5G solving video problems in stadiums
Creating live videos of music and sports events in stadiums creates several headaches for the people who need to make these happen.
Using cables
- Camera positioning is not flexible
- Costs are relatively high
- Network deployment can be difficult
- Digital cable (ethernet cable) length can be a problem over 100m
- Analogue video and audio cable is labour intensive
Using 4G
- The equipment used to process the video is usually not near the venue
- The signal is usually routed via too many network segments which results in many network hops giving a bad experience due to low latency
- Bandwidth limitations restricts the number of cameras that can be used
With 4G, the Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) that is deployed with the core network is usually located in the capital city. If the MEC is too far away from the stadium, there will be too many network hops, causing poor experience. With 5G the MEC can be located near the stadium so that data can be processed locally and latency can be reduced greatly.
Using 5G
5G will open up many new possibilities for new types of entertainment within the live experience. It will enable artists to explore new creative opportunities.
Low latency:
5G enables tracking the location of performers microphones. Enabling automatic tracking of cameras and lighting.
High bandwidth:
- Gives flexible camera positioning
- The number of cameras can be increased by large numbers
- 3D cameras can be implemented more effectively over 5G
- The audience can be provided with more choices of viewing perspectives
Low latency and the very high bandwidth available for 3D and augmented reality is a game changer.
- The audience can experience a more immersive experience
- So, for example, multi-stream chatrooms, presenter led interaction with pre and post show fan interaction
- The processing of the video, augmented and virtual reality can be close to the venue giving much better performance and more options