Game Creek begins the transition of its OB units to HDR with support from EVS

Game Creek Video’s PeacockOne mobile unit has recently been upgraded to HDR technology to cover events for Sports NBC in both 1080p and UHD. In this new phase, it will again feature SVE LiveCeption and MediaCeption solutions.

Driven by increased demand for live productions from U.S. sports networks such as FOX Sports, ESPN et CBS, Game Creek Video continues to invest in SVE solutions across its entire fleet of mobile units. Specifically, the intensive upgrade program to LiveCeption Signature will be completed in 2023. Once complete, 40 new XT-VIA live production servers will have been deployed to enable production teams to replay, edit and produce content from match day action. As part of this solution, these new servers will be combined with LSM-VIA, EVS’ IP-based replay and highlight system to create super slow motion replays during the game.

LiveCeption Signature combines the latest EVS technologies to provide “the power, scale and versatility needed” to achieve full HD 1080p or UHD-4K production in HDR or DTS. The system leverages the XT-VIA production server to support all new formats and protocols (from HD to 8K, SDR to HDR and SDI to IP) in a single solution.

XT-VIA and LSM-VIA

Working in conjunction with the XT-VIA server, the LSM-VIA replay and recap system is a cornerstone of LiveCeption Signature. LSM-VIA provides direct access to all network content. With full IP connectivity and software-defined technology, the system makes all production resources available “anywhere and at high speed,” enabling flexible and highly collaborative workflows, as EVS notes.

On the other hand, LSM-VIA guarantees replay operators working from remote locations a satisfactory multiview user experience, even in UHD-4K. Leveraging the Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) network protocol through certified integration with Haivision’s Maktio X series of real-time video encoders and decoders, the system delivers very low latency and high enough quality over any managed network or public Internet connection to enable them to create uncompromised replays and highlight packages. This remote workflow has been successfully deployed for the GCV Anywhere platform used this summer to cover the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Mediaception at Game Creek

Productions supported by Game Creek’s PeacockOne unit will also benefit from the “simplified” navigation, control, live editing and playout of live media content provided by EVS’ MédiasCeption production asset management (PAM) solution. MediaCeption enables production teams to manage assets from almost anywhere, facilitating multi-site and remote collaboration for publishing across all digital platforms.

Garrett Sullivan, senior vice president of production and finance at Game Creek Video, is very appreciative of the company’s partnership with EVS: “For us, EVS is the gold standard for mobile production, providing the power, reliability and flexibility to create our best work. As our business has grown, integrating EVS solutions into our roadmap has enabled us to continually adapt to client demands and stay competitive.” Quentin Grutmann, EVS Chief Customer Officer, comments, “Game Creek is a true pioneer in large-scale production and we’re proud of their continued investment in our solutions. Our LiveCeption and MediaCeption solutions are opening the door to incredibly powerful, flexible and scalable workflows, which enable broadcasters to deliver ground-breaking live viewing experiences and keep audiences engaged.”