NBC Sports has selected TAG Video Systems to provide OTT monitoring and multi-viewing for its production of the XXIV Olympic Winter Games, from Beijing, China, February 2–20, 2022. The announcement was made today by Chris Connolly, VP of Transmission Engineering and Operations, NBC Olympics, and Kevin Joyce, Zero Friction Officer for TAG Video Systems
NBCUniversal provides coverage of the 2022 Olympic Winter Games from Feb. 2-20, featuring a Winter Olympics-record 2,800+ hours of coverage across NBC, Peacock, USA Network, CNBC, NBCOlympics.com, and the NBC Sports app. The Opening Ceremony was presented on Friday, Feb. 4, live in the morning and again in primetime on NBC and Peacock. Similar to recent Winter Games, NBC’s primetime Olympic coverage began the night before the Opening Ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 3. Coverage began on Wednesday, Feb. 2, on USA Network and Peacock. NBCUniversal is presenting its 18th Olympic Games, 12th consecutive overall, and sixth straight Winter Games, all the most by any U.S. media company.
NBC Sports will utilize TAG Video Systems’ MCM MultiChannel software-based monitoring and multi-viewing solution for complete end-to-end monitoring of their video network, delivering ultra-low latency of uncompressed ST 2110 and JPEG-XS signals in Beijing for live production, monitoring, and probing of the transport between the host nation and the United States, and monitoring of the broadcasts over the Peacock OTT platform and CDNs. In addition, TAG enables NBC Sports to visualize the signals in real-time across the entire network, including UHD signals ensuring the consumer’s high-quality experience.
“Once again, TAG was the obvious choice to help us guarantee the highest quality production is reaching our viewers,” said Connolly. “TAG’s active monitoring systems ensure us real-time data throughout multiple points within our network to deliver every minute of Olympic action to viewers across the U.S.”
“It is indeed an honor to partner again with NBC Sports within such a short span of time,” stated Joyce. “We are committed and confident that we will not let them down in delivering the highest-quality production.”
CHICAGO —As the pandemic has altered audio capturing plans for a number of industries, especially as they look for options for “contactless” microphones that don’t need to be worn or handled by individuals or groups, there is proven technology that can help adapt to the new normal.
Shure’s array microphones have been relied upon for some of the biggest global events like the Olympics and major sporting events as well as necessary everyday functions such as healthcare and court rooms.
The advantages of using array microphone technology are even more essential today as it provides broadcast-quality sound captured inconspicuously and from a safe distance — whether that’s overhead, underneath, or from the side. The technology provides the ability to provide steerable audio coverage for different room scenarios. The audio settings can be controlled remotely without the need for anyone to physically reposition the microphones to maximize coverage.
When tabletop microphones (press conferences), lavalier mics (broadcast), handheld mics (interviews, speeches) or other microphones (hospitals, court rooms) aren’t feasible, Shure offers options of overhead, wall or table mounted array microphones with steerable coverage technology to provide broadcast-quality audio. The MXA910 array microphone, the MXA310 tabletop microphone and the new MXA710 linear array microphones are the leading products in this category.
“As the world shifts to more ‘contactless’ microphones, Shure has pioneered this technology for years,” said Chris Merrick, Senior Director of Global Integrated Systems Marketing at Shure. “Our array microphone technology has been trusted with some of the biggest brands and events worldwide. With increased demand for remotely controlling audio capture, the technology is here today for it to be done very efficiently.”
Examples of how this successful technology is used globally includes:
TV and Radio Broadcast
The number one reality TV show in Brazil, “Big Brother Brasil” used MXA910s positioned on the ceilings throughout the house to capture broadcast-quality audio from the residents, who had various volume levels throughout the course of filming. Audio techs were able to remotely control the lobe directions and audio settings in real-time.
Big Brother Brasil” used MXA910s positioned on the ceilings throughout the house
“Arto Nyberg,” Finland’s biggest talk show is filmed at Helsinki Music House. While the show typically used a competitor shotgun mic above Nyberg, the crew switched to an MXA310 tabletop mic positioned on the table to capture audio.
A major radio network looked for a new way to manage audio across several studios. To improve their flexibility without any quality loss, they tested the MXA910 array microphone as part of a larger project. With HVAC noise and high volume of movement in the busy studio typically causing some noise with previous mics, the MXA910 minimized those sounds to provide even better radio broadcast quality for listeners.
Hospitals
Several hospitals have installed MXA910 in operating rooms because the unit is out of the way (ceiling mounted) and is able to clearly capture medical professionals as they explain procedures to medical students learning remotely.
Sporting Events
As part of its Olympics coverage, a major sports network in Brazil initially intended to use the MXA910 as a back-up microphone in case they encountered any problems with the presenter or guest lavaliers. However after running several tests, the team decided to use the MXA910 as the main microphone with the lavaliers as back-up.
The MXA910 was positioned over the news desk where the four presenters or guests were seated. Each of the four lobes with MXA910 was pointed at each individual, covering their specific seat positions. The audio was so good that broadcast competitors kept asking about the microphones they were using.
As major football (soccer) press conferences in UAE were taking place at a rapid pace with several different players and coaches, there was no opportunity to adjust the table microphones or incorporate wireless microphones. An MXA910 was installed above the press conference table. It was configured with four lobes, three focused on the table and a fourth pointing the area were the MVP was announced (at the end of the table, 3 meters from the mic). The mix signal was routed to two press boxes, the translation booth and the public address system. It provided quality audio, along with a “voice lift” feature to amplify the Q&A sessions so reporters could more clearly hear the people talking.
Scotiabank Arena, home to the NBA’s Toronto Raptors and the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, wanted to replace shotgun mics with something that didn’t require manually repositioning them for different games – basketball and hockey. With the MXA910, the remote control of the lobes eliminated any need to physically get to the underside of the scoreboard to adjust anything. While the audio was originally intended to provide game sounds to the arena suites, the audio was so good that ESPN/ABC picked up this audio for their broadcast of the NBA Finals.
Special Events
At the Red Bull BC 1 World Finale (World Breakdancing Competition) in Mumbai, organizers were looking for an audio solution that captured 70 percent crowd noise and 30 percent direct audio. Three MXA910s were placed in the venue to capture the perfect mix for the broadcast.
In addition to the MXA910, Shure offers other array microphones for different needs. Recently, the Company introduced the MXA710 linear array microphone. This new model is designed for high-quality audio capture in a variety of environments. Whether it’s under or next to a wall-mounted display, suspended from the ceiling or flush mounted in a table, the low-profile form factor of the MXA710 subtly blends into any room aesthetic without sacrificing audio quality. It is an ideal alternative for spaces where the MXA910 or the MXA310 might not be the best option.
Patented Steerable Coverage™ technology with the MXA710 captures audio anywhere in the room, featuring four lobes with the 2-foot array, and eight lobes with 4-foot array.
Like the MXA910, with onboard IntelliMix® DSP, the MXA710 provides Automatic Mixing, Acoustic Echo Cancellation, Noise Reduction, and Automatic Gain Control, providing all the processing needed for echo and noise-free audio, ensuring end users experience high-quality audio. Autofocus™ technology fine-tunes each lobe position in real-time, adjusting as people move around the room as they speak.
SALT LAKE CITY — When Rowdy Gaines stepped into the 1984 Olympics to compete in multiple swimming events, he gave his best performance and walked away with three gold medals. Since retiring from competition, Gaines has made a name for himself as a major TV network swimming commentator and a coveted public speaker, two careers that changed dramatically in 2020 when COVID-19 struck.
Olympic Gold Medalist and broadcaster Rowdy Gaines is now using the ClearOne Aura System
“Since the pandemic hit, I’ve done hundreds of video calls and speeches, including for major corporations or Olympic sponsors,” Gaines said. “It took a while to realize that the laptop camera and microphone I was using were pitiful, and the low-quality picture and sound detracted from the audience experience. Upgrading to ClearOne Aura with multiple cameras and a pro-level speakerphone has given my calls 4K video quality and perfect audio clarity, but the powerful features like auto framing may be an even bigger deal, long-term.”
With a total of three cameras, Gaines can now offer broadcasters multiple angles while working from home, in addition to utilizing special features such as AI-based automatic framing on the UNITE® 50 4K AF that moves and zooms the camera to best capture everyone in a room. All three cameras also offer remote-controlled pan, tilt and zoom, with the UNITE 50 4K ePTZ offering video up to 4K and up to 3x digital zoom, and the UNITE 200 providing 1080p quality with a 12x optical zoom.
“I work about 25 sporting events a year, and as remote collaboration for broadcast continues to evolve, it’s almost magical to have equipment that I know puts my best face forward and presents an image that’s up to the quality of professional TV production,” Gaines added. “It’s definitely an investment for the future, and anyone who uses basic gear for video conferencing, whether it’s for church presentations, work meetings or on TV, should be looking at upgrading their collaboration equipment with ClearOne.”
Gaines also marveled at the ability to take ClearOne gear with him, so the quality is enhanced no matter where he is.
“I’m taking the UNITE 50 with me to Athens, Georgia, where I have to travel and speak at a virtual event,” Gaines said, “It’s a confidence booster to know that I can provide the best presentation possible even when I’m on the road, and I’ve already received compliments on the high quality from organizations and event attendees.”
The core of Gaines’ new collaboration gear is the ClearOne Aura Versa 50 package, which combines a UNITE 50 ePTZ camera with a CHAT 150 speakerphone and a Versa USB Hub. The camera offers a 4K, 120-degree ultra-wide view lens with a 3x digital zoom, while the speakerphone delivers HDConference® audio and plug-and-play simplicity with the Veras USB Hub. Adding the additional UNITE 50 4K AF and UNITE 200 PTZ cameras gives Gaines greater flexibility and presentation options that can help set him apart as a speaker and presenter in the future.
