Matchday cameras were connected via a standalone private 5G network BT had installed at the Stone X Stadium
BT Media & Broadcast combined with BT Sport and EE this weekend in a demonstration of how a private 5G network could be used to provide secure broadcast-grade infrastructure.
Media & Broadcast was demonstrating the new Vena network, connecting a number of matchday cameras to 5G for the Premiership Rugby match between Saracens v Northampton Saints.
The cameras’ output then formed part of the live BT Sport coverage of the match in a UK first – it’s the first time matchday cameras, as part of a customer broadcast, been enabled in this way. Traditionally, broadcast cameras connect to the Outside Broadcast solely using radio (RF) signals which rely on proprietary equipment. 5G-enables potentially a range of camera devices, in a wider range of locations, to be used, opening new creative and operational benefits to broadcasters.
Faisal Mahomed, Director of BT Media & Broadcast, said: “These pioneering collaborations demonstrate how our new smart broadcast network, Vena, along with private 5G and cloud technology, can make a huge difference to the way broadcasters produce coverage of rugby, football and other sports, and can provide several creative, sustainable, and operational benefits. BT continues to innovate and harness the power of 5G and cloud production to introduce new products and services for our customers and partners.”
In addition, BT Media & Broadcast, showcased at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium a cloud production demonstration, highlighting to customers and partners some of the innovative workflows enabled by this approach to production.
Jamie Hindhaugh, Head of BT Sport, said: “We are proud of our role in the track record of recent broadcast innovations across BT. This weekend’s innovations at Saracens continue to highlight the key role 5G will play in the future of sports television.”
It’s the latest in a series of collaborations around 5G and cloud technologies between BT Media & Broadcast, BT Sport, EE and BT Applied Research. In March this year, BT unveiled pioneering uses of 5G which re-imagine the experience of watching and performing sports, dance, music and theatre through virtual, augmented and mixed reality applications.
