Envivo encoders drive Kangaroo TV at Formula 1, NASCAR races

Envivio 4Caster MPEG-4 encoders are used by
Kangaroo TV to deliver broadcast video feeds at sports events such as
Formula 1, NASCAR, NFL and international professional golf tournaments.

“Sports content, like racing, is notoriously difficult to encode. Our
broadcasts require low bandwidth and low latency. The picture
resolution must be the best quality and delivered consistently with
almost no delay. This is why we selected the 4Caster encoders from
Envivio,” said Jean Arseneau, Executive Vice President Technology, and
CTO at Kangaroo Media Inc.

Kangaroo
TV’s wireless handset is part of a unique
mobile video application which allows spectators to interact with and
access exclusive content such as real-time information and statistics.
In essence, Kangaroo TV places each fan in the driver’s seat of their
own interactive live-action experience with high quality video
delivered to the palm of their hand. With thousands of units available
for rent to the public internationally and for purchase in the USA,
Kangaroo TV, powered by Envivio, is changing the way people experience
live sports.

Though spectators enjoy the live action and excitement of being at a
sporting event, they were previously limited to the view available from
their seat versus the views attained from watching the event on
television. Television viewers at home must rely on the programming
provided and it’s estimated that over 80% of footage captured for any
event isn’t broadcasted. Kangaroo TV provides the best of both worlds,
allowing spectators to experience the thrill of being at the live event
with even more viewing advantages than a broadcast television audience.

Kangaroo TV is available at every Formula 1 and NASCAR event around the
world. The 4Caster encoders travel with Kangaroo TV for each of its
broadcasts and their rugged, truck-mounted configuration is perfect for
the road. Compatible with the most devices and formats on the market
today, the Envivio encoders work seamlessly with the Kangaroo TV
handsets.

Using Formula 1 races as an example, the handsets provide trackside
spectators access to all the available footage, with pits-to-car audio
and exclusive data which includes timing, statistics and real-time
analysis features. Each spectator becomes their own director at the
event, choosing what turn on the track to watch, which driver to “ride
with” or what information to review and when.

“Kangaroo TV represents a true paradigm shift in the way sports
enthusiasts can follow and experience live events. Life enhancing video
services, like this unique mobile application, can now be offered
anytime and anywhere. At Envivio, our encoders help make this a
reality,” said Julien Sign s, President and CEO of Envivio Inc.

Depending on the type of event, location, and licensing, the Kangaroo
TV devices may be either purchased or rented by spectators. The devices
have proven to be an incomparable medium for targeted advertising,
merchandising, market surveying, and branding. With them, Kangaroo TV
provides professional league owners, team owners, sponsors and
promoters powerful new ways of reaching their target audiences and
maximizing returns.

The Envivio 4Caster encoders selected by Kangaroo TV provide high
quality, full resolution video using a variety of bit rate options.
Increased bandwidth efficiency, combined with exceptional picture
quality at lower bit rates, allows service providers to expand video
offerings throughout their distribution networks. Kangaroo TV’s handset
is one of the many mobile video devices supported by the awarding
winning Envivio encoders. The encoders deliver the most complete
implementation of MPEG-4 compression techniques available and are ideal
for mobile TV, IPTV, Internet TV, and broadcast services.