New remote production option for Slomo.tv servers

Slomo.tv is offering a new remote production option that allows operators to work over the internet while being physically distant from the server.

For replay, video refereeing and VAR systems, it is critical that the remote interface ensures low latency and fast response, said Slomo.tv.

In a statement, the company said: “Broadcasters today face a staggering lack of resources – financial, equipment and human. Even large companies are struggling, and for smaller TV productions, participating in the market today is even more daunting.

“Many different constraints arise from resource scarcity. For example, for a broadcaster using a standard OB van it is sometimes impossible to provide dedicated workstations for two or three replay operators. Renting or outfitting a larger OB van with enough workstations requires a significant investment.

“Another common situation is that a replay operator usually needs to travel to a distant broadcast location, so it is impossible to get the same operator to cover different events in different areas on the same day. As a result, the TV company has to employ more operators and fund their business trips to the production sites every time there is an event to be broadcast, which is quite costly.”

Software developed by the company provides a delay of 0.1 sec for remote production over long distances without the need for external devices or third-party software. The software itself is a thin client that runs on any “average” modern PC.

Slomo.tv has set out possible applications for remote production, including separation of the equipped OB van from the staff – the server can be installed in the OB van and the production crew’s workplaces can be in a nearby room, event venue, or their own homes, as long as there is a stable internet connection.

Running the workflow over the internet also means there is no need to spend extra money on a larger OB van or staff travel. With remote production, fewer operators are needed, as a single specialist can cover multiple events at different venues on the same day.

Hybrid VAR solution: the hybrid solution allows the Video Operation Room (VOR) and VAR team workstations to be set up outside the competition venue, wherever a stable broadband internet connection is available, while the server remains in place. The VAR team can use the control panel, the referee buttons, the keyboard and the mouse to manage the system from the remote VOR or from the VAR centre. If there are additional monitors available, the server can transmit not only the operator interface, but also a Multiviewer and the Main Camera, making the remote VOR fully functional.

Sports league supervisors can now work independently of the arena and VAR centre staff with the user interface connected to their office computer, PC or laptop. The supervisor’s PC becomes the second, third or fourth remote workplace running on the Slomo.tv video server installed at the competition venue. League supervisors can interact with the video feed like any other fully functional user, without interfering with the work of the arena and VOR staff.

The possibility of remote Academy training. Today, due to a lack of educational resources, there is a shortage of broadcasting professionals, the company said. Academy is our system-based solution for the development and growth of broadcast teams. Trainees can connect to Slomo’s Academy server, which provides training and educational materials necessary to master the competencies of a TV production or VAR team member.

An online demonstration option allows customers to test the company’s key system features while being guided by its specialists.