CASE STUDY
Cricket West Indies: Cloud Communications
The Challenge
The client faced a critical production challenge during a Caribbean sports tournament. Their key statistician, essential to the broadcast workflow, was unable to travel from the UK to the production site. This unexpected situation arose just one day before transmission (TX), creating an urgent need for a remote production solution.
The primary obstacles included enabling a remote statistician to perform their role from the UK, integrating with the existing on-site intercom system, and providing a seamless communication solution without requiring additional hardware or complex technical setup.
Technical Limitations
The existing production infrastructure presented significant hurdles:
- No cloud-based intercom system was in place
- A traditional RTS intercom system was the current on-site communication method
- Limited time to implement a solution before broadcast
The Adapt Media Services Solution
With less than 24 hours to develop a comprehensive solution, our team implemented an innovative approach:
- Remote Visualization Utilizing our on-site transmission kit, we created a low-bitrate multiviewer stream that allowed the statistician to view production feeds directly on his laptop from his home in the UK. This ensured real-time access to critical production information.
- Hybrid Intercom Integration We developed a sophisticated solution that interfaced the cloud-based intercom system with the existing on-site RTS intercom. This hybrid approach enabled seamless communication between on-site crew and the remote statistician while preserving the client’s existing infrastructure investment.
"The equipment comes in a light weight Peli Case which can be easily transported as excess baggage. The delivery service to BT Tower proved to be extremely robust with any connectivity issues quickly resolved by the support team at Adapt"
– Richard La Motte – RLM Engineering
Outcome and Impact
The implemented solution delivered remarkable benefits:
Cost Efficiency
- Eliminated expenses for international travel, hotel accommodation, and multiple “dark days” of on-site preparation – A significant cost reduction for a 6-transmission tournament spanning three weeks
Operational Excellence
- Maintained production quality and workflow continuity
- Enabled effortless communication between on-site crew and remote statistician
Technological Innovation
- Proved the viability of hybrid remote production solutions
- Showcased the potential of cloud-based communication technologies in sports broadcasting
Looking Forward
This case study exemplifies how innovative technological solutions can overcome traditional production limitations. By combining cloud technologies, smart integration, and rapid problem-solving, we transformed a potential production challenge into a seamless broadcasting experience.
The success of this approach highlights the growing importance of flexible, adaptable production technologies in modern sports broadcasting. As the industry continues to evolve, solutions that prioritize efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and technological agility will become increasingly critical.