Limitless develops in-house system to solve timing data difficulties

Limitless Broadcast has developed a scalable workflow to manage timing data integration.

With Limitless Broadcast providing remote and cloud production solutions for sport including covering live rugby fixtures, the OB and facilities firm has had to contend with ensuring that accurate timing data from a venue is seamlessly integrated into the remote production environment.

While this is less of an issue for sports such as football where the clock runs continuously, rugby’s frequent stoppages mean precise timing is critical to maintaining the tension and ensuring viewers are aware of how much game time remains, explained Limitless founder and chief executive Claire Wilkie.

“We developed this system to address one of the less obvious but equally critical challenges in remote production”

In a traditional on-site workflow, venues typically use a timing system provided by companies like Tissot or Swiss Timing. These systems drive the venue’s scoreboards and are manually connected to the OB truck via long analogue cables. This process involves multiple parties and connections, making troubleshooting difficult and increasing the potential for errors.

Wilkie said: “With remote production, Limitless Broadcast has sought to simplify and improve this process. Recognising the need to reduce on-site personnel and minimise cabling, our team has developed an in-house solution that allows timing data to be transmitted back to the gallery via a cloud-based control system. This system works alongside other production data such as tallies, camera control, return vision, and equipment monitoring.”

The solution involves a custom-built Limitless Connect Module (LCM) in the form of a small smart Peli-case boxes, which are delivered to the venue by a Limitless team member. These boxes connect directly to the Tissot or Swiss Timing system, requiring only power.

Once connected, the clock data is sent over IP back to the cloud, where it is managed through Limitless’ control interface. This cloud system allows for real-time monitoring and troubleshooting, as well as the creation of virtual clock data for testing purposes.

To ensure seamless integration, Limitless has collaborated with graphics partner MOOV to develop a custom API integration with its Orion control software. This enables MOOV’s operators to pull in the clock feeds without any additional on-site or off-site hardware, streamlining the workflow further.

MOOV has permanently installed Chyron Prime graphics systems at the Limitless facility, and can remote in to build packages ahead of any matchday.

Limitless Broadcast CTO Ben Harper said: “We developed this system to address one of the less obvious but equally critical challenges in remote production. By working closely with MOOV, we’ve created a solution that just works – minimising effort, reducing the need for on-site personnel, and ultimately providing a better viewing experience for the audience.”

The system also allows Limitless’ Master Control Room (MCR) team to emulate and test clock data even before the venue connection is live, ensuring everything runs smoothly on match day.

MOOV head of graphics operations George Obrey said: “Cloud and remote broadcast is on the rise, as we are all aware, and it’s fantastic for everyone at MOOV to be a part of such a game changing workflow.

“For years timing data integration for all sports has been a costly and time-consuming investment for broadcasters and facilities providers, so running the data through the cloud with minimal on-site presence or hardware makes sense.

“Making sense is one thing, but having the knowledge and skill to set up and deliver things is another. The product that has been created and delivered alongside the brilliant team at Limitless Broadcast is a real step forward for live sport broadcast.

“Not only can you now utilise a cost-effective broadcast solution, but the redundancy workflows and resilience of the service provide a guarantee to your product, that in years gone by would have come with large costs. The solution is resilient and cost effective, but it’s also flexible. We are covering events, at times, on just a few days’ notice and are able to do so with no issues.

“Alongside all of the work that has taken place with timing integration, working through Limitless Broadcast allows clients to utilise MOOV’s Aquarius cloud data server. MOOV collaborates with major data providers including Stats Perform, Oval-Insights and Dorna. This means, providing live statistical data (providing broadcasters or associations have access) comes with the package. Over the past 12 months this has been utilised by PWR (Premiership Women’s Rugby).

“With a single operator and machine MOOV has been able to provide full match and presentation coverage with seamless clock integration and live match and post-match stats on a weekly basis. The growth of Women’s sport is fantastic to see and providing a high-quality broadcast is a key part of that growth and as sport lovers, we are really proud to be a part of that.”

Limitless said the workflow has proven itself throughout last season’s Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) matches, as well as in a range of other sports, including friendlies and international games and that the solution is not only scalable and efficient but also robust, with contingency plans in place for venues without timing systems or in the unlikely event of a data stream failure.