Baku Media Center Trust in Broadcast Solutions OB Trucks at UEFA Europa League Final
The Azerbaijan capital Baku hosted the UEFA Europa League Final between Arsenal London and Chelsea. BT Sport Channel broadcasted the all-British final with the help of local Broadcast technology provider Baku Media Center together with Sunset + Vine production company. For the final, Baku Media deployed its mobile production fleet, all developed by Broadcast Solutions. BT Sport, one of the largest telecom providers, will screen the game on their channels plus a free stream on YouTube in UHD.
Broadcast Solutions, Europe’s largest OB Van manufacturer, has a long-lasting relationship with Baku Media Center. The German company has delivered several production vehicles, including a 16 camera Streamline S16 trailer plus support vehicle and DSNG. In April 2019 and just in time for the UEFA final Broadcast Solutions delivered an additional 12 camera OB plus supporting truck to Baku Media Center, that was also used at the UEFA Europa League final.
The new OB truck is based on the Streamline S8L design. Streamline OB Vans are pre-engineered production vehicles and with over 40 units sold the most successful OB Vans on the market. Because of the adjusted Streamline concept the S8L offers three dedicated rooms in a box-body combination with 10-12 workplaces and works with up to 12 cameras. For customer Baku Media Center Broadcast Solutions combined the OB Van with a supporting truck of the same size plus generator trailer, thus offering maximum flexibility in the field.
For the Europa League final, Baku Media Center provided service with the two OB Vans to cover the action from the field and a unique studio. The signals were aired to the satellite using a Broadcast Solutions special-built DSNG unit with a four-wheel-drive SUV, developed for Baku Media Center.
Everett AquaSox Upgrade Outfield with Daktronics Video Display
The Everett AquaSox have selected Daktronics to upgrade the visual technology in their outfield at Funko Field in Everett, Washington. The new 15HD video display will be the largest in the Northwest League and is heading to the ballpark this spring.
“This new Daktronics video board will double the size of our existing board making this an absolute Home Run for AquaSox fans!” stated AquaSox General Manager Danny Tetzlaff. “This project would not be possible without the continued support of IBEW Local 191 and NECA – Cascade Chapter. The new video display will take the fan experience to an entirely new level at Funko Field!”
Bringing a large video presence to the outfield, the new LED video display will measure 20 feet high by 40 feet wide featuring a 15HD pixel layout. It also features industry-leading environmental protection and wide-angle visibility to appeal to fans in every seat.
“This new display will WOW the fans at Funko Field for years to come!” said Brady Jacobsen, Daktronics regional manager. “We want to thank the AquaSox for putting their confidence in Daktronics to deliver the largest video board in the Northwest League that will bring a game-day experience that is second to none at this level of baseball.”
The display is capable of variable content zoning which allows it to show one large image or multiple separate zones of content. Live video, instant replays, up-to-the-minute statistics, graphics, animations and sponsorship messages can be shown individually or simultaneously using this technology. The versatility allows the team an added level of flexibility for their game-day productions.
NFL Team Chooses VidOvation and ABonAir for Wireless Camera Coverage
VidOvation today announced that an NFL team has deployed the ABonAir AB512 wireless camera system with integrated camera control, paint, and intercom to transmit signals with great reliability and flexibility within its stadium during NFL broadcasts.
"Reliable and low-latency wireless is critical when sending live in-house video feeds to the big screen, yet it can be very difficult to achieve in a stadium filled with people. The ABonAir AB512 is the only system that not only succeeds but excels in this challenging application and environment," said Jim Jachetta, executive vice president and chief technology officer at VidOvation.
"The AB512 system feeds live, extremely low-latency video to the in-house production workflow — seven milliseconds instead of 30 to 90. The AB512 is a great choice for sports venues because it provides superior wireless performance and the industry's best video quality at a significantly lower cost than comparable systems."
In addition to holding regular NFL games, this stadium has hosted several NFL championships and other high-profile events to capacity crowds, making wireless camera coverage a challenge because potentially tens of thousands of people are also using the wireless network. The AB512 replaces the venue's legacy wireless system, the high latency of which made camera control and production very difficult and sometimes caused glitches in the broadcast. The AB512 system operates on the unlicensed 5-gigahertz RF band.
The system continuously scans that spectrum looking for a channel with the best performance and will dynamically change channels without dropping a single bit. The system uses multiple ABonAir Fiber Coverage Extenders to support unwavering wireless RF coverage throughout the nearly 70,000-seat venue — on the field, in the stands, and moreover fibre-optic cable instead of bulky coax. Importantly, the transmission happens at an industry-low seven-millisecond delay instead of the 30- to 90-millisecond latency of other wireless systems. This low delay enables the team's camera crews to transmit video directly from cameras to its media centre or OB trucks wirelessly without interruption.
The wireless coverage can be easily expanded at any time for coverage outside the venue to capture tailgate and fan activity in and around the venue. The AB512 system can support up to 256 Fiber Coverage Extenders, providing a virtually unlimited coverage area. The AB512 system also meets all the team's other requirements for reliable, flexible wireless transmission: dynamic modulation, forward error correction, automatic re-requests, and adaptive variable bit rate built on a bidirectional wireless radio.
Finally, the AB512 system integrates camera control, paint, and intercom with extremely low latency — something the legacy system could not do. The one-of-a-kind ABonAir AB512 wireless video link reduces delay to a mere seven milliseconds for live event coverage, multicamera productions, and any other application in which latency of two to six frames or 30 to 90 milliseconds is unacceptable. Such low latency makes it possible to produce multicamera and live shows without worrying about lip sync problems caused by the lag or delays from the simultaneous operation of multiple cameras.
The system features an RF spectrum analyzer that automatically selects and hops to the best RF channel without dropping a single bit, while modulation and bit rate adapt themselves based on RF link conditions. Users get long-range, high-performance, broadcast-grade transmission of live video at distances up to two miles. The team's new AB512 wireless camera system will be operating in time for the start of the next NFL season.
Gino Pellicano and Dan Palmer Named as L-Acoustics Sports Facilities and Consultant Outreach Team
With the increasing demand for concert-level audio in sports arenas to elevate the live sports experience, L-Acoustics products have evolved to incorporate greater levels of control and integration as well as weatherization to match outdoor installation requirements. In tandem with these product developments, the L-Acoustics team supporting this thriving market sector has also evolved, as recently evidenced by the appointment of Gino Pellicano to the new post of Application Manager for Sports Facilities and Consultant Outreach.
To create the L-Acoustics Sports team, Dan Palmer has been promoted to Business Development Manager, Sports Facilities - USA and Canada, after 10 years with the L-Acoustics Application team. He will be working in tandem with Pellicano, who is also based in the manufacturer’s Westlake Village, California office and now oversees all technical support for L-Acoustics’ sports facility vertical market and its client base.
Gino is also tasked with leading the company’s outreach to major sound design consulting and integration firms across North America, both to educate and learn from this key community of sound design experts.
Gino joins L-Acoustics from Powersoft, where he served as the amplifier manufacturer’s market development and applications manager for North America. Prior to that, he worked as a project engineer for Burbank-based Electrosonic, following several years spent as an applications engineer for Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW). Pellicano has also previously held design/consultant positions at both Technomedia Solutions and SIA Acoustics.
“Having worked for manufacturers of both loudspeakers and electronics as well as several leading systems integration and consulting firms, Gino’s background is uniquely suited to fit the L-Acoustics install application team,” explained Laurent Vaissié, L-Acoustics CEO - USA and Canada, who announced Gino’s appointment. “His technical acumen combined with organization and communication skills as well as his strong dedication are the perfect match to manage our technical support for the booming sports entertainment market.”
“Dan Palmer, in his new role, will be running in stride with Gino to manage all aspects of this vertical market for L-Acoustics moving forward,” Vaissié added. “Dan has been instrumental in supporting system integrators, end users, and consulting firms over the past decade. As a direct result of Dan’s work, L-Acoustics is now recognized as a major provider of audio solutions for sports entertainment. Dan and Gino will lead the way towards an even greater outreach and support for major sports facilities in the US and Canada.”
L-Acoustics Director of Application, Installations Cédric Montrezor shared Laurent’s enthusiasm for this new “sports team” of Gino and Dan. “Dan has been with L-Acoustics for over ten years as a respected colleague and leader in opening new markets for the company,” noted Cédric. “As his technical counterpart, Gino is well positioned to serve the needs of our current sports facilities clients and to reach out to the broader consultant community. With the widespread adoption of AVB for audio and the popularity of our P1 AVB processor, Gino’s electronics expertise constitutes a valuable asset to helping our end users and clients optimize networking and interoperability for their projects.”
At InfoComm 2019 in Orlando, Gino and Dan will both be involved on a vendor-neutral seminar titled “Players and Perspectives in Sports Venue Sound System Integration,” which will be held in Orange County Convention Center room W414C starting at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12. This panel session will present the perspectives of various designers, integrators, manufacturers, and end users involved in major sports stadia worldwide and allow attendees to learn about the opportunities and challenges for sound system integration driven by rising expectations for immersive, AV-rich experiences.
Texas Rangers Introducing Nine Daktronics LED Video Displays
Daktronics continue a long relationship with the Texas Rangers by providing nine LED displays and approximately 1,400 LCD for an IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) system at the team’s new Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Eight new SMD (Surface-Mount Device) LED displays, a centerfield 15HD display and all LCDs will be fully integrated using Daktronics Show Control System.
The announcement was made during a media event at Globe Life Field with representatives of the Rangers and Daktronics.
“The Rangers and Daktronics have enjoyed a great partnership that dates back to 1993,” said Rangers Executive Vice President, Ballpark Entertainment Chuck Morgan, who has also served as the club’s public address announcer at Arlington Stadium and Globe Life Park since 1983. “With its state-of-the-art technology, Daktronics has assisted us in providing the best possible ballpark entertainment for our fans for many years.
“The equipment and technology Daktronics is providing at the new Globe Life Field will bring the ballpark experience to an even higher level and it’s been a pleasure working with them on this project.”
The largest display will tower over right field and measure approximately 58 feet high by 150 feet wide. The display in left field will measure 40 feet high by 111 feet wide. These displays feature 15-millimetre line spacing using SMD 3-in-1 LED technology.
Together, these two displays will provide fans with 13,000 square feet of entertainment and information. These displays feature a total of 5.2 million pixels for high-resolution images and it would take 1,220 60-inch televisions to cover both displays.
Both outfield displays are capable of variable content zoning allowing each to show one large image or to be divided into multiple zones to show any combination of live video, instant replays, up-to-the-minute statistics, graphics and sponsorship messages.
“This system will feature a main video display that is beyond HD resolution using the latest SMD technology that is increasingly becoming standard in these large displays,” said Daktronics President and CEO Reece Kurtenbach. “Another eight displays in the bowl and an IPTV network of displays throughout the stadium creates a comprehensive solution of displays around the stadium to deliver an immersive experience for the fans. These technologies, powered by an innovative broadcast-quality control system and service expertise, will take the new home of the Texas Rangers to another level of game-day experience.”
Spanning the length of the seating fascia from foul pole to foul pole, a ribbon display will measure 2.5 feet high by 925 feet long. On the suite level fascia, a ribbon display will measure 3.5 feet high by 211 feet long. These displays also feature 15-millimetre line spacing and SMD technology to provide supplemental information to the main displays while providing the opportunity to highlight sponsors throughout events.
Two displays using 6-millimetre line spacing will be installed on the field-level suite fascia behind home plate and the display in centerfield will feature a 15HD pixel layout and measure 80 feet high by 20 feet wide to provide additional information for fans and sponsors. The Texas Sky Porch will feature a 3.9-millimetre video wall display to connect with fans in the club area. The interview room will feature a 2.5-millimetre narrow pixel pitch display to highlight sponsors as a press conference backdrop.
LD Systems Gives RodeoHouston Fans a Thrilling Ride with L-Acoustics
Drawing more than 2.5 million visitors to Houston’s NRG Stadium over its three-week run, this year’s RodeoHouston was a record-breaking success on multiple counts. Featuring daily double-bills of spirited rodeo action and major concert events hosted by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR), attendance records for the event were topped no less than three times in 2019: on March 1, when Cardi B performed for an audience of 75,580 fans; again on March 10, when Los Tigres del Norte slightly overtook the lead with a crowd of 75,586; and finally on March 17, when George Strait, the “King of Country,” packed in an all-time NRG Stadium record attendance of 80,108 for his 30th Rodeo performance.
Keeping this many music lovers happily singing along with their favourite artists required a massive concert sound system, and Houston-based LD Systems once again took the bull by the horns and deployed 360 L-Acoustics loudspeaker enclosures for the event’s PA.
With a diverse Star Entertainer Lineup that ran the gamut from pop (Camila Cabello) to EDM (Zedd) to rock (Carlos Santana), as well as plenty of country artists (Brad Paisley, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, etc.), RodeoHoustonrequired a sound system that was as versatile as it was powerful. LD Systems’ solution? A system based on L-Acoustics’ K1.
“We first started taking delivery of K1 in August of 2012 and began to use it at the Rodeo in early 2013,” recalled LD Systems Director of Production Services Robert Ausmus, who noted that the company has been providing sound reinforcement for HLSR since 1992.
“We’ve used K1 for this event every year since then, first and foremost for its ability to throw and provide exceptional low-end pattern control in difficult acoustical environments like this. The systems we used prior to L-Acoustics were never quite able to achieve optimal control, and low-end impact was always an issue. That’s never been a problem with K1.”
Using L-Acoustics’ Soundvision acoustical modeling software, LD Systems ultimately specified a temporary fixed system featuring eight arrays comprised of four K1-SB subs over nine K1 enclosures plus six Kara downs—hung four per side across the long sides of the stadium—and four additional arrays of four K1-SB over ten K1, flown two per end zone. A total of twelve hangs each comprised of six K2 addressed the full circle of upper bowl seats, while four hangs of eight K2 fired at the temporary chute seat located on the dirt after the rodeo.
For George Strait’s final-day concert with special guests Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen, four under-scoreboard hangs each made up of four ARCS II provided supplementary coverage to the 6,347 seats that were added to the stadium floor after rodeo dirt and infrastructure were removed. Eight compact Kiva II enclosures were also deployed for apron fill, while two-dozen ground-stacked KS28 subs provided additional low-end kick for the record-breaking show.
The last time Strait performed at RodeoHouston was in 2013 as part of his farewell The Cowboy Rides Away Tour. Since then, the production has seen the debut of a 360° rotating star-shaped stage, which required a slight modification of the event’s sound system design. "Soundvision is an indispensable tool,” said Robert.
“This year, the array locations needed to be tweaked a touch and Soundvision was used to validate these new locations. This was especially helpful for the George Strait transition, where Soundvision played a key factor in the design to ensure optimal coverage and performance. There were no ‘second chances’ based on extremely limited time with the system prior to sound checks starting less than 16 hours after the last rodeo performance with Brad Paisley. It had to be right, and with Soundvision it was."
All of the L-Acoustics loudspeaker systems were collectively driven by a grand total of 138 LA8 and 12 LA12X amplified controllers, most of which were housed in LA-RAK carts stacked above the flown arrays to minimize both cable runs and gear footprint. Furthermore a stage monitoring package featuring 16 115XT HiQ monitor wedges, two Syva side-fill stacks and two SB18 subs rounded out the L-Acoustics complement.
According to the HLSR team, the performance of this year’s sound system was a complete success—from the crisp intelligibility of the spoken word during the sporting events to the breathtaking fidelity of the concerts that followed them.
“At the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, we strive to be the best at everything we do, and this includes our stadium presentation and all the necessary technology,” shared HLSR Audio Visual Presentations and Broadcast Managing Director James Davidson.
“It’s a challenge to maintain our high standards in that 72,000-seat room, and the only time that the sound is worthy of the A-list artists we bring in is when we have LD Systems supporting us with their L-Acoustics rig. It’s always the no-excuses solution.”
“We produce 20 major stadium concerts during our show, featuring some the biggest stars in the entertainment industry,” added HLSR Entertainment Managing Director Jason Kane.
“Having a partner like LD Systems providing first class-sound with its K1 rig is essential to delivering an unforgettable performance. When the artists agree to play our event, their production teams are always at ease when they learn that we fly L-Acoustics.”
Following RodeoHouston, LD Systems’ K1 systems are being kept in high demand on a number of festivals, including Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, plus at the 2019 NFL Draft in Nashville and on many cross-rental opportunities.
With such a relentless schedule, Ausmus added that he appreciates what he calls L-Acoustics’: “tireless 24/7 support. In my 38 years in this business, I personally have never seen another manufacturer match their commitment to customer care. They’re a true team of veterans, and they’ve almost always been able to send someone out to assist us when we’ve requested it. It’s really been a pleasure to be made to feel that we’re a part of such a winning team and product line.”
The SSE Arena Installs New In-auditorium LED Lighting System
The SSE Arena, Wembley, one of the UK’s most iconic concert and events venues, has installed a brand-new house lighting system in its 12,000 capacity auditorium that is set to lower costs, reduce emissions and open up the venue to potential new avenues of revenue from major sporting events.
SSE Enterprise Contracting, one of the largest contracting businesses in the UK was tasked with the install, which began in late 2018. The work included the removal of 99 x 1500w halogen lamps with an hourly power use of 148KW, which only gave 300 maximum LUX across the auditorium floor. Once removed, the entire system was updated with 60 new LED lamp units.
The new units can provide up to 1,500LUX across the auditorium floor and have a maximum power rating of 964W. This means that the auditorium can be lit to the same level as previously with halogen lamps, using just 5% of the available power. This will lead to an estimated £80,000 saving per year in energy costs and maintenance requirements.
Peter Fewings, Technical and Building Services Director, The SSE Arena, Wembley, said: “We’re very happy with the install of the new lighting rig at The SSE Arena, Wembley. Not only are we saving in energy costs, but we can now also light the auditorium to a standard expected from major sporting events. We look forward to the new opportunities this system will open up to us as we continue to upgrade our lighting systems throughout the venue.”
Peter Ryde, SSE Enterprise Contracting Marketing Manager, added: “At SSE Enterprise Contracting, we are collaborating with the industry’s leading technology companies to bring energy efficient innovation direct to our customers. This practice has ensured many organisations from local authorities to heavy industry to actively reduce their energy spend and meet their challenging carbon targets through employing the latest, future proof technology to ensure their facilities operate smart, greener and more effectively.”
Swimmers Enjoy Crystal Clear Audio Thanks To Work Pro
City pool Pula-Pola, a new leisure complex in Croatia, has invested in a high-tech Work Pro audio system for its swimming pool area to ensure that customers can enjoy music while they swim and – more importantly - clearly hear any public safety announcements.
Located in the city of Pula, the pool is a focal point for the local community and regularly hosts events such as swimming lessons, competitions, aquarobics and swimming parties for children. As speech intelligibility was a key requirement of the new audio system, installation company ISKRATRADE had no hesitation in specifying products from WORK PRO, the installation, pro audio and lighting division of Equipson.
“Wall to wall tiling and other hard materials make swimming pools one of the most challenging acoustic environments for an installation company to deal with,” said Robert Wolf, CEO of Rijeka-based ISKRATRADE, which was tasked with specifying and installing the new audio system. “As well as reverberation and echoes, we also had to factor in ambient noise caused by people talking, chatting, splashing and generally having a good time. However, the directivity of the WORK PRO speakers, combined with good placement, enabled us to complete this project effectively and deliver a system that sounds good in all areas of the pool.”
The system installed in Pula includes 15 WFS 10 CX speakers, which were chosen for two reasons – their directivity and their ability to withstand moisture.
“Obviously, with an environment like a swimming pool where the air has a high moisture content, you need products that are waterproof,” Robert said. “These fibreglass speakers are specially designed for spaces and installations that are wet and humid and have a protective water resistant fabric covering their steel grilles, making them ideal for this project.”
The system also includes an eight output WSE 81 starting sequencer and power distributor that allows users to link various devices and implement a general start sequence; a Digiline MX processor that can automatically handle functions such as pre-set changes and channel mutes; a Work Pro PA4120 4-channel amplifier; a completely programmable eight zone SPS8 Smart Paging Station that doubles as a paging microphone and an audio streamer and can also act as an alarm manager; WRD 255 handheld wireless microphones that include features to eliminate noise caused by distance or other devices on the same bandwidth; a WPE 26N loudspeaker management system for the pool space; Zenith amplifiers and a Club Master 1 mixer housed in a mobile rack.
The whole system is run by Work Pro WorkCAD Designer software, which manages audio through TCP/IP and USB, and a wall-mounted WNC 1 Ethernet programmable controller that is able to control input sources and volume.
“We completed this project at the end of 2018 and our customer is delighted with the end result,” Robert added. “The sound quality is superb and that all important speech intelligibility is spot on.”
Astro Spatial Audio Delivers for e-sports in Los Angeles
Astro Spatial Audio is at the centre of a ground-breaking new flagship e-sports studio in Los Angeles, bringing true object-based three dimensional sound to one of the world’s fastest-growing areas of sports entertainment.
For millions of fans worldwide, the future of sports can be found not on a pitch or a field, but on a screen, with e-sports such as League of Legends and Player Unknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) having now entered the mainstream.
For leading South Korean e-sports promoter and broadcaster OGN, the enormous popularity of PUBG has prompted the opening of its first dedicated North American e-sports arena, located in Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, California. Equipped with 80 PCs on stage with a stunning backdrop of giant three sided immersive LED screen, the 35,000 sq-ft arena delivers unmissable entertainment not only for those watching at home but also the in-house audience. A key part of the experience is true object-based 3D sound courtesy of Astro Spatial Audio.
“The studio’s screens and audio set-up have been designed to provide a more immersive experience than you’d traditionally expect in a TV studio,” explained Matthew Park responsible for the audio project management at OGN. “In particular, we are trying to convey a unique experience to the audience in real time using the PUBG game’s API data plus sound location information and directional sound. The real-time 3D sound of the game can be reproduced in the studio. It delivers a real wow factor for the studio audience.”
Working seamlessly with the OGN Arena's Meyer Sound loudspeaker set-up, plus D3 media servers and a combination of QLab and Pro Tools, a single SARA II Premium Rendering Engine is enough to bring the virtual immersive experience of PUBG into the real world.
Measuring just 3U but delivering up to 128 MADI or 128 Dante configurable network pathways, the award-winning SARA II converts audio signals into audio objects and uses extensive metadata to precisely calculate that object positions within virtual 3D space over 160,000 times per second, as well as that object’s acoustic effect on the virtual space around it. Crucially, Astro Spatial Audio is entirely brand independent, freeing audio professionals to choose the loudspeakers, consoles and third party brands they want to use.
"Astro Spatial Audio 3D sound is an integral part of shows at the OGN Arena, where it's crucial that audience members feel utterly immersed in the action taking place on the screens," explained Astro Spatial Audio Managing Director Bjorn Van Munster. "The whole point of an e-sport like Player Unknown's Battlegrounds is that you can compete without the limits of the real world, so of course OGN wanted to extend that same feeling to everyone in the room.
"If a player in the game fires a gun, the audience hears the bullets whistle past, if a grenade is thrown, it feels as if it has exploded in the arena.”
Having first experienced Astro Spatial Audio at a demonstration in Seoul, Park is happy to report that it is more than meeting his expectations. “It's helping a lot,” he asserted. “The SARA II is working just as well as we hoped. It’s inspired us to develop more 3D audio content so in time we’re going to be able to do even more. For now, the system makes a big impression with our audiences. We have great expectations of what we will go on to achieve.”
VITEC's Digital Signage Solution Captivates Fans at Northwestern University's New Arena
VITEC, a worldwide leader in advanced video encoding and streaming solutions, today announced that it's multi-award-winning EZ TV IPTV & Digital Signage Solution for Sports Venues was successfully installed in the Welsh-Ryan Arena at Northwestern University (NU).
As part of the $110-million renovation, EZ TV distributes ultra-low-latency, high-quality live game day feeds, digital signage and video wall content, and IPTV streams from multiple service providers to more than 75 screens in the facility. NU can easily and affordably create eye-catching digital signage campaigns or point-of-sale menu boards and centrally manage every content feed and IPTV streams from the same intuitive user interface, setting a new benchmark in fan engagement, facility management, and revenue.
"The Chicago area is home to many professional sports teams and spectacular entertainment venues. This environment has driven our fans to expect a similar memorable and captivating experience at our games," said Brian Baptiste, NU's deputy director of athletics for capital projects and operations.
"VITEC's EZ TV puts NU's Welsh-Ryan Arena in the same class as the top sports facilities in the world. Now — whether fans are attending a basketball game, volleyball game, or wrestling match — screens throughout the venue are delivering all the action happening on the court, with striking digital signage and video wall content, to every corner of the arena."
As the premier platform for some of the nation's most advanced sports and entertainment venues, including the Sacramento Kings' Golden 1 Center and the Green Bay Packers' Lambeau Field, VITEC's EZ TV IPTV & Digital Signage Solutions for Sports Venues was an easy choice for NU and Mortensen, the general contractor for the renovation. EZ TV's high-performance, hardware-based endpoints carry the on-court action to more than 75 displays installed around the concourse, at the concessions, and within the Wilson Club over the facility's existing network infrastructure, engaging fans while reducing the capital and operational expenses associated with legacy solutions.
Within the same centralized platform, the school's small broadcast operations staff and sponsorship team is able to quickly create and manage video wall content, campaigns, and point-of-sale menu boards while generating new revenue opportunities. VITEC's 100-percent hardware-based video processors feature ultra-low-latency native playback of IPTV streams up to 4K and support interactive content, video, and imagery transformations. More than 50 displays can be managed from a single processor, including nonstandard layouts and resolutions of TVs.
The high-performance solution also supports scalability into the future with VITEC's mobile app, Media Library, and a suite of modular tools that further streamline media processes from live streaming to recording, archiving, and collaboration — easily allowing users to manage a full digital video experience across an entire venue.
"NU's Welsh-Ryan Arena is a great example of the IPTV, digital signage, and video content demands facing collegiate athletics today," said Joe Walsh, VP of Sales, Sports & Entertainment Venues, at VITEC. "With the superior quality, proven reliability, and versality of EZ TV, NU has created an exciting fan experience while being able to meet any future video and streaming requirements down the road. We are proud to be a part of revving up the fan energy and entertainment that will keep fans coming back for years to come."