Table of contents
- The Rise of Remote Production
- A New Era of Accessibility
- Future Prospects for Remote Production
- Conclusion
In the heart of Cardiff, a new era of broadcasting is being ushered in by the Cymru Broadcast Centre (CBC). Developed in collaboration with production partner Whisper, this cutting-edge remote production facility, unveiled in August 2024, is establishing new benchmarks for live streaming and inclusivity within the media sector. With its technical prowess and dedication to accessibility, the Cymru Broadcast Centre is not just breaking boundaries—it’s redefining them.
In this case study, we’ll explore how the Cymru Broadcast Centre’s unique approach and state-of-the-art technology are unlocking new opportunities for tech enthusiasts, media professionals, production teams, video engineers, and broadcasters.
The Rise of Remote Production
Remote production has rapidly become a vital part of the broadcasting industry, driven by the need for efficient, flexible, and sustainable solutions. By allowing teams to produce live content from anywhere in the world, it reduces the need for on-site personnel and equipment, lowering costs and environmental impact. But the Cymru Broadcast Centre takes it a step further by offering unparalleled accessibility and advanced technology, making it an ideal platform for real-time streaming and low-latency operations.
Introducing the Cymru Broadcast Centre
Remote production facilities are becoming increasingly important as media companies seek more efficient ways to deliver content.The Cymru Broadcast Centre is a state-of-the-art remote production facility whose inaugural project was a technically complex production of a major global sports event hosted in Paris, delivering over 1,300 hours of live content across 12 days. This impressive feat was achieved using Dolby Millicast for ultra-low latency streaming, enabling production crews on the ground in Paris to view program feeds on their mobile devices in real time. By leveraging advanced encoding and streaming solutions, the Cymru Broadcast Centre is not only improving its own productions but also setting a benchmark for others to follow.
By reducing the need for extensive on-site equipment and personnel, remote production can significantly cut costs and complexities. The Cymru Broadcast Centre success sets a precedent for the industry, showcasing how advanced technologies can be leveraged to enhance operations.
Real-time streaming with Dolby Millicast
One of the key components of the Cymru Broadcast Centre’s success is its use of Dolby Millicast for real-time streaming. Dolby’s comprehensive streaming platform allows for ultra-low latency streams accessible via almost any web browser or device. The importance of real-time streaming cannot be overstated; it provides crews worldwide with a simple way to view feeds from the Cymru Broadcast Centre, ensuring prompt responses to live events and seamless synchronization with on-site sports commentators. Sub-500ms ultra-low latency is about more than just speed; it’s about connection. It allows broadcasters to respond immediately to unfolding events, ensuring that audiences receive the most accurate and engaging content possible.
The Cymru Broadcast Centre’s technological infrastructure is a standout feature that sets it apart from other production centers. By employing Videon EdgeCasters to encode feeds and using WHIP to send them to Dolby.io and their Content Delivery Network (CDN), the Cymru Broadcast Centre utilizes a complete end-to-end WebRTC solution. This setup enables real-time streaming and interaction, providing an edge in competitive broadcasting.
When asked how Dolby impacted their business, David Williams, Senior Technical Manager for Whisper, remarked, “Dolby Millicast gives us an easy and cost-effective way to share video feeds with remote locations around the world in near real time. This cutting-edge technology has also allowed us to have graphics operators located in different geographical areas to reduce travel and improve our sustainability. We’re now also using Dolby Millicast to feed set monitors/video walls in our remote studios. The ability to have the lowest possible delay between locations over the public internet opens many new options that we’re keen to utilize across our productions out of the Cymru Broadcast Centre.”
A New Era of Accessibility
Accessibility is a key differentiator for the Cymru Broadcast Centre. Designed as one of the world’s most accessible remote production hubs, the facility includes a range of features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. From wide walkways and ramps to power-assisted doors and high-contrast signage, every detail has been considered to create an inclusive environment.
Attention has been given to the colors selected for branding and signage, while internal signs are displayed in braille. High color contrast has been used throughout to identify obstacles and areas, such as door frames, walls and furniture. Green has been used throughout the facility (including the kitchen area and toilets), to help generate a calming environment.
The Cymru Broadcast Centre facility is more than just a production hub; it’s a community of innovators. Supported by Media Cymru and Channel 4, CBC is co-funding research and development around accessibility in live production.
Pioneering inclusivity in media
The creation of the Cymru Broadcast Centre marks a significant milestone in the media industry’s efforts to close existing diversity and inclusion gaps. Historically, the industry has been inaccessible to many, particularly those with disabilities. By providing an accessible environment, the Cymru Broadcast Centre is paving the way for more inclusive opportunities in broadcasting, allowing underrepresented communities to thrive. This inclusive approach extends beyond the physical infrastructure, with the Cymru Broadcast Centre actively engaging with special needs communities to ensure their needs are met in broadcast and media.
It’s clear the media industry has the power to shape perceptions and drive cultural change. By involving special needs individuals in the development of broadcasting systems from the start, the industry can ensure that remote production hubs like the Cymru Broadcast Centre are inclusive from the outset, rather than retro fitted.
Viewing inclusivity through both a moral and strategic lens, the Cymru Broadcast Centre is also revolutionizing the media production talent search. By ensuring that everyone can participate in the production process, it’s tapping into a wider pool of talent and perspectives.
Future Prospects for Remote Production
The success of the Cymru Broadcast Centre’s initial projects demonstrates the immense potential for remote production facilities in the future. The Cymru Broadcast Centre plans to leverage its current setup for various productions, including motorsport, football, and rugby coverage, further solidifying its position as a hub for innovative content creation.
Overcoming challenges in the industry
While the Cymru Broadcast Centre’s achievements are commendable, the industry still faces challenges in creating a truly inclusive environment. The lack of disabled access in outside broadcast trucks and limited on-site accommodations remain significant barriers. However, the Cymru Broadcast Centre’s success offers a roadmap for future developments aimed at overcoming these obstacles.
To foster fair outcomes for all, the media sector must unite in designing systems with inclusion as a priority. Open discussions and collaborations with diverse communities are essential to driving meaningful change and ensuring that future innovations benefit everyone.
The vision for the future
Whisper and the Cymru Broadcast Centre’s vision extends beyond the present, aiming to inspire similar projects globally. By sharing its learnings and best practices, the Cymru Broadcast Centre hopes to act as a catalyst for widespread change in the broadcasting industry and beyond.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, media professional, or broadcaster, this new remote production hub offers numerous opportunities to engage with its groundbreaking initiatives. From participating in cutting-edge productions to collaborating on accessibility improvements, there are countless ways to contribute to the Cymru Broadcast Centre’s mission.
Conclusion
The Cymru Broadcast Centre represents a new era in broadcasting, where technology, accessibility, and inclusivity converge to create a dynamic production environment. By harnessing the power of real-time streaming, low latency, and innovative design, the Cymru Broadcast Centre is revolutionizing the way we approach media production. Its commitment to inclusivity and technological advancement serves as a model for the industry, offering valuable insights and inspiration for those seeking to make a meaningful impact.
