Behind the Scenes: Production Gear at the 2024 Summer Games

On this week's Videoguys Live, join us as James gives us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the cutting-edge gear from Videoguys being used at the 2024 Summer Games! Discover how our top manufacturers’ equipment is enhancing the performance and coverage of the world’s biggest sporting event. Don’t miss out on this showcase of innovation and excellence in sports broadcasting!

Watch the full video below:

LiveU provided essential live streaming technology and cloud solutions to numerous broadcasters and media companies during the Summer Games

• Hundreds of LiveU portable encoders are being rented out to customers for capturing and broadcasting live content from various locations around the city.
• LiveU has 13 team members on the ground, operating from three dedicated locations in Paris to provide technical support and ensure stress-free operation for our clients.​

​How were LiveU’s remote production capabilities utilized during the Summer Games​

• LiveU's LU800 4G multi-camera encoder operates as a remote production unit with a single unit supporting up to four high-res, fully frame-synced feeds that can be streamed back to the customer's centralized production studio.​
• LiveU's cloud-based solutions enable efficient, flexible REMI workflows, reducing further the operation of heavy equipment on-site, enriching the fan experience and expanding the reach of live content.​ LiveU Studio,  LiveU Matrix + Dynamic Share, LiveU Ingest​
• Our remote production tools are being used to enhance communication between the studio and talents in the field, ensuring professionally produced live broadcasts.​ IP Pipe, Audio Connect, Video Return​

​What is the Lightweight Production Bundle​

• Pay as you go or Yearly plan that includes the hardware encoder, data, and access to LiveU Studios cloud-based switching platform​

Panasonic's AV Magic for Paris 2024!​

• KAIROS delivers video content at almost all competition venues (26 in total)​
• Its scalability allows to produce content for up to three venues with a single Kairos Core Server to be controlled via multiple control surfaces remotely
• Each sport venue is equipped with PTZ cameras and live switcher or remote panel in its Press room. ​
• The AV infrastructure allows the translations to be provided from remote locations, reducing the need for travel and enhancing the operational efficiency, compared to previous events.

Key products in action:​

• KAIROS IT/IP Platform​
• AW-UE100 PTZ Cameras​
• AK-UC4000 Studio Cameras​
• PT-RQ35K High-Brightness Projectors​

AIR One X robotic camera in the Fencing Venue during the Paris 2024 Summer Games​

• AIR One robots can be deployed throughout the city and controlled from a central location​
• They can swiftly and accurately track action, ensuring users always gets the best shot.​
• They have a minimal footprint and can be mounted in unusual places, getting the angle no one else can get.​
• They can be quickly deployed and redeployed, saving days or weeks of prep time and damage from exposure to the elements.​
• They are radically less expensive and simpler to operate than traditional robotics, making AIR One available to a much wider user base.​

Behind the Scenes: Canon Professional Services​

• Canon has an On-site gear room where photographers can get Camera Bodies and Lenses free of charge​
• The also offer repair services and support for these products with their on-site technical support team​

Some of Canon’s offerings to accredited photographers include:​

• 150 x Canon EOS R3​
• 100 x Canon EOS R1​
• 100 x Canon EOS R5 Mark II​
• Large stock of Canon EOS R6 Mark II​
• 50 x Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM​
• A few Canon EOS-1D X Mark III were also available​

Vizrt Graphics on Display with BBC Sports

• Viz Flowics is the most comprehensive cloud-native platform powering remote and in-studio production of live graphics and interactive content for linear and digital broadcasters.​

NBC Rises to the Tech Challenges of the 2024 Summer Games​

• NBC Broadcasted over 5,000 hours of live Summer Games coverage produced in 1080p HDR at 50Hz​
• NBC Team was split between Paris, France and Stamford, Connecticut with many of the commentators and on-air talent being in Stamford.​
• The team now has less equipment to rip out and relocate after each broadcast.​
• Having two separated technical areas and operations is more efficient than having it all in one place and the separation leads to increases in both speed and efficiency of the production​
• Using both baseband SMPTE SDI and IP with ST 2110 with about 60% being IP​
• NBC is also using  Network Device Interface (NDI) standard. “We are using NDI in some areas, specifically NDI v6, with support of HDR and enhanced audio” ​
• Worked with Avid on editing and asset management​