FEED Spring 2023 Newsletter

A VIEW FROM QATAR: 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP The 2022 Fifa World Cup saw swathes of technological innovation, from virtual studios and UHD channels to on-the-ground intercom systems and more

SUPER SIGNALS Members of the UHD Spain association – including Dolby, Cellnex and Grup Mediapro – united to deliver top-quality signals during the 2022 World Cup. Sapec spearheaded the effort with its Sivac-One platform, distributing 4K UHD signals through Spanish public broadcasters (RTVE) on DTT. Sivac-One received the signal from Qatar via IP and fibre, decoding and re-encoding it ready for airing. The UHD signal featured HDR, wide colour gamut and immersive audio, thanks to Dolby Atmos. Telefónica’s streaming platform, Movistar Plus+, also delivered UHD/HDR and Dolby Atmos content during the World Cup, using Ateme’s Titan Edge encoders and decoders to transport live feeds to its streaming service. Multichoice delivered two UHD channels via South African broadcaster, Supersport, basing these channels on the Versio integrated playout platform, which supports IP inputs in 4K and HDR. Versio also includes an IOX storage network accommodating additional bandwidth needed for UHD applications. Switching to UHD channels was possible with Imagine’s Selenio Network Processors under the Magellan Control System, enabling Supersport to maximise operational efficiency and advertising revenue during the World Cup at peak viewership.

IN THE ACTION: VIRTUAL STUDIOS Many made history during the 2022 Fifa World Cup, broadcasters included. Zero Density’s Reality Engine helped businesses around the globe build virtual studios, making it seem like presenters were there in the action. Belgium’s RTBF created a photorealistic rooftop with lighting changes to signify day versus night, and brought holographic players in for interviews. France’s TF1 ‘overlooked’ the pitch thanks to Zero Density’s flycam feature for an immersive 360° view. UAE’s Asharq News deployed a virtual set extension for a deep, 3D effect. Mo-Sys delivered a virtual LED studio to German production house Plazamedia, incorporating physical studio elements with AR effects, four tracked cameras, an LED content server and a broadcast mixed reality (bMR) on-air graphics system. Mo-Sys provided full support from conception to installation to production, assembling a 120 sq m LED wall to complete the set. The result: a bleeding- edge perspective which blended presenters with both the physical studio and virtual extensions. Mo-Sys and Zero Density represent some of the many ways in which virtual and augmented reality can bring fans the full excitement of the tournament.

TEAM EFFORT: TELECOM Avcom, Israel-based Clear-Com partner, helped TV station Kan 11 with its 2022 World Cup coverage. Capitalising on IP connectivity between Jerusalem, Doha and Qatar, Avcom outfitted an OB van in Israel for Kan 11’s remote production. Connecting with presenters in the Qatari studio and camera teams at each venue, Avcom configured a hybrid intercom system relying on wired and wireless infrastructures. Clear-Com’s Eclipse HX digital matrix intercom system proved the best choice, with V-Series Iris IP User keypanels and Freespeak beltpacks supporting point-to-point party line connections. Eclipse providing low-latency streams and high-bandwidth support meant Kan 11 could rely on IP to transmit audio for seamless telecommunication.

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