5G contribution in live production at Coronation of King Charles III
Virtualized media production solutions specialist shows dynamic prioritization of live media signals over 5G cellular connection.
This proof of concept is one further step in demonstrating the viability of 5G in live production, especially in high demand environments.
Andy Rayner
Chief Technologist, Nevion
Successful test at King’s Corononation
Nevion – a Sony Group Company and award-winning provider of virtualized media production solutions – has demonstrated the dynamic prioritization of live broadcast media signals over 5G connectivity.
The successful proof-of-concept took place during the Coronation of King Charles III on 6 May 2023 in London, featuring Nevion’s VideoIPath media orchestration platform in a test conducted with private 5G networks developer Neutral Wireless, and the research and development arm of UK public broadcaster the BBC.
Getting best results with 5G bandwidth
Broadcasters are increasingly interested in using 5G to connect cameras in a live production environment, thanks to the ubiquity and bidirectional nature of cellular network technology. But while it promises high-speed connectivity, the ‘best-effort’ nature of 5G can make it unsuitable in situations where there is severe contention for available bandwidth with other network users.
This can often be an issue with public 5G networks, where many smartphone users – and even other broadcasters – may be competing for resources. However it can also be a challenge with dedicated private (non-public) 5G networks, when many pieces of connected equipment including camaras are vying for bandwidth.
Ensuring quality of service
The object of the test was to demonstrate that media signals can be prioritised on a standalone non-public network (SNPN) using quality of service (QoS) control. The solution used was built on elements of Sony and Nevion’s Networked Live offering. For media transport, Sony’s prototype transmitter boxes were connected to the Neutral Wireless 5G SNPN – which provides ultra-low-latency HEVC video encoding – and an Xperia™ 5G smartphone.
For network and resource orchestration, Nevion’s VideoIPath was used to interface with the 5G network’s NEF (Network Exposure Function) to configure the QoS for individual flows based on dynamic information about bandwidth and signal priorities. For example, the camera currently transmitting was given a higher priority for its video signal than the non-transmitting one.
Confirming 5G’s viability in live production
“Our vision of creating a unified hybrid on-prem and Cloud-distributed environment requires a network orchestration able to control the flow of signals end-to-end, across various fixed and mobile networks” explains Nevion’s Chief Technologist Andy Rayner. “In recent years we have built a solid experience in using 5G in production, most notably through the Nevion-led EU-funded 5G VIRTUOSA project. This proof of concept is one further step in demonstrating the viability of 5G in live production, especially in high demand environments.”
