RGB Broadcasting takes pride in its clientele that includes several major regional, national, and global brands. Through 2018 and 2019, RGB Broadcasting has had an opportunity of coordinating with ESPN Events on several major projects. This post gives insights on the project details such as the scope of work performed b RGB Broadcasting, challenges faced by the client, technologies involved, and so on.
A Brief Introduction to ESPN Events
ESPN Events is a subsidiary of ESPN Inc., and the organizer of various sporting events. These sporting events are broadcast over several channels in the ESPN network. ESPN covers all major sporting events like the Australian Open and IPL. It also covers Cricket World Cup and FIFA World Cup.
RGB Broadcasting has worked with the production team at ESPN Events to meet the challenges of production processing during these events through 2018 and 2019.
RGB Broadcasting’s Scope of Project
RGB Broadcasting understands the challenges and quantum of work involved in the studio and production control rooms (PCR) during sporting event broadcasts. The company has worked closely with the ESPN team during Australian Open, IPL Events, and Cricket World Cup 2019. The scope of work
included:
- Working with the ESPN production team to understand the production requirements of the event and build strategies accordingly
- Performing in-depth technical analysis and building a list of equipment required for the production
- Installation and testing of equipment as per the requirement
- Supporting the team at ESPN Events with resources such as LSM operators, graphics operators, and video editors
- Offered technical support and training to the ESPN team to manage the processing during the event
Challenges of Studio and PCR Implementation for ESPN Events
- Project Duration: Meeting the production requirements within short deadlines was one of the major challenges faced by RGB. The duration for Australian Open was 25 days and 2 engineers were allocated for the project; the duration of IPL was 75 days and 1 engineer was allocated; and the duration of Cricket World Cup was 46 days and 5 engineers worked on the project. Added to that, meeting the technology demands and completing timely testing was another humongous task
- Complex Workflows: This was another major challenge faced by the team. Although sports broadcasters follow a streamlined workflow, still, production processing involves lots of intricacies, which demand time and dedication.
Studio and Production Control Technology Employed by RGB Broadcasting for ESPN Events
- Cameras: ESPN Events employed Panasonic and Sony Cameras for studio and broadcasting. These professional cameras provide operational, creative, and economic flexibility
- Production Switchers: Sony and Grass Valley production switchers were used for production processing owing to their capabilities to process impressive content from various video resources such as disk recorders, cameras, and so on.
- Audio Mixers: Soundcraft and Yamaha audio mixers were used during the event. Known for their brilliant sound combination capabilities, these audio mixers helped modify the sound signals effectively.
- Recording, Playback and Replay: EVS 6 Channel XT 3 and IP Director combines the key elements of the production and meet demands of a tapeless workflow. IP Director software suite is widely used by sports broadcasters owing to its advanced features such as playout control, ingestion, asset management, logging, browsing, and highlight.
- Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality: Vizrt Graphics was used for augmented reality and virtual reality. Vizrt Graphics software allows users to locate archived video content and edit them, edit graphic templates, create playlists for on-air broadcasting, maintain content across social media platforms, and distribute content easily.
- Camera Tracking: StypeKit camera tracking technology was employed to achieve virtual studio or augmented reality in live sports broadcasts. The StypeKit is an advanced camera tracking system that is compatible with various popular camera crane brands. The StypeKit comprises sensors and can be easily bolted onto the key areas of the crane. It is also compatible with Vizrt Graphics and several other rendering-engines, and is widely used by sports broadcasters to augment the visual effect of shows through virtual, mixed and extended, as well as augmented reality.
- Microphones: Sennheiser microphones were used for anchor and guests because they can handle high sound pressure levels and offer brilliant acoustic experience. These microphones are designed to withstand abuse, which is why they are widely used by sports broadcasters and media houses as a go-to microphone.
- Preview: LG and Samsung TV systems were used for post-production owing to their well-equipped smart features.
- Encoder and Decoder: Harmonics encoders and decoders were used for sending and receiving feeds. They enable video compression and processing of a wide range of formats such as PEG-2 to H.264 and HEVC.
- Telephone Hybrid and Talkback System: AEQ digital hybrids are advanced systems that comprise the version of 1 or 2 telephone lines, AES/EBU digital inputs and outputs, as well as analog inputs and outputs. These hybrid systems are used for making calls or connecting multiple telephone lines during on-hold and on-air in the studio.
- Installation: Canford and Belden cables were used for installation because they help reduce EMI and other related issues.
RGB Broadcasting has established its strong footprint in sports broadcasting over the years. In 2015, RGB has worked with Start Sports helping to set up their production-ready studio before the start of Cricket World Cup 2015. The team at RGB believes that its experiences, technology investments, and valuable resources make it one of the most promising partners for broadcasters and media houses looking to expand or enter into the new era of broadcasting.
