Even for live broadcast, how can a few integer instructions matter? If you have to compare timestamps every audio sample, that's a few multiplications every 22 microseconds (common denominator can be computed once). Or am I completely off here?
Trying to realtime encode 4k into AVC using pure software encoders takes about 80 cores/hyperthreads. Then you need to meet the tight 70ns? timings of the SMPTE 2022-6/7 protocols (i.e. 12gbps without using jumbo frames because reasons).
It's also necessary for clip switching. If you want frame accurate clip switching (i.e. show->ad->ad->show) you need consistent and precise pointers into your files.
