Verizon Business, AWS, and the NHL demo 5G-enabled cloud broadcasting at the 2024 NAB Show
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The collaboration between Verizon Business, AWS and the NHL to demonstrate 5G-enabled cloud broadcasting is a testament to the evolving landscape of content delivery networks and the sports broadcasting industry. This partnership exemplifies a strategic use of cutting-edge technology to enhance the viewing experience, which is becoming an increasingly critical differentiator in the competitive media market.
From a telecommunications standpoint, the deployment of AWS Wavelength Zones signifies a leap in reducing latency for 5G applications, a key factor in live sports where milliseconds can make a significant difference in viewer experience. This could set a new standard for latency in content delivery, potentially becoming a benchmark in the industry. Additionally, the adoption of such technologies by a high-profile league like the NHL underscores the growing importance of technology partnerships in enhancing product offerings and fan engagement.
The long-term implications for Verizon could include solidifying its position as a leading provider of innovative network solutions in the sports industry, which may attract similar partnerships with other leagues and content providers. However, the scalability and cost-effectiveness of these solutions in broader applications will be critical to watch as the technology matures.
The shift towards 5G-enabled cloud broadcasting could lead to a significant transformation in the media industry, particularly in live sports broadcasting. The centralization of production crews, as demonstrated by the NHL's use of cloud technology, presents a potential for cost reductions and enhanced content creation flexibility. The ability to broadcast high-quality content from virtually any location could democratize sports production, enabling smaller leagues or teams to have a global reach without the traditional overheads.
Moreover, the move to quickly distribute content to social media and new platform partners is indicative of the changing consumption patterns of sports fans, who are increasingly seeking instant and diverse viewing experiences. This aligns with industry trends of content decentralization and could influence the strategic direction of other players in the media industry to adopt similar cloud-based technologies.
While this may offer benefits in terms of fan engagement and content reach, the increased demand for real-time, high-quality broadcasts may also push traditional broadcasters to innovate or collaborate with tech companies to stay relevant. The ripple effects across the media industry could involve a re-evaluation of traditional broadcasting rights and models, which have historically been a significant source of revenue for sports leagues.
Verizon Business to simulcast NHL games leveraging innovative content delivery April 14-17 at booth #W2042
NEW YORK, April 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon Business, on the heels of its recent partnership announcement with the National Hockey League (NHL) is putting co-innovation on full display with a new 5G-enabled cloud broadcasting solution. Running on AWS Wavelength Zones, a mobile edge compute service that delivers ultra-low-latency applications for 5G devices, this solution is a game-changer for the broadcast industry, with the speed from content capture on ice to broadcast going from seconds to milliseconds.
“Innovations in production and distribution ultimately highlight the power of our network to content owners like the NHL,” said Iris Meijer, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Verizon Business. “Through cloud-based content delivery, we’re enabling them to innovate, bringing new views, angles, and experiences for fans worldwide.”
The traditional television broadcast industry is experiencing a major operational shift with the rise of streaming services, devices, and next-generation IP video production tools, – all of which require massive amounts of data to be moved and processed in the blink of an eye.
“Providing our fans with a premium experience whether sitting rinkside or in the comfort of their home is what the NHL has become synonymous with,” said Grant Nodine, NHL Senior Vice President, Technology. “Partnering with Verizon Business in expediting content delivery from the cloud allows us to find innovative ways to create content and design experiences for the fan.”
Together with Amazon Web Services (AWS), the NHL produced their first-ever live-to-air cloud broadcast of the Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals game on March 22. This technology enabled the NHL to broadcast the game through AWS Elemental MediaConnect, a high-quality transport service for live video, giving the league the scale to maximize centralized production crews in the league’s offices and production headquarters.
Through a secure and reliable connection, live cloud production allows the NHL to leverage distributed production and operations personnel for future broadcasts. Additionally, because of the rapid delivery that cloud efficiency can drive, the league can streamline content distribution to social media channels and new platform partners to create enhanced fan experiences.
“Live cloud production empowers the NHL to produce high-quality content from virtually anywhere and at practically any scale, using the optimum combination of resources,” said Julie Souza, Global Head of Sports, AWS. “The speed of Verizon 5G unlocks new opportunities for the continued adoption and deployment of live cloud production across sports and beyond.”
During the 2024 NAB show, a demo will be showcased at the Verizon booth (#W2042) in collaboration with AWS, the NHL, and its partners to create a live cloud production environment.
Verizon Business currently works with sports leagues around the globe aiding in everything from in-venue networks to streamlining team operations. Verizon brings public and private network capabilities, a robust technology ecosystem, and 5G partnerships that enable leagues, teams, and stadium operators to create and deliver a first-class fan experience and achieve desired venue operational outcomes.
To learn more about Verizon Business Media & Entertainment IT solutions visit here.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed in 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of
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