Let’s play ball

sonoVTS providing equipment facilities and support personnel at global football tournament

The host broadcast operation of the international football tournament taking place in June and July 2018 is making extensive use of sonoVTS broadcast technologies and technical expertise in order to support production in multiple formats, including 4K.

Connecting 12 venues

Following on from its successful deployment at the previous tournament four years ago, the host broadcaster again decided to utilise the Equipment Room Container (ERC) concept at this event. Incorporating a variety of solutions from leading broadcast technology suppliers, these containers provide the tools to allow the host broadcaster to service its many rights holding broadcasters around the world. One ERC is located at the TV compound sited at each of the 12 venues and connected to the host broadcaster’s container house.

Russia meets UHD, 4K & HDR

With UHD/4K and HDR production becoming increasingly commonplace, the host broadcaster decided to upgrade the specification of the ERCs in advance of the latest tournament. The refurbishment work was carried out by the sonoVTS team in Munich, Germany, in close cooperation with the host broadcaster, with the units being shipped to the host country in advance of the first matches.

As a result of the upgrade the units are now able to accommodate simultaneous output in 1080p, UHD and 4K HDR, as well as production in HD and legacy formats. With the first events taking place at the 14th of June, the units are said to be performing well, and they will continue to be supported by sonoVTS personnel on the ground for the duration of the championships.

Let’s play ball in Russia

“We are delighted to be supporting this hugely important sports event with equipment facilities and technical capabilities that will ensure viewers around the world are able to enjoy matches in the best possible quality,” says sonoVTS Head of Business Development Tobias Kronenwett, adding that sonoVTS has also supplied a dozen localised Technical Operation Centres.