TVU Networks, the cloud and IP-based live video production technology specialist, has announced that Sky in New Zealand is planning to use its TVU RPS multi-channel live remote production solution as part of a transmission model for the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. The transmission model was successfully deployed to deliver supplemental content during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the Beijing Winter Games.
At both events, Sky’s coverage consisted of feeds coming from the host broadcaster via the multi-channel services (MCS), which were sent to New Zealand using traditional paths, including satellite, fibre and IP/EPL links. For Sky’s additional supplemental feeds, it utilised the TVU RPS frame-synchronised remote production system using a single six-channel RPS encoder on location and a six-channel RPS decoder in New Zealand. The solution uses standard commodity internet and high-quality HEVC encoding, which TVU Networks says proved very economical and efficient.
“Our TVU set-up was rock solid for both events,” said Kerry Phelvin, Sky technical production manager. “During the Beijing Games, our TVU system was up and running for 16 days, running 24/7. The TVU RPS system performed flawlessly, moving over 30 terabytes in that period. Not only will we use this again for the Summer Games in Paris, but we may get a second RPS.”
For the Beijing Games, Sky used RPS to deliver six unilateral feeds and two studio return feeds between the event’s international broadcast centre and Sky’s main studio and transmission centre in Auckland. The unilateral feeds carried a mix of programming not featured on the main host broadcaster feed, such as longer format time-shifted replays, local beauty shots, and regional in-studio stand ups. The return feeds were used primarily for monitoring the studio productions in Auckland. A very similar set-up was used by Sky for coverage of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham (UK).
“It’s a testament to our technology and the people behind it that Sky, a broadcaster with such a storied reputation and known for its dynamic sports coverage, chose TVU RPS for their multi-channel, synchronised remote production needs,” said Dave Demmocks, sales director, Australia and New Zealand, TVU Networks. “We’re thrilled that our staff and our gear continue to meet the needs of a company like Sky. We are also appreciative of the team at Digital Video Technologies in Auckland who were instrumental in supporting Sky with this new technology.”
