IBC 2007 (Outdoor Exhibit 390a)
Livewire Digital is upgrading its portfolio of store and forward, and contribution systems to bring High-Definition video from the high seas for the Volvo Ocean Race 2008. Livewire will provide a new on-board High Definition (HD) broadcast system for the 2008-2009 event, the tenth and most anticipated race in its history. ‘Media Desk HD’ will be developed by Livewire Digital to capture the excitement, danger and sheer adrenaline rush of the race on HD video for the first time. It will relay transmissions from participating yachts’ on-board cameras.
Andy Hindley, race director of the Volvo Ocean Race, decided to move to HD to bring the audience closer to the action and to maintain the Volvo Ocean Race as the world’s premier yacht race. “Surpassing the 1.8 billion viewers set by the last race will be a serious challenge, but we are determined to provide fans with the best view possible. Livewire Digital’s previous record with the Volvo Ocean Race is exemplary and I am confident they will exceed all our quality expectations.”
To accommodate these new technologies, Livewire Digital will create the second generation Media Desk, the “Media Desk HD”. It will offer the possibility of HD acquisition from a new generation of on-board HD cameras, and the ability to perform HD Store and Forward to Race office during the Ocean Legs. Each yacht taking part in the race will have a dedicated on-board media specialist responsible for the acquisition, editing and delivery of on-board HD footage.
Media Desk HD will incorporate Livewire Digital’s M-Link technology, the industry standard for remote newsgathering. The new system will support the latest Fleet satellite services from Inmarsat.
Tristan Wood, Managing Director of Livewire Digital, explained “We are delighted to be bringing the next generation of the Media Desk to the 2008-2009 Volvo Ocean Race. Livewire looks forward to the technical challenges of moving to High Definition and delivering on-board HD content that viewers are now starting to experience in their living rooms.”