NEP UK is providing technical Host Broadcast Services to The Championships, Wimbledon – the first time that the event will be broadcast using fully-redundant SMPTE ST 2110 compliant IP technology, and believed to be the world’s largest fully-IP sports production.
NEP UK has installed a distributed routing system, connected by main and back-up MTP fibre-optic cable, to serve on- and off-site domestic and international broadcasters. In partnership with Wimbledon Broadcast Services (WBS), NEP UK is covering all the courts for the first time using a team of more than 250 technical crew to record and replay every ball that is played.
Continuing its 35-year relationship with The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), NEP UK is delivering IP technical facilities for its in-house production of the championship as part of WBS. By deploying its new IP-based outside broadcast trucks, NEP UK can offer increased flexibility compared to coaxial cable connections and significantly reducing the expense and use of unsightly cabling throughout the grounds. Furthermore, the latest OB vehicles can expand its capacity and facilities exponentially via modular connection with multiple IP fly-packs.
‘Both the scale and range of requirements for this project are immense,’ comments NEP UK Technical Project Manager, Richard Lancaster. ‘Our coverage has grown considerably from previous years – from distributing directly to rights holders own MCRs, the Central Content Store, the World Feed, the Wimbledon Channel and now a transmission, distribution and quality control area, as well as an additional two courts. We have also joined forces with Fletcher to provide coverage for the remaining seven courts, bringing full coverage to all courts.’
Since 2014, NEP UK has provided both host and domestic coverage of the championship. This year, the number of custom-built galleries has almost doubled with 21 control rooms for the host broadcaster plus three for the Wimbledon Channel to serve the World Feed and archive. To support the broadcast, NEP will have more than 118 camera positions and more than 4 EVS servers, plus three major OB units and a large fly-pack core.
‘NEP UK’s experience, knowledge and expertise has ensured that Wimbledon has remained at the cutting edge of broadcast innovation throughout our partnership,’ says AELTC Head of Broadcast & Production, Paul Davies. ‘This is the first year Wimbledon Broadcast Services comes into operation, and we are delighted to continue to partner with NEP for a further four years and are very excited to be covering Centre Court in 4K HDR’
‘Our deep understanding of Wimbledon, the sport, the venue and its broadcast requirements has enabled NEP UK to work seamlessly with the AELTC to broadcast in SMPTE 2110 for the first time,’ adds NEP UK Engineering & Technical Director, Rob Newton. ‘Our new IP modular system will enable flexibility and scalability, whilst ensuring the highest standards of broadcast coverage. Following Wimbledon, NEP UK will split the IP system into four separate structures for smaller-scale live events.’
More: www.nepgroup.co.uk
