Mediapro makes move to dual UHD-HD with ten camera production of El Clasico match

Mediapro produced the El Clasico match between Madrid and FC Barcelona on 21 November in Ultra HD. Mediapro used ten Panasonic AK-UC3000 cameras, which supply 4K and HD signals simultaneously. This meant that the game was also produced in HD, the signal from which was distributed to 170 countries and an estimated audience of 600 million viewers.

Prior to El Clasico, Mediapro conducted a quality and functionality test on UHD cameras during the Liga Adelante game between Leganés and Alcorcón. Having analysed the various options for latest-generation UHD studio cameras, Mediapro opted to equip its new mobile unit with Panasonic UC3000 cameras.

The UC3000 provides 4K image quality and supports the technological leap that Panasonic has wanted to make in the field of broadcast studio equipment. The UC3000 is small in size and is compatible with B4 mount lenses. It features a balance between the various image quality parameters: high sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, high resolution, and a large dynamic range.

Satellite operator SES undertook a test broadcast of the El Clasico match in Ultra HD via SES’s ASTRA 1L satellite at 19.2 degrees East. The transmission was part of the Ultra HD technical tests being conducted by SES, Movistar+ and other industry partners. “A test live broadcast of a football match in Ultra High Definition marks another milestone in the introduction of this new technology in Spain, as well as in Europe, and shows the readiness of the Ultra HD ecosystem,” said Luis Sahún, General Manager of Spain at SES.

“Thanks to satellite and its ability to cost-effectively deliver the best quality content to a large audience, it is only a matter of time before the live broadcast of Ultra HD content becomes part of our daily TV viewing experience.”