EVENTS
Making history at IBC 2019
2019 was the year of BT at IBC.
The biggest event in the broadcast industry saw our teams across research, BT Sport and Media & Broadcast pool together to showcase our latest technology and innovation. If you want to catch up on what we covered then read on and enjoy. And if you want to see us in action, check out our highlights video.
Delivering ‘firsts’
We broadcast the highest ever quality live English Premier League match. As Liverpool FC took on Newcastle United, visitors gathered round to watch it in glorious 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos.
This award-winning delivery was recognised as such, with BT Sport’s Ultimate service winning the ‘Best in Show’ award. And if our viewers’ eyes weren’t boggled by that, they certainly were when they watched our live rugby broadcast in 8K! To top it off, we demonstrated what the future of broadcast could look like using 5G-enabled remote production.
Next-generation formats
Our keynote panels brought together some of the biggest names in the industry as we explored next generation formats. Speakers included Rob France (Head of Home Content Engineering, Dolby), Jamie Hindhaugh (COO, BT Sport), Yoeri Geutskens from the UHD Forum and our Head of TV Outside Broadcast, Dominik Wrona. You can see it for yourself by watching our recording of the panel.
5G remote production in action
We demonstrated another ‘first’ – this time a 5G-enabled multi-location live broadcast using remote production into IBC 2019. It involved BT Sport presenters at a number of football stadiums, providing coverage of the day’s football action. These included Natalie Quirk (based at Manchester City FC’s Etihad Stadium), Abi Stephens (based at Arsenal FC’s Emirates Stadium), and Tayler Mott (based at Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge stadium). See how it all happened.
5G keynote panel
Following on from our 5G- enabled production demonstrations, we held an insightful panel session. Speakers included Matt Stagg (Director of Mobile Strategy, BT Sport), Ian Wagdin (Senior Technology Transfer Manager, BBC), Michael Perry (Story Editor & Producer, EndemolShine) and our own Lead Propositions Manager, Alison Hutchins. We delved into themes such as the tests and trials that BT has completed to date, industry best practice and the 5G developments coming to create a true broadcast grade network. You can hear and watch it for yourself on our video.
Robin, the GOAT
How can we not mention Robin van Persie’s appearance at IBC? He’s been described as the greatest of all time (GOAT) and proved that he was a wise choice as one of BT Sport’s new pundits. He took part in a Q&A, posed for pictures and provided match-analysis of the Liverpool – Newcastle match. But of course, the most memorable moment of the day occurred in the 4K charity Fun Run when he was beaten to the finish line by a stray goat keen to steal the limelight!
The immersive experience
We brought BT’s latest broadcasting innovations to life at the Research Zone. Our Applied Research team, who are based at our world-famous Adastral Park facility, were on hand to chat to visitors. They also showed our latest innovations, including how to deliver a superior live immersive sport viewing experience using an 8K, 360-degree video production chain and cloud tiled streaming delivery technologies. This was along with our new approach to sports broadcasting using Object Based Broadcasting, to enable a personalised experience for viewers on any device.
Our network
Along with our TVOB services, our market-leading broadcast network enabled all of these amazing things to happen. Find out how we can help you to get your content across the globe with our Global Media Network.
Creativity connected. Content assured.
