Live From PyeongChang: Korean Broadcasting System Delivers 4K Coverage to Viewers

A team of 200 is on hand, creating 24 hours of content a day for two channels

Ki-Pom Yoon (left) and Seon Lee of Korean Broadcasting System

Korean Broadcasting System, the national public broadcaster for the host nation, is on hand at the Winter Olympics with a team of 200 that is creating 24 hours of content a day split over two channels and delivering ready-to-air coverage to the network’s headquarters in Seoul.

“We also have editors in Seoul,” says KBS Outside Broadcast Department’s Seon Lee, “but the main producers and technical crews are here.”

According to Ki-Peom Yoon, deputy director, Outside Broadcast Department, KBS, there are two master-control rooms with Ross production switchers, Sony cameras, EVS replay servers, FOR-A equipment, editing suites, three off-tube studios, and two studios at the IBC.

KBS is using Vizrt to insert AR graphics into its studio show.

One of the studios features Vizrt augmented-reality graphics to allow on-air talent to sit at desks and have AR elements appear in the space between the cameras and the desks. Green screen in the same studio allows additional elements to be placed on the walls of the studio.

“This is the first Winter Olympics to be held here,” notes Yoon. “As a major broadcaster, we have a responsibility to broadcast a good show for the Korean people.”

And viewers are tuning in. For the Opening Ceremony, 50% of the population tuned in, with KBS drawing 60% of those viewers. Other viewers watched either SBS or MBC, two other Korean broadcasters on hand for the Games. SBS is the primary rightsholder, with KBS and MBC sublicensing.

The KBS master control area at the IBC

KBS is also broadcasting content in 4K SDR, with two 4K channels and two HD channels.

Lee says the Opening Ceremony was a highlight. “It was very enjoyable and made a good impression for all of the people.”

For more of our coverage from the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, including interviews, videos, podcasts, and more, visit our SportsTech Live Blog.