BT Sport, Vislink, Dorna and the University of Strathclyde joined forces to showcase the world’s first stand-alone private 5G network for sports broadcasting during the recent MotoGP British Grand Prix.
Live pictures were broadcast to viewers from a 5G handheld camera on the grid before each of the races, while a 5G onboard camera sent pictures back from a test bike.
Vislink supplied two brand new products for the trial: a 5G version fo their H-cam handheld wireless camera transmitter, and a brand new 5G bike onboard transmitter. Both were connected to a private standalone software-defined 5G network provided by the University of Strathclyde that covered the pitlane, paddock and part of the circuit.
Pictures were then supplied to the Dorna production team producing the International Production Feed (IPF) which was sent to international rights holders, including BT Sport who also had the feed in their production gallery and cut it up live at the appropriate times to help tell the stories of the day.
Andy Beale, chief engineer BT Sport said “This was an exciting and successful collaboration between partners showcasing the power of a standalone 5G network to enhance sports production.”
Mickey Miller, Vislink CEO added: “We would also like to acknowledge the collaboration with Qualcomm in helping us achieve our joint goal.”
