Game Creek Video Taps Evertz, Grass Valley for Next-Gen Needs

Game Creek Video this week made some news with respect to its next generation of truck builds: it will install an Evertz IP-based routing system in the new Encore truck, which will be used by Fox Sports for USGA golf events, including the U.S. Open next June in Chamber’s Bay, WA, as well as NFL coverage beginning next season. Game Creek also committed to deploy eight Grass Valley Kayenne K-frame production switchers.

“While designing Encore in collaboration with Game Creek, we quickly realized the infrastructure required for the mobile unit could not be effectively handled with traditional SDI routing,” says Kevin Callahan, director, engineering and technology, Fox Sports Remote Operations. “After discussions with Evertz and Game Creek, they were collectively able to provide a solution around the Evertz EXE router and multiviewers that will serve us well into the future.”

Evertz SDVN (software-defined video networking) runs on an uncompressed 10GE IP-based infrastructure, and, according to Evertz VP of Sales Joe Cirincione, that meets this project’s massive input/output needs.

“At the core of the SDVN solution is the Evertz 23-Tbps EXE video-service router, which supports more than 6,900 input/output channels for routing between the multiple trucks,” he explains. “It is managed by the Evertz MAGNUM system controller, and the trucks will also utilize Evertz 570IPG high-density IP gateways and the 3067VIP-10G multiviewer system, which is running 140 displays. This format-agnostic infrastructure will allow support of 3G, UHD, 4K, and 8K resolutions now and in the future.”

Jason Taubman, VP of design and new technology, Game Creek Video, notes that Fox Sports has always pushed the envelope for video and audio production.

“The push challenged us beyond the bounds of baseband routing in a practical space for a mobile unit,” he says. “This will allow us to meet current and future requirements in an efficient way, which is the hallmark of our engineering philosophy for all our customers.”

The Kayenne K-Frame switchers, meanwhile, will be installed during the next four years in new units as well as in some existing units due for upgrade.

Game Creek Video has relied on Grass Valley for its most critical production-switching needs since the very beginning, says Game Creek President Pat Sullivan. “So it was an easy decision to stay with what we know works so well. We’ve had a great relationship between our two companies, and our investments have always exceeded our expectations in performance, reliability, and value.”

The modular Kayenne control panel can be mounted flat or in a banked curve, offering operators an ergonomic work surface. The system’s video-processing engine, K-Frame, delivers full multiformat support, including 1080p level A and B and 4K. When needed, Kayenne K-Frame can adapt to offer up to 192 inputs, 96 outputs, and up to 9M/E with six full keyers in every mix effect.

“Viewers expect high-quality, cutting-edge video when they tune in to a live event, and our role is to ensure they get just that,” adds Sullivan. “Technology advances are exciting, but they also make our process even more critical. We can’t afford to cut corners; we have to make sure we have the best technology available. Grass Valley gives us that confidence.”

The Grass Valley decision, like the Evertz decision, is a result of thinking down the line.

“This next phase of investment will play a key role in helping [Game Creek Video] meet the needs of current customers and attract new customers, especially as the industry moves toward UHD and 4K capabilities,” says Steve Ronneberg, SVP of sales and marketing, Grass Valley. “Our solutions are designed to ensure they will be future-ready, securing current investments to optimize tomorrow’s business opportunities.”