Formula 1 chooses M2A Connect to distribute live race streams to broadcast and OTT partners

Formula 1 is using M2A Media’s cloud-IP transport service M2A Connect to acquire, process and distribute live content to global broadcasters and sports rights holders.

The service is being used to set up live sources, schedule events, add subscribers and entitlements, monitor live streams, create live event workflows and deliver tailored live video across multiple regions to diverse receivers.

The M2A Operations division delivers the service using the M2A Connect console, making it possible to monitor confidence feeds and the underlying Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elemental Media Services.

M2A Connect operates as an orchestration layer over AWS Elemental MediaConnect, AWS Elemental MediaLive, and AWS Elemental MediaPackage, offering Formula 1 a single web console and RESTful API.

F1 returned to action 2-5 July with the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, a race won by the Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas.

Trevor Turner, head of media systems development at Formula 1, discussing the adoption said: “The M2A Connect service is a step-change in the evolution of Formula 1’s broadcast distribution model. M2A Connect will, in essence, allow F1 to service a greater number of broadcast partners in a more flexible and cost-effective way and will help us distribute a greater volume of live race content than ever before.

“The team at M2A understands the challenges we face as a global sports brand and has responded to these challenges with a next-generation media service that will help carry us into an IP over cloud-led future.”

Marina Kalkanis, chief executive at M2A Media added: “We were delighted when Formula 1 came to us looking for a solution to their live video distribution challenges. Formula 1 recognises that delivering their live video over IP in Public Cloud is the future, especially when targeting next-generation platforms.

M2A Connect, supported by M2A Operations’ 24/7 service and leveraging AWS Elemental Media Services, provides Formula 1 with a robust video over IP transport platform allowing them to adapt and flex as their distribution landscape evolves.”