Riedel Communications has announced its private 5G platform has been deployed to support coverage of the DTM racing series.
Developed in collaboration with Germany’s DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) series and broadcast service provider TV Skyline, the infrastructure uses Riedel’s Easy5G private 5G platform as the primary transmission system for onboard camera signals, aiming to enable more immersive motorsports coverage and opening the way to fully digitally connected cars on track, said the company.
The solution enables high-resolution video signals to be reliably transmitted directly from the cars, with data rates remaining robust even at top speed. All 21 DTM cars feature onboard cameras with six equipped with additional action cameras. Production of the Porsche Sixt Carrera Cup Germany incorporates 24 different camera angles, providing viewers with enhanced views of the action.
From the outset, the architecture has been designed to scale, providing the technical foundation for additional camera angles, higher data volumes and future production requirements, added Riedel. Additionally, the company’s DIVA+ infrastructure (Data, Intercom, Video, and Audio) forms the technical foundation for on-site production near the track, said the company.
Operating at a bandwidth of 100 MHz, the private 5G network achieves uplink data rates of up to 140 Mbit/s. Efficient spectrum utilisation enables high network capacity with comparatively low bandwidth, also ensuring growing data volumes are processed reliably. The topography-optimised design requires only four to seven antenna locations, depending on the track’s characteristics, aiming to minimise infrastructure requirements, added the company.
Lutz Rathmann, CEO managed technology at Riedel Communications, said, “With Easy5G, we’re bringing private 5G into live operations for an international racing series for the first time—and this is just the beginning. This isn’t just a one-off solution; it’s a future-proof platform for professional live productions.”
“As the DTM’s TV production partner and technical service provider, we are constantly working to innovate and further develop our product. We have identified a limitation in the area of onboard cameras, which we plan to resolve in the future using private 5G technology,” said Wolfgang Reeh, CEO TV Skyline.
Claudia Wagner, MD of DTM, added, “With our continued development of private 5G, we are laying the digital foundation for the next generation of DTM production: scalable, data-driven, flexible, and independent. With this technology and the ability to show spectacular onboard footage of all participants in every race, the DTM is setting a new standard. This gives us the foundation for new content formats and innovative fan experiences, thereby creating opportunities for sustainable new business models in motorsports.”
