Tata
Communications has become the first company to deliver a live 4K feed from a
Formula 1 event. In a press release, the company said that this landmark was
achieved during practice session at the 2014 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines
Singapore Grand Prix, where live footage was delivered end-to-end over Tata
Communications’ Global Video Connect Network, to Formula One Management’s (FOM)
Technical HQ in Biggin Hill, UK.
Demonstrated
to an exclusive group of broadcasters, the live delivery highlighted the next
generation 4K broadcast capabilities afforded by fibre-optic cable, as well as
illustrating how the future of 4K sports broadcasting could look, the release
said.
The
company said that 4K broadcasting promises ground-breaking definition, but also
presents the challenge of significantly increased bandwidth demand. Typically,
Tata Communications provides 120 megabits per second (mbps) for JPEG 2000.
During the Biggin Hill showcase, Tata Communications provided 500mbps for a
single feed, a capability that was only made possible thanks to the company’s
global Video Connect network, delivering video and converged IP services
seamlessly for high quality sports events.
Mehul
Kapadia, Managing Director F1 Business, Tata Communications, pointed out that
last year the company was able to showcase its broadcast capabilities by
transmitting a live JPEG 2000 feed from the same Grand Prix in Singapore. “This
year we have taken a huge step in next generation broadcast with the first-ever
transmission of a live 4K feed from a Formula 1event. It is another milestone
in our journey with Formula One Management and shows the real potential of
sports broadcasting over our Video Connect Network, as well as the quality and
speed by which it can be delivered,” he said.
John
Morrison, Formula One Management’s Chief Technical Officer, said that F1 racing
is the pinnacle of cutting edge technology, and provides the ultimate showcase
for innovation. According to him, 4K is an exciting new technology which could
have great potential when it comes to sports broadcasting. “We are focussed on
given F1 fans the best possible experience, which is why we are pleased to be
supporting Tata Communications in bringing 4K closer to reality,” he added.
The
live demonstration also highlighted the global capability of Tata
Communications’ dedicated Video Connect Network which affords 4x redundant
connectivity between source and destination, while ensuring zero packet drop
for a smooth viewing experience. The
network also offers ready connectivity to key media hotspots globally including
stadiums, teleports, broadcasters and direct-to-home, cable and over-the-top
service providers. In a world where customers have more choice than ever before
when it comes to content consumption, Tata Communications specialised media
network helps deliver a high-quality service regardless of the location, format
and bandwidth required.
Kapadia
further added that consumer demand for high quality and live content across
different platforms is now the norm and with the emergence of bandwidth hungry
production workflows, especially that of 4K broadcasting, quick turnarounds and
availability of content across multiple platforms are hygiene factors for
content owners. “Having the world’s only wholly-owned global fibre-optic ring
of super-fast cables means that we are able to fully exploit the potential of
new technologies such as 4K, from locations across the globe; and give
broadcasters and content owners the ability to reach an ever more demanding
audience with ever higher quality content,” he said.
In
February 2012, Tata Communications signed a deal with Formula One Management to
deliver world-class connectivity to all Formula 1 race locations over its
global network, the largest in the world. Tata Communications also provides
hosting and content delivery services to Formula1.com, which is accessed by
tens of millions of fans around the globe throughout the racing season.
Picture of Nico
Rosberg driving his car during the qualifying round of the 2014 Singapore
Grand Prix, courtesy Daimler