Case Study: Bringing radio to life with AI precision
How broadcaster NDR delivers engaging visual experiences with G&L’s AI-powered Illustrated Radio News solution
Overview
Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR), a German public broadcaster, aimed to enhance its online platform by augmenting radio news broadcasts with thematically matched images. This initiative was intended to provide users with an enriched experience, adding a visual dimension to the audio content. The key challenge was to ensure precise synchronization between the images and spoken content, avoiding delays or mismatches that could disrupt the viewer experience.
To meet these demands, NDR selected G&L Systemhaus to develop a robust solution. G&L combined AI-powered speech recognition using OpenAI's Whisper with audio fingerprinting techniques, allowing real-time tracking of the broadcast script. G&L’s Graphics Manager prepared and animated the images for smooth display, while the G&L Compositor integrated audio and video streams to deliver the final output formats.
What NDR needed
A solution to display thematically appropriate images in perfect sync with spoken content on their online platform
Precise synchronization between audio and visuals to prevent delays or mismatches that could disrupt the viewer experience
The ability to handle multiple images within each news segment, ensuring smooth transitions and flexible display duration
Seamless integration of audio and visual elements for a high-quality final output in formats compatible with the platform, such as SRT and MP4
What G&L delivered
OpenAI's Whisper was integrated for real-time speech recognition, enabling accurate alignment of visuals with spoken content
Audio fingerprinting technology was utilized to achieve 1–2 second precision in syncing visuals with the audio
Real-time identification of manuscript position enabled accurate estimation of topic duration
G&L's Graphics Manager prepared image animations, text, and graphic elements, including Ken Burns-style effects
G&L's Compositor processed SDI audio, generated SRT output, produced MP4 recordings, provided a WebRTC audio stream for the Topic Timing Detector, and merged audio with Graphics Manager outputs
Seamless integration into NDR's broadcast infrastructure, ensuring reliable synchronization and enhanced user experience
Improvements experienced by NDR
With precise, real-time image synchronization, NDR has transformed its radio news broadcasts into a more dynamic online experience. The AI-driven solution ensures each visual aligns seamlessly with the audio, delivering a polished, professional presentation that keeps users engaged. This enhanced synchronization brings added value to NDR’s platform, offering audiences a visually enriched way to stay informed.
Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) is a public broadcaster in Germany and a member of the ARD network. NDR produces and supplies content for numerous public television programs, including Das Erste, NDR Fernsehen, KiKa, Arte, and tagesschau24, as well as several NDR radio stations. The broadcaster also operates an extensive online platform via NDR.de, offering a diverse range of content.
Who is G&L
G&L Systemhaus enables seamless delivery of audio and video content – live & on-demand, on-prem, in the cloud & hybrid. Trusted by Europe's largest broadcasters, events, and government entities for over two decades, G&L's international, technical powerhouse team ensures attentive service management with 24/7 support. As the ideal partner for building and maintaining reliable, eco-friendly streaming setups, G&L offers expert solutions for long-term success.
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