Unlocking new possibilities: How compression and high-density workflows are shaping live sports production
By Andy Rayner, CTO, Appear
As the demand for live content grows, broadcasters must deliver high-quality productions while increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Compression and high-density solutions are central to modern live production techniques reaching these goals, enabling broadcasters to handle complex workflows, cover smaller events, and embrace remote production – all while advancing sustainability and enhancing viewer experiences.
By integrating advanced codecs, high-density processing platforms, and modern reliable transport protocols, workflows are becoming more accessible, agile, and environmentally responsible than ever.
The role of compression in live production
Compression reduces bandwidth needs, making it possible to efficiently transmit high-quality, multi-camera feeds with restricted connectivity. Advanced codecs like HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), JPEG XS, and H.264 help broadcasters balance video quality, bandwidth usage, and latency.
HEVC, for example, can compress full HD video to just 25Mbps, allowing a 12-camera production to fit within 400Mbps. JPEG XS provides ultra-low-latency, visually lossless compression, ideal for live sports and entertainment. Meanwhile, H.264 remains a trusted option for legacy workflows due to its compatibility and simplicity.
These technologies make professional-grade production more accessible. Events like grassroots sports, local concerts, and festivals that once relied on single-camera setups can now adopt multi-camera workflows, offering richer storytelling and more immersive experiences to meet viewers’ expectations.
High-density solutions for efficient workflows
High-density solutions optimise live production by processing thousands of video and audio streams on compact, energy-efficient platforms. By consolidating resources, they reduce the physical footprint of workflows, cut costs, and improve efficiency.
In remote production, high-density processing centralises operations, enabling broadcasters to backhaul individual camera and audio feeds to a centralised hub. This allows multiple events to be managed simultaneously from one location, reducing the need for large on-site crews and infrastructure.
For example, during a multi-day tournament with dozens of camera feeds, high-density systems synchronise, process, and distribute streams efficiently, scaling production without compromising on quality or reliability.
Transport protocols: SRT and beyond
While compression minimises data volume, transport protocols ensure reliable delivery. Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) is a key enabler, compensating for packet loss due to bandwidth fluctuations, making it ideal for remote production over public internet connections.
Protocols like uncompressed SMPTE 2110 complement HEVC and JPEG XS, enabling seamless integration and low-latency delivery in modern broadcast infrastructures.
Latency remains a challenge, particularly in sports, where excessive delay can compromise the live production workflow. By combining advanced codecs with efficient implementation of protocols, broadcasters can minimise latency and ensure fans experience the action in real time.
Sustainability benefits
Compression and high-density solutions also help reduce the environmental impact of live production. Compression lowers bandwidth requirements, cutting energy consumption across networks. High-density platforms consolidate processing, reducing hardware, cooling and power needs.
Remote production workflows further enhance sustainability by minimising on-site personnel and equipment, reducing travel-related emissions. For instance, remote production (REMI) models centralise operations in ‘home’ studios, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of live events.
European broadcasters are already using these technologies to meet sustainability goals for major events, proving it’s possible to deliver premium content while aligning with environmental objectives.
Enhancing viewer experiences through technology
These advances ultimately elevate the viewing experience. Compression and high-density workflows enable features like multi-camera setups, enhanced graphics, and real-time data overlays.
Fans increasingly expect personalised experiences, such as choosing camera angles or accessing in-depth statistics. Compression and transport protocols make these features feasible without requiring excessive bandwidth or hardware.
These technologies also ensure reliability, providing uninterrupted, high-quality coverage, even for viewers on lower-bandwidth connections. By meeting these expectations, broadcasters can drive engagement and loyalty.
Challenges and the path forward
Despite their advantages, these solutions come with challenges. Although issues like ultra-low latency and interoperability persist, the industry is making rapid strides. Appear is at the forefront of this evolution, developing solutions that seamlessly integrate IP-based standards like SMPTE 2110 while maintaining exceptional quality and reliability. These innovations promise an exciting future for live sports production.
The next step involves integrating these technologies into hybrid cloud environments, enabling even greater scalability and flexibility. By leveraging compression, high-density workflows, and transport protocols, broadcasters can unlock new opportunities for creativity, efficiency, and sustainability.
Compression and high-density workflows are transforming live production, allowing broadcasters to deliver premium experiences with greater cost efficiency and environmental responsibility. From regional sports to global tournaments, these technologies are opening up new possibilities for delivering engaging, sustainable content.
Broadcasters that adopt these advances will be well-positioned to lead the future of live production, offering audiences more innovative and tailored content experiences.