RSN Summit: At-Home Workflows, 4K Line the Future Path of RSN Production Tech

Long gone are the days where live sports productions at regional sports networks are considered a step below that of their national network brethren. In fact, these days, RSNs have been known to push the envelope and be leaders in the technological evolution of the industry. At SVG’s RSN Summit last month, key leaders from networks and mobile truck providers shared their thoughts on what’s coming down the road and what new developments are already beginning to have an effect on the business of regional sports.

Naturally, the shift to 4K is a major topic among national broadcasters and the same is true for those at the RSN level. However, is there a true place for it yet at regionals? Philip Garvin, GM and Founder of Mobile TV Group believe there is and that RSNs could actually lead the charge.

North of the border, Rogers and their mobile production partners at Dome Productions have proven to be leaders in the industry in the deployment of 4K production. The network, this year, has broadcast Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs, and now Toronto Blue Jays games to viewers at home in 4K. Kryst Budziak, Director of Production Services for Dome Productions gave his assessment for how its gone so far.

At-home production workflows will surely continue to proliferate throughout the RSN industry, but the panelists agreed that it can only work at its best when adopted by all. Jon Slobotkin, VP/Executive Producer – Live Events for NBC Sports Regional Networks expressed his belief that it needs to be an industry decision, not just a decision that can be made by his company.

Despite the growth of at-home production, there are still many major events where the resource-savings turn into more of a detriment to the production than a benefit. Garvin doesn’t see a threat from at-home production to the dual production model where home and away game productions are done from the same mobile unit.

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