Evertz Provides Replay, Routing for Time Warner Cable’s All-4K Live Los Angeles Lakers Broadcast

On December 19 and 23, Time Warner Cable Sports facilitated a live all-4K test on Time Warner Cable SportsNet utilizing Evertz IP solutions including Evertz 4K DreamCatcher replay system and Evertz EQX high density router.

The two sporting events included the CIF high school football game at StubHub Center in Carson, CA and the Los Angeles Lakers game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. The purpose of these all-4K broadcasts was to gain a better understanding of the unique characteristics and requirements specific to UltraHD/4K video formats and their impact on production and distribution systems.

“Four Evertz DreamCatcher replay systems were deployed in the production truck to execute all the replays during the two live games,” says Joe Cirincione, VP of Sales – US Sports and Entertainment at Evertz. “The Evertz DreamCatchers are the only devices in the industry that are IP ready and can take in native 4K and play out 4K by transferring signals between units with a simple 10G cable. Utilizing its advanced 4K capture and zoom technology the DreamCatcher system provides rock solid replay that delivers an immersive experience for the viewer.”

In planning this broadcast IMS and Evertz knew it would be challenging to view the 4K signals on standard truck monitors. In order to address this issue Evertz VIPs were utilized on the truck to take the four quadrants of the signal and stitch them together to look like a complete signal.

“Timing of a single signal on a truck is hard enough, but timing 4 signals is extremely challenging,” said Cirincione. “Over forty 7814 Series Evertz converters were deployed to successfully provide synchronization of these signals. Evertz software plays a huge role in simplifying the control and configuration of the IP infrastructure. For example, routing with the Evertz EQX router was very easy as the MAGNUM software handled all the switching requirements and VistaLINK handled all the timing.”

“What we took away from this test is that 4K quality is outstanding,” continues Cirincione. “In order to deliver this amazing video we need to move away from a 4 wire system and go to a IP infrastructure where we can easily move the massive amounts of data back and forth and keep them in time. Evertz has been designing and deploying IP infrastructures in facilities all over the world so when we were approached with this unique and exciting opportunity to be part of an all-4K broadcast we were eager to deliver.”