VIDI has released details of its work to upgrade broadcast infrastructure across 36 Bundesliga stadiums. Aiming to enhance production and associated IP media connectivity for the German football association, the project provided a unified network to support an increased volume of live baseband/IP services across all stadiums in the 1st and 2nd leagues.
Designed for flexible deployment across evolving environments, the Media Links Xscend Platform was selected to integrate with VIDI’s Network Managing System (NMS), maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure while enabling centralised control and visibility across all locations.
Commenting, John Dale, CMO of Media Links, said, “This project shows what’s possible with close collaboration between service and technology provider while utilising advanced media processing and transport capabilities to address live IP based production at scale. With Xscend, the Bundesliga can move an increased number of media and tunnelled data services reliably across multiple locations, while VIDI provides the integration and control layer to manage those workflows centrally. It gives the league the flexibility to expand remote production while ensuring the highest level of reliability live sports demands.”
Additional locations for signal handover were integrated into the network, aiming to meet specific requirements for signal transmission and signal return in collaboration with Sportcast GmbH. Signal exchange is also handled using SMPTE 2110 at the central production site.
All stadiums are connected with full redundancy, ensuring consistency of video, data and audio delivery during live matches. With two games per matchday in the 2nd Bundesliga now produced remotely, the infrastructure supports expanded remote production workflows. Already centralised, audio production in Darmstadt continues to expand. Dolby Atmos mixes produced at the Remote Audio Control Room (RACR) now cover two extra games per matchday.
VIDI’s NMS has been enhanced with an updated booking interface and automated scheduling, aiming to provide reliable management of the number and variety of signals. The Network Operations Center (NOC) was also expanded to strengthen centralised support alongside co-ordination with the stadiums. All upgrades were completed during the 2025 closed season with the system fully operational since the season start.
Seamus Neary, director of matchday operations at Sportcast, said “VIDI has once again demonstrated its high level of technical expertise and reliability in this project. Our collaboration is characterised by a strong commitment to innovation and professionalism—qualities we have come to value time and again over the past few years. The team has once again shown why it is one of the leading service providers in the field of broadcast connectivity.”
Karsten Winterberg, CTO of VIDI, added, “We are proud to once again demonstrate VIDI’s capabilities through this challenging project. The Bundesliga is undoubtedly one of the most demanding sports leagues in the world. Proving that we can successfully execute a production remotely is something truly special. We are also particularly pleased that our remote audio production at the RACR in Darmstadt has become so well established and has been so well received by the client. I would also like to extend a special thank you to our technology partner Media Links, as the implementation within such a tight timeframe would not have been possible without their active support and on-time delivery.”
