Quantum computing: a new frontier for the broadcast and media industry

Much has been written about the enormous impact generative AI is having on the media and entertainment industry. But few people are discussing a potentially much more transformational technological revolution: quantum computing.

Quantum computers operate on the principles of quantum mechanics, offering processing power and speed unfathomable to classical computers. Rather than using traditional binary bits, like today’s computers do (think zeroes and ones), quantum computers use quantum bits, or “qubits”, which are exponentially more powerful. The more qubits a quantum computer has, the more powerful it is.

For some context, back in 2021, a 56-qubit computer was astounding—it could solve a problem in just over an hour that today’s fastest supercomputer would take eight years to figure out. By the end of last year, IBM built a quantum computer with more than 1,000 qubits.

That’s how fast this technology is moving. And within the decade, it’s only growing exponentially.

Impacts on the media industry

The biggest implications lie in the realms of data security and encryption.

Before 2030, it’s almost guaranteed that quantum computers will be strong enough—and accessible enough—to break the highest levels of encryption we currently have. Every media asset accessible online or held in the cloud, from dailies to password-protected screener links, would immediately become vulnerable. Even raw footage sent directly from camera to cloud is encrypted before it’s sent, and that, too, could easily be compromised. Broadcasters reporting live from the field could soon see their newscasts intercepted and swapped with hackers’ videos.

Alteon.io CEO, Matt Cimaglia, highlighted these themes in his recent keynote presentation at the 2024 NAB Show, “Empowering Creative Collaboration: The Future of Production and Post”. According to Cimaglia, industry leaders must pay attention to quantum encryption right now, lest they be caught off guard the way many were when the internet and AI were just burgeoning technologies. With credibility and security at stake, the move towards quantum encryption is not just recommended. It’s essential.

Conversely, quantum encryption offers a level of security that is virtually unbreakable by conventional means. Cimaglia explained that Alteon.io is currently evaluating and implementing standards set by Post-Quantum Cryptography Alliance to prevent any attempts at interception. This would be crucial for broadcasters, who rely on integrity and confidentiality to earn their viewers’ trust, or for brands looking to protect their valuable assets from getting leaked.

Quantum beyond encryption

Quantum computing will revolutionize the media and entertainment industry beyond security. With their superior processing capabilities, quantum computers could one day lead to major enhancements in rendering visual effects, optimizing content distribution, improving audience analytics and developing new forms of interactive media.

In his keynote address, Cimaglia spoke of the parallels to our current situation with AI, calling for industry leaders to prepare for the quantum revolution before it comes into full effect. The concept of “Quantum Advantage,” the point at which quantum computers will become accessible enough for mainstream users to begin cracking today’s encryption codes, is rapidly approaching.

The broadcast and media industry must actively engage with this technology, exploring its potential applications and preparing for the quantum future. The time to have this conversation is now, ensuring that the industry remains at the forefront of technological innovation and security in the quantum age.