NAB 2024: NHL, Verizon Business, and AWS Roll Out 5G-enabled Cloud Broadcasting Solution
Verizon Business has partnered with the NHL and Amazon Web Services (AWS) on a new 5G-enabled cloud broadcasting solution that they are demoing at NAB 2024. Running on AWS Wavelength Zones, a mobile edge compute service that delivers ultra-low-latency applications for 5G devices, this solution accelerates the speed from content capture on ice to broadcast going from seconds to milliseconds.
The NAB Show kicked off with a session featuring (from right) the NHL’s Grant Nodine, AWS’s Julie Souza, Verizon’s Tom Zimmerman, and moderator Joe Zaller of Devoncroft.
“Providing our fans with a premium experience, whether sitting rinkside or in the comfort of their home, is what the NHL has become synonymous with,” says Grant Nodine, NHL Senior Vice President, Technology. “Partnering with Verizon Business in expediting content delivery from the cloud allows us to find innovative ways to create content and design experiences for the fan.”
Together with AWS, the NHL produced its first-ever live-to-air cloud broadcast of the Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals game on March 22. This technology enabled the NHL to broadcast the game through AWS Elemental MediaConnect, a high-quality transport service for live video, giving the league the scale to maximize centralized production crews in the league’s offices and production headquarters.
Through a secure and reliable connection, live cloud production allows the NHL to leverage distributed production and operations personnel for future broadcasts. Additionally, because of the rapid delivery that cloud efficiency can drive, the league can streamline content distribution to social media channels and new platform partners to create enhanced fan experiences.
“Innovations in production and distribution ultimately highlight the power of our network to content owners like the NHL,” says Iris Meijer, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Verizon Business. “Through cloud-based content delivery, we’re enabling them to innovate, bringing new views, angles, and experiences for fans worldwide.”
“Live cloud production empowers the NHL to produce high-quality content from virtually anywhere and at practically any scale, using the optimum combination of resources,” says Julie Souza, Global Head of Sports, AWS. “The speed of Verizon 5G unlocks new opportunities for the continued adoption and deployment of live cloud production across sports and beyond.”
The announcement comes on the heels of its recent partnership announcement with the NHL. During the 2024 NAB show, a demo will be showcased at the Verizon booth (W2042) in collaboration with AWS, the NHL, and its partners to create a live cloud production environment.