SQUASHTV Relies on Quicklink for Remote Commentary From Around the Globe

Technology enables expanded coverage and reduced carbon emissions

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) has embraced the Quicklink Remote Commentary solution in its global squash-broadcasting productions. Deploying Quicklink’s cutting-edge solutions, PSA can deliver enhanced coverage of tournaments worldwide and reduce travel emissions while maintaining high-production quality.

SQUASHTV, the broadcasting arm of PSA, broadcasts more than 960 matches a year, including the PSA World Tour, the pinnacle of world squash. The PSA and SQUASHTV required a solution for facilitating remote commentary that elevates broadcasts of smaller tournaments to the high quality levels that SQUASHTV’s audience has come to expect.

“SQUASHTV’s approach to streaming events that can often go unseen to the wider audience allows us to use the Quicklink technology to enhance our overall product,” says Dan Dobby, production manager, SQUASHTV.

Quicklink Remote Commentary enables SQUASHTV to implement high-quality audio from remote commentators into broadcasts. A user-friendly, web-based interface allows someone to view a real-time, high-quality feed and commentate from any location. With minimal equipment beyond a laptop, headset, and internet connection, commentators of all technical skill levels can contribute high-quality audio.

According to Dobby, commentators in locations as diverse as Malaysia, New Zealand, the U.S., and the UK have contributed with no loss of audio quality or sync issues.

Using next-gen video-production platform Quicklink Cre8, SQUASHTV can integrate the audio of the remote commentators into a single-camera feed and live-stream to PSA’s public channels, including YouTube and SQUASHTV.

The remote-production capabilities proved valuable for tournaments where full onsite production crews were impractical. Previously unstreamed events received enhanced visibility and polished broadcasts rivaling top onsite productions. Sponsors and fans alike gained exposure to high-quality coverage of tournaments they may have previously missed.

In addition, Quicklink Remote Commentary has enabled PSA to reduce carbon emissions by reducing travel requirements for its roster of commentators.

“PSA are conscious of global emissions,” says Dobby. “Having the ability to enhance our product without flying more kit, crew, and commentary to the event allows our quality commentary team to be present at events we don’t usually attend. Using Quicklink Remote Commentary also allows the event to have an enhanced product to showcase to sponsors and patrons, which will help raise awareness of the event further.”

The Quicklink solutions were supplied to PSA through Auriga Networks, a technologies specialist with more than 15 years’ experience in IP video distribution over both satellite and terrestrial platforms.

With remote productions becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, the Quicklink Remote Commentary and Quicklink Cre8 solutions will play an integral role in PSA broadcasting efforts for the 2023-24 squash season and beyond.