During the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Scotland, Eurovision Sport, a division of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), showcased an innovative approach to sports broadcasting.
Leveraging its partnership with LiveU, a leader in live video solutions, Eurovision Sport delivered an enhanced and efficient coverage of this massive cycling event, which for the first time combined 13 World Championships across various disciplines like mountain biking, road cycling, track, and Para-cycling.
Eurovision Sport utilized the advanced LiveU EcoSystem for various aspects of the event. According to Franck Choquard, Head of Content & Platforms at Eurovision Sport, the focus was on utilizing cutting-edge technology to achieve cost-effectiveness and resilience in broadcasting. The primary challenge was to integrate feeds from diverse locations, including moving vehicles like motorbikes and helicopters, back to the remote Broadcast Operation Centre (BOC) located at BBC Scotland in Glasgow. This setup was managed by Actua Films, Eurovision Sport’s regular production partner.
The solution involved deploying 12 multi-camera LU800 units by Actua Films, facilitating both content acquisition and signal security. The versatility of LiveU’s technology proved essential, especially in moving vehicles. Eurovision Sport also employed LiveU Matrix and Cloud Connect for production feed contribution, enhancing the distribution to its takers, including those focusing on digital platforms.
Eurovision Sport has adopted a hybrid model for broadcasting, combining traditional SDI (Serial Digital Interface) with LiveU’s cloud services. This approach has been particularly beneficial for takers seeking extensive digital content without the high costs of satellite feeds.
The European Broadcasting Union, known for being the world’s largest public service media alliance, has 112 member organizations and 30 affiliates globally. Its collaboration with LiveU, formalized two years ago, encompasses various solutions including field units, cloud services, and data packages. Choquard emphasized LiveU’s consistent delivery of high-quality services across the video production chain.
Roy Hasson, Director of Solution Sales at LiveU, acknowledged the complexity of the project and the comprehensive integration of LiveU solutions in the production process. He expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations, reflecting on the growing relationship between Eurovision Sport and LiveU.
