TV Asahi Deploys TVU Networks Solution for Localized, Live Coverage of The Open Championship

TVU Networks, the market and technology leader in cloud and IP-based live video solutions, announced Japanese broadcaster TV Asahi supplemented the host broadcaster’s world feed coverage of The Open Championship using two TVU Remote Production Systems (RPS). Synchronized signals from the venue were sent over IP networks for production at the TV Asahi studios in Tokyo.

Using two TVU RPS systems, TV Asahi was able to deliver unique coverage, catered to the specific tastes of its audience. A total of 12 synchronized signals were sent from the U.K.’s Royal St. George’s golf course to the TV Asahi studios. The signals included coverage such as: wireless cameras from the golf course; locally switched signals of Japanese players in action; multiple camera angles from each hole; and the host broadcaster’s world feed backup and world feed preview.

With each signal synchronized, frame-accurate switching between the live feeds was easy. TV Asahi was able to produce scenes that easily transitioned from golfer to golfer and hole to hole - a critical element of live golf production.

“We created a localized feed that we knew our viewers would appreciate,” said Mr. Itaru Takata at Equipment & Operation Management Center of TV Asahi. “TVU RPS allowed us to enrich our programming with feeds targeting our audience. Our audience got to enjoy cheering on the tournament leaders and all of the Japanese players.”

Using the public internet instead of satellite or dedicated fiber saved considerable expense for the broadcaster. The production also required less crew and equipment than what’s needed with a typical mobile truck scenario. “The set up greatly reduced the equipment and the staff at the event, which was a key consideration, given tight COVID restrictions in the U.K., Japan and the rest of the world,” added Mr. Takata.

TVU RPS leverages existing studio infrastructures and the public internet to synchronize multi-camera live remote production. It’s available in four- and six-channel versions. Feeds are synchronized from the venue, sent to the broadcaster’s studio for on-air delivery, while a bi-directional IFB maintains communication between locations. While it delivers broadcast-quality production standards, personnel and equipment requirements are minimized, and it eliminates the need for a mobile truck on location.

“Given that TV Asahi first used TVU RPS last September for coverage of the U.S. Open Golf Championship, we’re thrilled that they’ve embraced the technology so thoroughly in such a short time,” said Kap Shin, Head of Global Services, TVU Networks. “Our solution significantly reduced TV Asahi’s expenses, equipment and staffing required while securing multiple signal synchronization over IP, resilient transmission and pristine broadcast quality. We look forward to seeing how TV Asahi continues to use TVU RPS.”