Vertical: Broadcasting
Application: Live broadcast cloud upload, remote production, instantaneous content distribution
Ecosystem: Sony, NEP Europe, Citymesh
Private Network: 5G
Sony, NEP Europe, and Citymesh collaborated to conduct a comprehensive 5G technology trial at the Belgian Cup Final on May 9, 2024, during the match between Club Brugge and Anderlecht at the King Baudouin Stadium. This pioneering effort marked the first 5G broadcast test of its kind in Belgium, providing DPG Media with an in-depth proof of concept for network-based workflows.
The trial deployed a private 5G network infrastructure that supported two distinct operational workflows, each designed to demonstrate different aspects of 5G capability in live broadcast environments. A packed stadium with over 50,000 spectators created ideal conditions to test the technology’s performance under challenging circumstances with high network congestion potential.
The first workflow centered on cloud-based content distribution using a Sony FX3 camera equipped with the PDT-FP1 data transmitter. The second workflow implemented a more complex remote production setup featuring a Sony FX9 full-frame camera paired with the CBK-RPU7 remote production unit. At the receiving end, an NXL-ME80 Media Edge Processor decoded the incoming signals and transferred them to NEP’s outside broadcast van stationed outside the King Baudouin Stadium.
“The success of this trial is made even greater with context,” noted Kurt Galens, Technical Producer for DPG Media. “Taking place in an outdoor stadium with a seating capacity of over 50,000, and an eager audience to fill it, the consistent performance achieved demonstrates that the utilisation of 5G in event broadcasting is practical and has the potential to be used as a trustworthy alternative for legacy workflows.”
The private 5G network deployment addressed several critical technical challenges commonly encountered in stadium broadcasting environments. By avoiding public network congestion through a dedicated infrastructure, the system maintained consistent performance throughout the event. The local network architecture also ensured lower latency by keeping footage processing within the media compound rather than routing through external networks.
“At NEP, innovation means teaming up with our vendors and technology partners to explore smarter, more efficient ways to create and deliver content. This time, we turned to privatised 5G networks to improve signal quality and drive down the cost of getting content from point A to B,” explained Geert Thoelen, CTO for NEP Belgium.
The collaboration showcased how private 5G networks can potentially replace traditional broadcasting infrastructure while maintaining or improving service quality. The trial’s success demonstrates the practical viability of 5G technology for professional broadcast operations, particularly in environments with high capacity demands and strict quality requirements.
Hector Sierra, Regional Sales Head for Sony Europe, emphasized the significance of the trial: “We are delighted to be so closely involved in this successful proof-of-concept 5G trial in Belgium over the weekend, the first of its kind. At Sony we strive to produce innovative technology that can maximise efficiency for production workflows without impeding on the quality of service, and that is exactly what 5G can provide. This trial now joins a growing list of other 5G trials that have been a proven success.”
Carlo Waelens, General Manager of Citymesh Temporary Solutions, highlighted the technical advantages demonstrated: “This demonstrates the power of 5G for low latency applications. By deploying a local private 5G network, we avoided congestion with a packed stadium and were able to return the footage locally to the media compound, ensuring even lower latency.”
