The 2024 Paris Summer Games have ushered in a new era for remote production in sports broadcasting. While the International Broadcast Centre (IBC) in Paris will still be a hub of activity, it will be less of a production compound and more of a signal relay point for broadcasters.
This shift towards remote production is driven by advancements in technology, specifically:
- Increased Bandwidth: The cost of bandwidth has significantly decreased, making it more affordable to transmit multiple high-quality signals over long distances.
- HDR Workflows: Standardized HDR workflows have been developed, allowing broadcasters to produce and share HDR content remotely. This includes creating SDR versions for legacy distributions.
- JPEG XS Codec: This new codec drastically reduces latency in signal transmission, enabling seamless communication between on-site camera operators and remote production teams.
"The 2024 Paris Summer Games are expected to mark a significant milestone in live HDR broadcasting, with several world broadcasters planning to incorporate HDR productions to varying extents," explains a spokesperson from Imagine Communications.
This combination of technological advancements has made remote production a viable solution for even the most high-profile sporting events. The ability to remotely produce events offers cost savings, flexibility, and efficiency benefits for broadcasters.
Imagine Communications’ Selenio Network Processor (SNP) is a key component in enabling these remote workflows. The SNP supports JPEG XS, UHD, and HDR conversion capabilities, making it a versatile tool for remote production.
"At Imagine Communications, many of our customers have found that the JPEG XS codec offers the ideal combination of high picture quality, ultra-low latency, with an 8:1 bandwidth savings over uncompressed — allowing them to achieve the look they want while enjoying the benefits of the remote/split production," notes the spokesperson.
The 2024 Paris Games will be remembered as a pivotal moment in remote production, and companies like Imagine Communications are playing a key role in this evolution.