SVG Sit-Down: IMT Vislink’s Jeff Daubert on Evolution, Future of Sports Industry

‘Immersive viewing’ is driving the wireless-production–gear supplier’s growth

IMT Vislink wireless camera transmitters give sports broadcasters the ability to provide viewers with an immersive experience and bring fans closer to the action, even at the most demanding sports events. SVG recently caught up with Field Integration Manager Jeff Daubert to discuss his expertise in the sports industry as well as his thoughts on where the industry — and the company — is headed in the future.

IMT Vislink’s Jeff Daubert: We’re closely monitoring exciting new markets where our live-video technology can play an important enabling role. Esports production is one.

What is your background in sports and entertainment?
I have over 20 years of experience in professional sales and field engineering for broadcast-video communications products, covering a wide range of sporting and entertainment events. My expertise in wireless-camera solutions includes all phases of system design, configuration, integration, training, commissioning, and postsale support.

How has IMT Vislink grown in the sports and entertainment market during your time with the company?
IMT Vislink’s video technology has been used for decades to cover high-profile international sporting events, including the World Cup, London Marathon, Le Mans, Americas Sailing Cup, Volvo Ocean Boat Race, and MotoGP motorcycle-racing circuit. Since I’ve been with the company, I’ve seen IMT Vislink also accelerate our position as a leader in the U.S., where we have configured and delivered more integrated camera solutions for the MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA, College Division Sports, and major entertainment events than any other provider.

What are some of the biggest trends you’re seeing in sports and entertainment, and how is IMT Vislink addressing them?
Today’s video platforms are evolving at a rate that has never been seen before. Audiences want to do more than just watch events; they want to experience them and be as close to the unfolding action as possible. We call this “immersive viewing,” and it’s what’s driving the growth in our markets. For broadcasters and content providers to be able to deliver this experience, on demand and as it happens, they need and will continue to need the best wireless production equipment to collect and produce their content. From our HDR-ready 4K systems with ultra-low delay to our ultra-miniature transmitters, this is exactly what we’ve engineered our solutions to deliver.

What recent/upcoming sports applications and projects are most exciting to you?
We’re closely monitoring exciting new markets where our live-video technology can play an important enabling role. Esports production is one area we see potential for enormous growth. The growth in extreme sports is also exciting for us, because of our long experience in delivering systems for challenging environments and conditions. We’re also keeping an eye on new outlets and platforms for sports-content delivery, some of them AI-driven. If the transmission of live video is involved, we can craft a solution for it.

How do you see IMT Vislink progressing in the sports and entertainment space over the next few years?
We are committed to maintaining our leadership as innovators in live-video communications, so that we can keep delivering the products and services the industry and the audiences demand. Stay tuned to see what we have in store!

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