Soliton Smart-telecaster Zao H.265 Encoder deployed at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

Six major Japanese broadcasters, including Tokyo Broadcast System, TV Asahi, ABC Asahi, TV Tokyo and TV Record in Brazil utilized the Smart-telecaster Zao H.265/HEVC encoder for live transmissions as part of their on-site operations during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Foccus Digital coordinated the rental packages with data services and delivered to broadcasters beginning in late July for site investigation and pre-Olympics coverage. The Smart-telecaster Zao provided international broadcasters with robust transmission over 3G/4G mobile networks with exceptional transmission stability. The advantage of compression efficiency and lower bandwidth requirements of HEVC contributed major benefits through monetary savings and expanded access. Capitalizing on the Smart-telecaster Zao’s lightweight design and extended battery life, broadcasters were able to get to and transmit from the essential Olympic events quicker and with significantly improved image quality.

The primary transmission sites included Maracanã and Engenhão Stadiums, Barra Olympic Park, Marina da Gloria and Copacabana Beach. The Smart-telecaster Zao transmitted flawlessly in full HD in all venues averaging 5.5 Mbps utilizing (2) VIVO and (4) Claro 4G SIM Cards. Soliton’s proprietary RASCOW transmission control technology ensured smooth, low-latency video/audio transmission, even in localities with extremely limited bandwidth. The 4G infrastructure in Rio de Janeiro performed considerably well and was built upon the structure laid out as a requirement for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Transmission of content over IP to servers in Japan provided broadcasters with a very cost effective operation and the ability to economize data usage.

The data services provided during the Olympics season included 8,160 GB of VIVO and 1,000 GB of Claro data. Cellular bonding technology in high traffic areas such as stadiums can always present a substantial challenge, however broadcasters utilizing the Smart-telecaster Zao reported consistent high quality live transmissions. The Smart-telecaster Zao’s H.265/HEVC standard, provided a distinct operational advantage with twice the efficiency and improved image quality of full HD at a low bit rate. International broadcasters were able to increase for its viewers the quantity and quality of journalism and sports-related content. Soliton is becoming a valued partner for the global sports market and is evolving methods to create dynamic coverage for the world’s top sporting events.