Haivision’s advanced mobile video transmission technology showcased at Paris games, delivering immersive live coverage

Haivision Systems Inc. has been honored with the IBC Innovation Award for its cutting-edge live video contribution solutions. This marks the second consecutive year Haivision has been recognized for its innovations, particularly for its pivotal role in live broadcasting the Paris games.

Winning in the Content Creation category, Haivision and its partners were commended for their groundbreaking work in live broadcast production, utilizing smartphone cameras and private 5G networks during the opening ceremony in Paris and the sailing competitions in Marseille. The project demonstrated how real-time video technology can push the boundaries of live coverage, bringing audiences closer to the action in unprecedented ways.

“We are extremely proud and honored to have been a part of this groundbreaking project for the games in Paris,” said Jean-Marc Racine, Chief Product Officer at Haivision. “Haivision is at the forefront of fixed and mobile contribution technologies and continues to push the limits of live broadcast workflows. Winning the IBC Innovation Award for the second year in a row is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation.”

Innovative Coverage of the Paris Games

The Paris games offered unique challenges for live coverage, particularly with the opening ceremony, which took place along a six-kilometer stretch of the Seine River—the first time an opening ceremony wasn’t held in a traditional stadium. To cover the event, which featured 10,500 athletes on over 85 boats, more than 200 smartphones equipped with Haivision’s MoJoPro app were used. These mobile devices, transmitting HDR video feeds via a private 5G network, were linked to Haivision StreamHub receivers for real-time monitoring and control of the live footage.

The private 5G network, a key element in this innovative setup, was created by installing cells on the bridges spanning the river. This robust solution ensured seamless, low-latency transmission of video feeds from multiple mobile cameras, providing broadcasters with dynamic, real-time coverage.

Immersive experience for sailing competitions

Haivision’s contributions also extended to the sailing competitions in Marseille, where their MoJoPro app was once again central to the live broadcast. By mounting smartphones on the racing boats’ booms, viewers were able to get a close-up perspective of the action on the water. For windsurfing events, helmet cameras connected to the smartphones offered audiences a unique, athlete’s point-of-view, creating a more engaging and immersive experience.

One of the standout innovations was the development of the world’s first sea-based private 5G network. To handle the challenge of transmitting live video from fast-moving boats, 5G radio access networks (RAN) were established on three large catamarans, allowing the 5G network to follow the competitors throughout the race, regardless of distance or location. This breakthrough enabled flawless coverage of offshore sports, addressing the complex logistical challenges inherent in broadcasting from remote and mobile environments.

The IBC Innovation Awards*celebrate industry leaders who are transforming the media landscape through collaboration and technological ingenuity. By partnering with Haivision, the broadcast team in Paris exemplified the power of collaboration between technology providers and end-users in overcoming real-world challenges. Haivision’s award-winning contributions exemplify the future of live broadcast, showcasing how mobile technologies and private 5G networks can revolutionize live event coverage.