Red Bee to provide MCR services for FOX Sports Netherlands
Red Bee Media is to provide MCR services for FOX Sports in the Netherlands after winning a multiyear contract with the pay-TV broadcaster.
The deal will see FOX Sports’ international sports content transported using Red Bee’s multi-tenant IP-based Global MCR Platform in Hilversum. As part of the contribution and distribution workflows, Red Bee will also provide mobile encoding kits for 38 football stadiums, delivering signals from the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie.
Additional services include connectivity setups between BT Tower in London, the Global MCR in Hilversum and other Red Bee hubs as well as fully managed contribution services for Xee Denmark and ESPN Africa.
“We are happy to have gained the confidence from FOX Sports in the Netherlands”, said Steve Nylund, CEO of Red Bee
“With our recently launched global IP-based MCR Platform in Hilversum and additional facilities in London, Paris and Stockholm, we have built a highly flexible and futureproof infrastructure than can manage all MCR, distribution and contribution needs for an evolving media and broadcast industry.”
The multi-tenant Global MCR Platform from Red Bee includes software-based solutions for video networks, routing, processing, monitoring, reporting and distribution. FOX Sports will be delivering all its high-end sports content to audiences through this platform, with the possibility to broadcast in 1080p and High Dynamic Range (HDR) quality.
The contribution and feed aggregation from the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie grounds will be will be routed through the Global MCR in Hilversum and made available to the FOX Sports production and broadcast department. In addition, Red Bee will be providing fully managed contribution services for the Playout and Production facilities at XEE Denmark and ESPN Africa.
A two-way fibre connectivity between BT Tower in London and the Global MCR in Hilversum and other Red Bee hubs will be provided.
A direct connection between Dublin and Hilversum will also be set up for ESPN Africa commentary. Red Bee will provide downlink and uplink capabilities from Hilversum and Stockholm, delivering on any and all satellite requests from FOX Sports.
FOX Sports has the rights to show Eredivisie, Eerste Divisie, KNVB Cup, Bundesliga, Major League Soccer, NFL, MLB, NHL as well as ATP and WTA Tennis.