The Switch Chooses MediaKind to Support Delivery of Live Sports Content on NESN
MediaKind has been selected by The Switch to support the provision of next-generation IP infrastructure and content delivery services to New England Sports Network (NESN). The Switch selected MediaKind’s Cygnus distribution product suite to support the replacement of NESN’s existing satellite distribution platform with an IP-based terrestrial distribution solution.
The tailor-made workflow supports NESN’s smooth transition to IP-based media delivery, bringing cost savings and increased flexibility for the regional sports network. The partnership combines the latest video processing and content protection technology from MediaKind, with The Switch’s high-performance hybrid fibre network. NESN delivers live content to broadcasters across any network, in 4K UHD HDR quality.
“We chose MediaKind because of its proven expertise and innovation in IP-based sports broadcasting solutions,” says Robert Szabo-Rowe, senior vice president, engineering and product management, The Switch. “With our extensive experience delivering mission-critical live content, MediaKind is the ideal partner for us to support NESN’s delivery workflow transformation. NESN now benefits from a flexible video distribution network, and guaranteed delivery of superior live sports feeds for Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins games, as well as hundreds of other live college sports events.”
The Switch implemented several solutions from MediaKind for NESN’s workflow, including MK stream processing, the software-based stream processing application that ensures high availability and delivery efficiency on all broadcast and multiscreen platforms, and the MediaKind System Multiplexer to support NESN’s mission-critical stream processing applications in terrestrial central headends, allowing for greater flexibility and upgrade ease for future system expansions.
“We are delighted The Switch chose MediaKind to support NESN’s transition to IP-based media delivery,” says Steve Payne, senior vice president and regional head, Americas, MediaKind. “The Switch specializes in the production and delivery of high-value live content. Its terrestrial distribution offering complements our robust portfolio of solutions, ensuring real-time delivery of NESN’s live sports critical feeds in the highest quality. We’re excited to see the solution’s deployment for live games carried by NESN’s channels and affiliates, delivering a truly exceptional experience to sports fans.”