The Belgium Cup Final, a thrilling match between Club Brugge and Anderlecht, recently made headlines not just for the exciting gameplay but also for its innovative use of 5G technology in broadcasting. This article delves into how technology companies Citymesh, NEP and Sony collaborated to carry out a successful 5G production trial on behalf of media group DPG Media.
Citymesh, a leading technology company and service provider, along with NEP and Sony carried out an extensive trial using private 5G network during the Belgium Cup Final. The goal was to explore how this advanced technology could enhance sports production and broadcast.
The trial used a private network set up by Citymesh. This network was utilized in two separate workflows that were integral to the successful broadcast of the match.
Carlo Waelens, general manager of Citymesh Temporary Solutions, said:
“This demonstrates the power of 5G for low latency applications. By deploying a local private 5G network, we avoided congestion with a packed stadium and were able to return the footage locally to the media compound, ensuring even lower latency. It’s a real pleasure to collaborate with NEP, DPG Media and Sony, partners who are always pushing boundaries. Citymesh is proud to lead the way in enabling cutting edge broadcast innovations to provide the public with an even better experience.”
Instantaneous content distribution
The first workflow revolved around a Sony FX3 camera equipped with a data transmitter (the PDT-FP1). This setup allowed images to be uploaded directly through the 5G network to the cloud. As such, it enabled instantaneous content distribution on match day - an essential feature for live sports events where real-time updates are crucial.
The second workflow involved more complex equipment - namely a Sony FX9 full-frame camera equipped with CBK-RPU7 remote production unit connected to PDT-FP1 data transmitter. At this connection's other end was NXL-ME80 (Media Edge Processor) which decoded signals before distributing them over to NEP’s OB van stationed outside King Baudouin Stadium.
This successful implementation at one of Belgium's most-watched football matches demonstrates the potential of 5G technology in revolutionizing sports broadcasting. By enabling instantaneous content distribution and advanced remote production capabilities, 5G technology can significantly enhance the viewing experience for sports fans worldwide. For sports betting fans, this advancement could mean more accurate real-time data, leading to better-informed betting decisions. As such, this trial not only marks a significant step forward for media groups like DPG Media but also paves the way for a new era in sports broadcasting and betting.
