February 08, 2016

Technicolor Executive Offers Views on a Rational Approach to Integrating Next-Generation TV Technologies into Sports Broadcasting

Friends Watching the Game Together

Live sports programming is one of the most robust areas of growth and opportunity for broadcasters who are fighting to retain audiences in an increasingly competitive and complex digital entertainment environment. For this reason, executives and strategic planners are carefully exploring new ways to capture and engage consumers who are constantly seeking compelling, immersive experiences.

“A new generation of technologies that are designed to enhance the video viewing experiences – including 4K UHD, HDR, HFR, WCG – are entering the sports broadcasting ecosystem at different rates of speed and maturity,” says Josh Limor, Technicolor’s Senior Director, Ecosystem and Technology Development.

One of the most significant challenges facing the industry is how to practically transition from the existing high definition world of sports broadcasting to these new technologies, while protecting existing investments that have been made by the entire value chain, and consumers.[subscribe_reminder]

“We need to be mindful that broadcasters, stadiums and other venues just spent a ton of money upgrading their stadiums to be able to do HD,” Limor explains. “Executives in these organizations do not want to hear: ‘Good news: throw all of that away, buy all new equipment and support 4K UHD, HDR and other technologies.’ That is just not a practical way to get there.”

A carefully thought-out strategy for making the transition into these next-generation technologies will be the key to successful deployment of exciting new experiences to sports-loving consumers around the world, he says.  The ability to transmit one signal, and deliver both SDR and HDR content is a backwards compatible strategy that maximizes emerging opportunities without leaving behind consumers who have not yet made the transition to the newest technology.

To hear more of Josh’s thoughts on the subject watch the videos below:

Part 2 -- Practical implications for capturing and delivering the new generation of image enhancing technologies in sports broadcasting.

Part 3 -- Distribution strategies for bringing enhanced image experiences to a new generation of consumer devices that are entering the market.

Part 4 -- The importance of developing a rational and integrated strategy of delivering SDR and HDR sports programing in a rational, cost-effective manner.