sustainability across the entire media workflow is essential, and what's next for the industry.
Direct Device Measurement Results
The findings and conclusions of the device measurement tests provided some useful insight into how different types of display react to different scenarios.
The act of streaming is a very small proportion of the energy consumption in the home, the device and display used is much more significant.
Rendering SDR as HDR can use an additional 10% to 30% more energy.
Power Factor can have a significant impact on the electricity required to be generated to power the end device during operation, requiring anything up to 10x more.
Every display shows differing characteristics of power consumption, some along technology lines, some down to specific manufacturer decision, with some counter-intuitive behaviours.
Reliable power consumption reduction can be seen when switching to SDR content / not having HDR enabled and using Audio Only mode.
Varying the brightness of the room viewing conditions can result in significant power variation on displays - up to doubling power consumption in bright conditions.
Multicast or peer to peer streaming had no significant energy impact on the display device - the end to end energy profile, including content distribution, has not yet been evaluated, but where we would expect to see an impact.
Bit rate reduction with devices like streaming sticks and TVs had no significant reduction in energy consumption.
This led the group to form the following conclusions:
The type of display/device you use has a big impact on energy consumption.
Manufacturer and OEM decisions also have a big impact on energy consumption.
Improvements to energy efficiency requires applications to be aware of the in-use display type - this requires engagement from device and display manufacturers.
Emissive or high dimming zone displays have more promise in saving energy.
Policy decisions by manufacturers of streaming devices means that most default to Auto-HDR, and this has a significant impact on energy consumption without significant benefit.
LED based displays warrant more research on improvements to energy consumption due to the consumer popularity of lower cost displays.
Consumer education could have a more significant impact than any of the measures investigated on device control, including: viewing in dimmer rooms; using devices that are optimised for streaming; and by considering the usage of high performance peripherals including games consoles.
Using hardware decoding provides the most power efficient approach.
People behind the project
These videos feature candid interviews with key contributors and stakeholders involved in the project, offering unique perspectives on its goals, challenges, and innovations.
Each video provides insight on sustainability, and the impact of the project on the Media & Entertainment industry.
Image Gallery
Ecoflow TV Application
These images offer a snapshot of the Ecoflow demo application, a TV app designed to enable comprehensive measurement and demonstrate key sustainability features.
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ARTICLES
Signals & Insights
Explore our collection of articles focused on sustainability in media and streaming. Learn how industry leaders are driving change, discover practical strategies for reducing environmental impact, and stay informed on the latest advancements in sustainable practices.
