TVN Live-Copter helps bring new perspectives to sport post-lockdown

TVN’s Live-Copter at the UEFA Nations League 2020 in Basel, Switzerland, at the Switzerland versus Germany match

TVN Mobile Production has expanded its aerial video portfolio with the addition of the TVN Live-Copter, which has been used over recent months as live sport has returned post-lockdown.

TVN Live-Copter enables stable picture transmission in full HD broadcast quality. The signal transfer has been designed so that the live signal (including Tally, return signal and intercom solution,) can be integrated into the production process without any loss of quality.

In addition to the signal quality, attention has been paid to the safety, flight duration and balance of the drone-based camera systems.

“The TVN Live-Copter is a great enrichment for our Bundesliga camera concept. The technical integration is smooth and the new perspective offers great added value for the image composition,” said Günter Frantzen, product executive at TVN partner, Sportcast. “By integrating augmented reality graphics at selected top games, we use a further innovative added value of aerial video.”

“In the development of the TVN Live-Copter set up we have optimally bundled the competencies within the TVN Group,” explained TVN managing director, Markus Osthaus. “The result is a flying special camera set up which offers new perspectives and thus additional possibilities for innovative image design for every open air production.”

TVN Live-Copter being used at the Berlin Marathon 2020, showing the Victory Column in the Tiergarten

In addition to certified personnel, the broadcasting service provider is now investing further in technical infrastructure and the development of complex workflows. The TVN drone fleet now comprises of 20 multi-copters for a wide range of applications. All TVN pilots are certified in line with current legal situations and have production experience.

“In particular with the live transmission the demand for high quality aerial video grows strongly,” said Bastian Berlin, TVN Mobile Production head of sales. “To meet this demand, we have implemented far-reaching development steps.”

As a full service provider, TVN has developed its own structures for the complex approval procedures required for drone-based camera systems, in addition to professional signal transmission and customer-oriented image design. These workflows and its relationship with the authorities have proven to be valuable both locally and internationally.

TVN aerial images are used to cover football broadcasts for Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League including the final 2020, UEFA European Qualifiers, DFL-Supercup and UEFA Nations League 2020.