LiveU: Enhanced Coverage with Actua Sport at European Athletics Championships

Acting as the host broadcaster under the European Broadcast Union (EBU) mandate, Actua Sport delivered nearly 200 hours of live-streamed coverage across television and streaming platforms, with 15 championship records set during the event.

Production Responsibilities and Technological Integration

Actua Sport managed all live coverage of track and field events, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage for 35 European broadcasters. They selected high-quality solutions to meet production demands and sustainability requirements. LiveU’s technology was a key component of their hybrid remote and on-site Lightweight Production, covering live contribution, production, and distribution.

Innovative Use of Monowheels

For the first time at a major athletics event, Actua Sport used live cameras on fully electric monowheels to offer unique angles and enhance fan engagement. They deployed LiveU field units, including the multi-camera LU800, to transmit signals from cameras on monowheels and hand-held gimbals positioned at strategic points on the courses. Additionally, two LU800s captured behind-the-scenes footage around the stadium.

Director’s Comments on LiveU Technology

Franck Choquard, Director of Actua Sport, highlighted the reliability and cost-effectiveness of LiveU’s technology compared to traditional RF workflows. The seamless integration of LiveU’s IP Pipe tool with their Color Matching Unit technology ensured proper color grading and frame-synced signals to the OB vans.

Cloud IP Distribution with LiveU Matrix

Actua Sport utilized LiveU Matrix for cloud IP distribution to the 35 takers, complementing traditional satellite or fiber connectivity. They managed 12 feeds on-site and remotely, distributing production feeds in LRT™ or SRT to takers and cloud-based platforms. Some takers used these feeds to create their own main feed.

End-to-End Cloud-Based Workflow

LiveU Studio, a cloud-native video production solution, was used in an end-to-end cloud-based workflow. Standalone feeds were connected in Matrix to a remote gallery as part of the live production, a workflow repeated at the European Athletics U18 Championships in Slovakia (July 18-21).

Sustainability and Efficiency

Choquard emphasized the sustainability benefits of LiveU technology, which reduced the number of on-site personnel and costs. Using RF technology for the external races would have required additional aerial solutions like helicopters or planes.

Customer Support and Relationship

Choquard praised LiveU’s open-minded and flexible approach, noting their exceptional customer support. Roy Hasson, VP Global SaaS and Solution Sales at LiveU, highlighted the strong relationship with Actua Sport and the success of the project in enhancing production values and audience engagement.

LiveU’s IP-video EcoSystem played a crucial role in the European Athletics Championships, providing innovative and sustainable solutions for live sports coverage. This collaboration set new standards for sports broadcasting and demonstrated the potential of cloud-based workflows in major events.