Sports broadcasting has greatly evolved over the years with new technologies that have helped bring fans closer to the action than ever before. One of the most significant innovations in reshaping live sports production has been the introduction of private 5G networks.
With private 5G, live broadcast engineers now have high-bandwidth, low latency wireless networks providing them with unprecedented control, flexibility, and quality for contributing live video. Combining private 5G with powerful new technology like mobile video transmitters and portable video encoders allows broadcasters to deliver immersive viewing experiences that traditional connectivity solutions can’t.
Keep reading this post to learn how the emergence of private 5G networks combined with powerful new broadcast innovations from Haivision are transforming how live sports are produced and presented.
Changing the game with private 5G
When it comes to live production, relying on cables is not always a practical option. Traditional RF systems can be cumbersome to set up, are susceptible to interference, and have a limited range. Using public cellular networks is not always ideal as bandwidth can’t be guaranteed, especially in crowded or remote areas.
Private 5G networks offer dedicated bandwidth and localized infrastructure, allowing for consistent and high-performance connectivity even in crowded areas like stadiums, arenas, and large outdoor venues, making it more reliable than traditional wireless RF systems. This reliability is crucial for sports broadcasting because live video feeds must be delivered without any delays or drops to keep the audience up to date.
Leveraging private 5G enables broadcasters to stream ultra-low latency video feeds from anywhere in the venue without interference or congestion. It enables broadcast engineers to support real-time communication between on-site and remote production teams with dual-channel audio and video returns. Private 5G also provides broadcasters with the agility and bandwidth to add new camera feeds, update settings, and remotely operate cameras all in real-time while the event is underway.
Private 5G networks are easy to deploy and can be available as an all-in-one service giving broadcasters a flexible and scalable option instead of fiber, satellite, or shared networks, which allows them to save costs and reduce the need for excess cables and personnel on-site. When paired with lightweight portable field units like the Haivision Pro and the Haivision Falkon X2 5G mobile transmitter, production crews can transmit high-quality, low latency video from virtually any location.
Enhancing sports coverage with Haivision’s live contribution ecosystem
Haivision’s live contribution ecosystem offers a suite of solutions that unlock the full potential of leveraging a private 5G network.
The Haivision Falkon X2, the next-generation 5G mobile transmitter, delivers ultra-low latency, broadcast-quality 4K UHD and HD streaming over bonded cellular networks from anywhere, positioning it as the ideal solution for live contribution for live sports production. Its dual 5G modems with 2×2 MIMO antennas ensure reliable connectivity across both private and public networks. When 5G coverage is limited, 4G LTE, WiFi 6, and LEO satellite networks can also be leveraged, allowing for an uninterrupted live stream from anywhere.
The Haivision Pro460 is a versatile quad-HD and 4K mobile transmitter designed for the live production of sporting events. It offers ultra-low latency multi-camera video encoding and reliable video transmission with six 5G modems. The ultra-low latency mobile transmitter can broadcast live multi-camera HD and pristine 4K UHD video in HDR, over bonded cellular, LEO satellite, and the internet for broadcast contribution to remote production workflows. Featuring IP data bridge connectivity, the Haivision Pro460 can also be used alongside StreamHub and an RCP control panel to remotely control PTZ cameras while transmitting live video.
The Haivision MoJoPro professional camera app transforms smartphones into powerful field cameras, ideal for on-the-go reporting, sideline interviews, or for being worn by athletes. Haivision StreamHub receives live streams from bonded cellular transmitters and can transcode and decode video to SDI, ST 2110, and NDI workflows. Haivision’s cloud-based master control solution, Haivision Hub 360, offers centralized control, routing, and monitoring across the network. Together, Haivision’s 5G solutions reduce reliance on OB trucks, improves flexibility, and ensures smooth, broadcast-grade production from anywhere on the field.
Haivision broadcast contribution solutions allow live production teams to capture action that would normally be difficult to cover like dynamic sports including skiing and surfing. These types of live private 5G broadcast productions require:
- Contributing live video over 5G using Haivision Falkon X2 mobile transmitters, Haivision Pro field units, or smartphones equipped with the Haivision MoJoPro app.
- Managing all contribution feeds, transcoding them as needed, and routing them to production workflows, on-prem or in the cloud with Haivision StreamHub.
- Remotely managing all these devices and video contribution workflows from a single screen with Haivision Hub 360.
The future of sports broadcasting with private 5G
Private 5G is setting a new standard for live broadcasting and has shifted how sports content is currently being produced and delivered. As private 5G becomes more accessible and widely adopted, it’s unlocking new levels of broadcast performance, from wireless production workflows to real-time multi-angle streaming.
By leveraging solutions like the Falkon X2 for single-camera events and Haivision Pro460 for multi-cam remote productions over private 5G, sports broadcasters can deliver consistent, broadcast-grade quality video, expand coverage without increasing costs or complexity, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.
