Citymesh, NEP and Sony collaborate for 5G live production test in Belgium
During the Belgian Cup Final, Sony, NEP Europe and Citymesh set up the first 5G broadcast test in the country
Tech and media providers Citymesh, NEP and Sony recently carried out a 5G technology trial using a private network on behalf of media group DPG Media. This test took place during the Belgian Cup Final in which Club Brugge claimed a victory, allowing them to qualify for the UEFA Europa League.
Held at an outdoor stadium with a seating capacity of over 50,000, the event successfully showcased the effectiveness of 5G in event broadcasting. The results highlighted its potential as a viable alternative to traditional broadcasting workflows.
Seeking to enhance the performance and streamline operations, the collaboration adopted a new approach for content delivery. “This time, we turned to privatised 5G networks to improve signal quality and drive down the cost of getting content from point A to B,” said Geert Thoelen, CTO of NEP Belgium.
On the day of the match, the trial consisted of two separate workflows. The first used a Sony FX3 camera equipped with the data transmitter PDT-FP1, which uploaded images through the network directly to the cloud, allowing NEP Europe’s engineering team to test, review and check the efficiency of that workflow.
The second involved a Sony FX9 full-frame camera equipped with the CBK-RPU7 remote production unit, which was then connected to a PDT-FP1. At the other end of this connection, the NXL-ME80 (Media Edge Processor) decoded the signals and handed them over to NEP’s OB van, which was based outside the King Baudouin Stadium.
Each partner brought their expertise to the table to enable seamless integration and innovative workflows. “It’s a real pleasure to collaborate with NEP, DPG Media and Sony, partners who are always pushing boundaries,” enthused Carlo Waelens, general manager of Citymesh Temporary Solutions.
Hector Sierra, regional sales head at Sony Europe, concluded, “This trial now joins a growing list of other 5G trials that have been a proven success.” This comment follows, Sony’s dedicated preparation for a 5G transformation using new video transmission methods.
Find out more about Citymesh, NEP Europe and Sony by visiting their websites
