The key capabilities of the new VOS will be real-time transcoding, taking video in one format and translating it to another; support for multiple outputs so that the same video can be re-purposed for delivery over mobile devices, cable or the Internet; and compatibility with media management systems that enable, for example, streamlined search and access of archival video for playback and repurposing.

Advanced functionality such as media management capabilities are on the VOS roadmap. These capabilities include meta-data tagging, and event-based search that enable the automatic retrieval of archival video based on a particular event. In sports coverage of the Olympics, for example, broadcasters would be able to automatically retrieve appropriate archived footage when a particular country wins a medal.

For broadcast and media production facilities, media management capabilities developed specifically for high-volume, internal production environments will be supported by the VOS. Mezzanine level applications, for example, will allow broadcasters to move production quality video around their editing facilities at low bandwidths.