ONE4HDD has revealed it has successfully demonstrated a fully UK-built 5G mobile network.
The consortium, led by the Digital TV Group with funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), was able to deploy its Cell on Wheels (CoW) at the UK Superbikes final, which took place at the Brands Hatch circuit.
Featuring a UK-built 5G network, CoW was set up in less than 30 minutes enabling high-bandwidth 5G data capacity across the event. Customer experience testing revealed the network delivered a seamless experience, while existing mobile networks struggled to meet demand, said the consortium.
A complete 5G Broadcast network in UHF spectrum was supported by a mobile app, enabling access to race footage, real time statistics and additional content. MPEG-H interactive audio was integrated into the broadcast application, providing a range of audio options including multi-language commentary, personalised settings and enhanced dialogue.
Testing by an independent consumer panel produced “overwhelmingly positive” feedback, said ONE4HDD, in what the consortium believes represents a leap forward in proving the commercial viability of High Demand Density (HDD) settings such as sports events and concerts.
Alex Buchan, CTO, Digital TV Group, said: “This final demonstration of ONE4HDD is a fantastic culmination of months of innovation and collaboration. We’ve shown that 5G can dramatically improve the fan experience at live events by ensuring uninterrupted access to high-quality content. We’re proud to have led such a forward-looking consortium, and this is only the beginning for what we can achieve with 5G in the media industry. The project has been made possible thanks to funding from DSIT as part of the future networks programme which has provided the opportunity to unlock commercial impasses and drive this innovative technology towards live deployments.”
Kevin Zemrowsky, technical director, Imaginary Pictures, added, “Our team provided the critical interface between practical live production and this advanced R&D project, bringing the action closer to the fans. This real-world demonstration of live video capture and streaming using 5G Broadcast is a major step forward, proving what’s possible for event broadcasting.”
The next deployment of ONE4HDD will take place at Twickenham on November 24th, as England take on Japan in the final match of the Autumn Nations Series 2024.
