NBC Sports Regional Networks has undertaken a comprehensive overhaul of its insert graphics and graphics workflow, migrating to a cloud-based graphics system across its portfolio of regional sports networks (RSNs). This marks the first major update for the networks’ insert graphics in almost a decade, signifying a shift in their approach to producing live sports broadcasts.
The redesign was initiated through a collaborative effort between NBC Sports Regional Networks and the NBC Sports Group team in Stanford. This collaboration was spurred by the success of a new graphics package developed by the NBC Sports Group team for Big Ten coverage, including college football and basketball. Recognizing the potential for a design refresh, the networks partnered with NBC Sports to adapt and expand the Big Ten package for professional sports coverage, including NBA, NHL, and MLB.
“It was just the right time. They (NBC Sports Group) put together a really nice package, and we realized that it would be a great foundation,” said Earl Camburn, senior director, creative services at NBC Sports Regional Networks.
The collaboration exemplifies the growing synergy between NBCUniversal units. “We immediately understood there would be an incredible benefit to share our expertise on both sides,” said Camburn, noting the updated files were provided back to NBC Sports and even used for Olympic trials earlier this year.
Concurrently with the graphics redesign, NBC Sports Regional Networks transitioned to a new graphics creation and playout system utilizing Ross Video’s XPression platform. This facilitated the exploration of a cloud-based graphics workflow, implemented in partnership with Game Creek Video. The setup leverages cloud computing via GCV Anywhere to generate and play out graphics in real-time during live broadcasts, seamlessly integrating with Game Creek’s production trucks at various sporting event sites.
The new graphics package for NBC Sports Regional Networks prioritizes bold team colors and logo representation, aiming to evoke an emotional response from fans. The design departs from some of the 3D elements used in the previous design, opting for a crisp, clean aesthetic.
“One of the things that is always very important to us as a creative department is bold team color and logo representation of the teams, because that’s what the fan really responds to the most emotionally,” said Camburn. “We really wanted to capture that in this package. It’s very sharp. It’s a little bit less dependent on the 3D that we did and NBC did in the past, but it’s very crisp, very clean.”
The package was developed to be adaptable to the diverse teams and leagues covered by the regional sports networks. It also aims to provide producers with a broad array of tools and options, acknowledging that each producer has unique preferences in presenting a game.
A key advantage of the new package is its efficiency. The shift from the previous system to Ross Video’s XPression platform has significantly reduced the number of graphics templates required. “We used to have like a thousand shells, a thousand different shells to represent every element, and with XPression it really boils down to maybe a couple dozen templates that then you go into and they expand,” Camburn explained. “So the load is much different, and therefore it’s more efficient and quicker to use and much more nimble in the control room.”
The development process for the new package commenced in January, with delivery completed by mid-July, ahead of schedule. This timeline allowed for thorough testing and operator training before implementation.
The NBC team collaborated with The Academy of Lower Thirds on the package build inside XPression, along with Northern Theory for team versioning.
The updated workflow hosts graphics engines in the cloud utilizing Game Creek Video’s GCV Anywhere platform, enabling operators to access them from any location and send final outputs to any destination. This flexibility is especially beneficial for remote productions, allowing graphics operators to work from diverse locations while maintaining access to the essential tools and assets for each team’s broadcast.
The cloud-based system also facilitates centralized file management. A central graphics team can remotely push updates to the package across all engines, ensuring consistency and reducing the need for manual interventions. This centralized approach also allows each market to align assets between their studio and live event production more easily, automating processes that previously required manual file transfers.
“We are using cloud compute to play out the graphics real-time and operating them real-time, which is unique,” noted Dorn. “I think people are comfortable with the idea of hosting their files in cloud. … But when it comes to actually using it for real-time services, people get worried about latency and stuff like that, and this is a real testament to the power of centralized compute resourcing.”
Game Creek Video manages the cloud infrastructure, maintaining virtual instances that NBC Sports Regional Networks’ teams access remotely from production spaces, whether in a truck or a fixed facility.
The implementation of a cloud-based workflow for live sports production faced initial skepticism from various stakeholders. Concerns primarily centered around potential latency issues and the stability of network connectivity.
“I think latency and stability of connectivity are the biggest concerns that we get from people,” Dorn acknowledged. “And compared to some of our REMI workflows that we have today and elsewhere, we actually are beating the latency time that we have in other productions, which is also a really cool story to tell.”
To address these concerns, the project team conducted extensive testing and developed comprehensive contingency plans. They worked closely with NBCUniversal’s cybersecurity team, the regional sports networks’ operations teams, and to pressure-test the system and identify potential failure modes. The team developed backup connectivity options and disaster recovery plans to address various scenarios, including power outages or connectivity issues at event venues. These plans involve clear escalation paths and procedures to quickly resolve any issues that may arise during a broadcast.
“We have both cybersecurity practices and physical security practices to make sure that our assets and our workflows are secure. And making sure that we have the right escalation processes, the right network connectivity and backup so that if there ever are any issues with connectivity, they can be resolved quickly, either automatically or with proper escalation,” said Dorn.
One advantage of the cloud-based approach is the ability to rapidly deploy new graphics engines as needed.
“If you need a new engine, you just make one and it’s ready almost instantaneously. And that’s not something you can do with physical engines,” Dorn explained.
At the venue level, the new workflow requires minimal additional equipment in Game Creek’s production trucks. The trucks need decoders to receive video from the cloud and lightweight computers with specialized keyboards for XPression operation.
“We are the first regional sports network to attempt this, so that’s a great point of pride for everybody involved in the project,” said Camburn. “We were not going to go through with this until we were absolutely assured. … It was really fun to watch that process happen.”
The new graphics package and cloud-based workflow are now operational across NBC Sports Regional Networks, serving markets including the San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia. As the system sees more use in live productions, it may continue to evolve based on real-world performance and user feedback.