TV 2 Denmark demonstrates 5G in live studio production with Sony, Nevion, Node-H and Cumucore
High-quality images sent wirelessly over IP network in proof-of-concept for Danish broadcaster based on Sony’s Networked Live solution.
We were very confident in the outcome of the test, but even we were surprised with the quality of the signals from the 5G-enabled cameras.
Morten Brandstrup
Head of News Technology, TV 2 Denmark
Simplifying cabling in studio production
Danish public broadcaster TV 2 has successfully demonstrated the use of 5G wireless technology to widen workflow possibilities in a live studio production environment.
Sony, and its subsidiary Nevion, together with Radio Access Network (RAN) software specialist Node-H, and leading non-public network (NPN) provider Cumucore, have conducted a successful proof of concept (PoC) with TV 2 using the technology for live studio-based production. The test has demonstrated the viability of 5G connectivity in the studio, where wireless camera connectivity can significantly reduce cabling requirements between cameras and other studio infrastructure.
The flexibility of IP-based wireless networks has long appealed to television broadcasters. And while 5G is increasingly being used in a wide range of industries and applications, challenges remain in realising the high bandwidth and very low latency requirements for high-end live TV production.
Uncompromised picture quality over 5G wireless networks
On 1st November 2023, TV 2 evaluated the capabilities of 5G during the production of the broadcaster’s Go’ aften Live evening show, For the test two Sony 5G-enabled system cameras were installed alongside the boadcaster’s usual wired cameras at its studio located at the Tivoli Gardens in central Copenhagen (Denmark).
A non-public network was created in the studio using Cumucore’s 5G Litecore technology, working in conjunction with Node-H’s RAN (Radio Access Network) technology. Cameras were connected to the 5G network via a prototype of Sony’s recently announced CBK-RPU7 portable remote production unit, with an Xperia™ 5G smartphone acting as a modem.
Serving as a wireless transmission device, the CBK-RPU7 ensures that ultra-low latency HEVC 4K/HD video signals are compressed efficiently to make optimum use of available 5G bandwidth, while achieving the same picture quality as with a wired cameras. Orchestration was managed by Nevion’s VideoIPath, ensuring that broadcast signals were given priority on the 5G network.
During the broadcast the production team included pictures acquired over the 5G-enabled cameras, proving that the quality matched the high standard required for this prime-time live production.
Widening studio workflow possibilities
“Along with our production services provider, Boffins Technology, we were interested to see how the 5G technology could integrate into a live studio environment” says Morten Brandstrup, Head of News Technology at TV 2 Denmark. “We were very confident in the outcome of the test, but even we were surprised with the quality of the signals from the 5G-enabled cameras. For us this proof of concept opens the possibility of using 5G cameras in a wider context, including studio-based productions. This will add greatly to the flexibility of our production workflows.”
“This is a major milestone in the development of 5G solutions for real-world broadcast applications”, adds Mika Skarp, Senior Product Manager at Cumucore.
“This successful test is a further proof that our Networked Live offering is well positioned to help broadcasters leverage 5G in their productions” notes Peter Sykes, Strategic Technology Development Manager at Sony. “With our efficient video compression technology and our versatile orchestration, we’ve proved that we can overcome some of the inherent challenges of wireless technology”.
