Live 4K feed for an F1 event, thanks to Tata

By Digital News Asia September 23, 2014

Practice session from Singapore Grand Prix hosted live
Illustrates how future of 4K sports broadcasting could look

Live 4K feed for an F1 event, thanks to Tata

TATA Communications claimed to be the first company to deliver a live 4K feed from a Formula 1 event.

This was achieved during a practice session at the 2014 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, where live footage was delivered end-to-end over Tata Communications’ Global Video Connect Network to Formula One Management’s technical headquarters in Biggin Hill, United Kingdom.

Demonstrated to an exclusive group of broadcasters, the live delivery highlighted the next generation 4K broadcast capabilities afforded by fibre-optic cable, as well as illustrating how the future of 4K sports broadcasting could look, Tata Communications said in a statement.

“Last year, we were able to showcase our broadcast capabilities by transmitting a live JPEG 2000 feed from the same Grand Prix in Singapore,” said Mehul Kapadia, managing director of the F1 Business at Tata Communications.

“This year, we have taken a huge step in next-generation broadcast with the first-ever transmission of a live 4K feed from a Formula 1 event.

“It was another milestone in our journey with Formula One Management and shows the real potential of sports broadcasting over our Video Connect Network, as well as the quality and speed by which it can be delivered,” he added.

In February 2012, Tata Communications signed a deal with Formula One Management to deliver connectivity to all Formula 1 race locations over its global network. Tata Communications also provides hosting and content delivery services to Formula1.com, which is accessed by tens of millions of fans around the globe throughout the racing season.

4K broadcasting promises ground-breaking definition, but also presents the challenge of significantly increased bandwidth demand, Tata Communications said.

Typically, the company provides 120 megabits per second (Mbps) for JPEG 2000. During the Biggin Hill showcase, Tata Communications provided 500Mbps for a single feed, a capability that was only made possible thanks to the company’s global Video Connect network, delivering video and converged IP (Internet Protocol) services seamlessly.

“Formula 1 racing is the pinnacle of cutting edge technology, and provides the ultimate showcase for innovation,” said Formula One Management chief technical officer John Morrison.

“4K is an exciting new technology which could have great potential when it comes to sports broadcasting. We are focussed on given F1 fans the best possible experience, which is why we are pleased to be supporting Tata Communications in bringing 4K closer to reality,” he added.

The live demonstration also highlighted the global capability of Tata Communications’ dedicated Video Connect Network which affords 4x redundant connectivity between source and destination, while ensuring zero packet drop for a smooth viewing experience.

The network also offers ready connectivity to key media hotspots globally including stadiums, teleports, broadcasters and direct-to-home, cable and over-the-top service providers, Tata Communications said.

“Consumer demand for high quality and live content across different platforms is now the norm and with the emergence of bandwidth-hungry production workflows, especially that of 4K broadcasting, quick turnarounds and availability of content across multiple platforms are hygiene factors for content owners,” said Mehul.

“Having the world’s only wholly-owned global fibre-optic ring of super-fast cables means that we are able to fully exploit the potential of new technologies such as 4K, from locations across the globe, giving broadcasters and content owners the ability to reach an ever more demanding audience with ever higher-quality content,” he added.

To watch a video of the partnership between Tata Communications and Formula One Management, click below: