EVS Successfully Trials Live 4K Replays at Champions League Semi-Final

EVS, a provider of live video production systems, has successfully trialled its XT3-LSM system for live 4K replays during the recent Champions League semi-final between Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona. The testing comes after the success of an initial live 4K trial for outside broadcast production company, Kyodo Television in Japan, as well as EVS’ private 4K demos at NAB 2013.

OB company TopVision turned to EVS to run a live 4K test in parallel to the HD live broadcast. A Sony F55 camera was tied electronically to an EVS XT3 server and an AJA Corvid that allowed operators to zoom into the picture and replay segments in slow motion. As the XT3 was designed to be future proof and was built with flexible configuration in mind, it allows bandwidth and storage capacity to be tailored to suit the application.

“In today’s broadcast environment, servers need to be flexible; this is the guiding principle behind the XT3. It’s because of this flexible configuration that the four channels could be linked, to cope with the four 3G-SDI feeds required to carry a 4K signal. This means operators were able to use a standard LSM control panel to manage the 4K recording and replay,” explains Luc Doneux, SVP Sports division at EVS. “Flexibility is key to saving time and money and coupled with the fact that the XT3 moulds easily into existing infrastructure makes it very effective.  As the workflow remains essentially the same, LSM operators didn’t need any further training and other than the improved image quality there is little practical difference when transitioning to 4K, making it simple and cost-effective for all involved.”

For the Champions League match in Munich the XT3 4K solution was configured as a one-in, one-out system. This enabled continuous recording while providing random access replays of any 4K content on the server at the same time. However, EVS are working on a solution to perform up to three 4K channels on one XT3, either two records and one replay or one record and two replays.

“Sports broadcasting is evolving fast and equipment like the XT3 server gives broadcasters the chance to explore new live production experiences easily because it integrates with their existing infrastructure,” adds Doneux. “Replays from alternative camera angles, slow motion and close ups that capture every detail are now something that sports fans expect their broadcaster to provide and this will remain a vital requirement for 4K and beyond.”

EVS will be planning more 4K trials at various events across the globe in the coming weeks.