BCE with Level 3 and Sony for 4K live over IP at IBC2014

Using state-of-the-art equipment from Sony and fibre links from Level 3 Communications, at IBC in September BCE configured a production platform and studio at its Luxembourg headquarters. The broadcast was captured in Ultra High Definition at a 50p rate. The demos on the Sony and BCE stands at the show were configured by Sony experts.

This demonstration was screened successfully each day and during Sony’s press conference at IBC 2014. This live 4k/50p production demonstrated bi-directional transmission of 4K signals including audio and realtime remote control (pan, tilt and zoom). Even with the 320 km separating each city, the broadcasting was perfectly ensured with no delay in the video.

Live production over IP is the next level for broadcasters. With this demonstration, BCE, Level 3 Communications and Sony proved that large scale production in Ultra High Definition can be done, with no latency, over IP. This performance could trigger the future of live production, opening a new world for broadcasters, increasing mobility and flexibility as well as reducing production costs, since live over IP minimises staffing requirements but also equipment, trucks or even cabling for each productions.

“We see live over IP as a real game-changer, since it provides broadcasters with a potent combination of format flexibility, creative control and ‘access-from-anywhere’ mobility,” explained Gusty Feinen, Manager of New Technologies at BCE. “We think this technology will play a significant role over the coming months and years as live broadcasters increasingly look today to Video-over-IP solutions as a differentiator today and to 4K in near future, while still aiming to keep their costs and logistical operations to a manageable level.”

Follow this link to see the video: https://www.bce.lu/BCE-PR-04112014.htm