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STADIUMS
CONNECTED STADIUMS LEAD TO CONNECTED FANS
5G networks are promising a whole new model for in-venue experience U P TO NOW, live sports TV images have been transmitted from wired
to be fitted out with next-generation 5G infrastructure linking to a mobile edge cloud in 5G, ensuring sufficient bandwidth and stability. Many game organisers and venue owners see in-venue apps as a means of striking a balance between the broadcast and in-person experience. With TV constantly improving, some sports fans wonder if a view from the couch is preferable. If more perspectives and apps are available in the stadium, spectators could watch the event from all sides. FRIENDLY MOBILE NETWORKS While fans are aware they can interact with games on their phones in the stands, current mobile
cameras to the OB truck at the venue, through satellite or fibre to the studio, and onwards to the viewer’s screen. With 5G mobile communications technology, the path taken by the live picture to the screen can be massively shortened. Images from the camera or smartphone go directly into a virtual studio in the cloud, then to the screen, without detour or prohibitive latency. In the living room, fans can watch with very little delay and potentially experience new perspectives on the game. Stable networks and guaranteed bandwidths are vital for these advances. For an in-stadium 5G project to
succeed, close collaboration between key stakeholders – mobile network operator, venue owner, rights holder and content provider – is essential. Most importantly, the stadium needs “WITH TV CONSTANTLY IMPROVING, SPORTS FANS WONDER IF A VIEW FROM THE COUCH IS PREFERABLE” technology does not facilitate this in a stable manner. Thousands of people simultaneously attempting to access high-quality footage via large mobile networks is just not sustainable. This flurry of activity has the potential to degrade feed quality, leaving streams lagging
On hand: Germany’s Sky Sport worked with Vizrt on a 5G-powered broadcast of handball
FEED:XTREME MAY/JUNE 2022
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