EVS Partners with Sporting Innovations

EVS’ C-Cast technology allows fan test group at Sporting KC stadium to review multi-angles action on their tablets and smartphones over the stadium’s Wi-Fi during the game.

C-Cast enables live highlights from Sporting KC matches to enhance the spectator’s viewing experience by accessing unused camera angles and replays from their existing EVS server and delivering them to second-screen devices anywhere in the stadium. It can allow viewers to select replays, other video packages, graphics and information relating to the game. Sporting Innovations deployed the proof of concept during the 2013 season home opener against Chicago on March 16, and is currently undergoing extensive testing at subsequent matches.

“We created a technologically advanced stadium with Wi-Fi and extensive video facilities when we built Sporting Park in 2011,” said Asim Pasha, Managing Partner, Sporting Innovations, and CIO, Sporting KC. “Our supporters look to us to provide innovative and unique fan experiences, and giving them the opportunity to choose their own replays on their devices is the next step in that innovation. We think we’re the first to do this anywhere, and we’re excited for Kansas City and for fans of Sporting KC to be part of this opportunity.”

The innovation at Sporting Park, an 18 500 seat venue, was made possible by the stadium’s existing Cisco Connected Stadium Wi-Fi infrastructure, which provides one of the most robust stadium Wi-Fi services in the world. During the trial, Sporting Innovations tested the impact of C-Cast on the stadium Wi-Fi in order to determine how effectively a large number of users would be able to access the content coming through the C-Cast platform.

The C-Cast system was implemented into Sporting Park’s existing infrastructure, including Cisco’s StadiumVision application for IPTV, EVS’ XT series server, which is used for ingest, action replays and playback, and Sporting Innovations fan experience applications. EVS’ IPDirector suite of video production management applications has also been deployed as part of the trial.

“The ability to get the second-screen experience live in the stadium is a huge leap forward for fans of all sports everywhere,” said Luc Doneux, EVP Sports Division, EVS. “With minimal investment, C-Cast enables Sporting Innovations to enhance the fan experience, maximise content and create new revenue streams.”

During NAB, EVS will host an interview with Brian Smith, Video & Stadium Vision engineer at Sporting Innovations to discuss the new opportunities for stadiums to deliver enhanced fan experience and generate new revenues streams. The event will take place at the EVS booth (SL2416), on Wednesday April 10.

About Sporting Innovations
Sporting Innovations develops and deploys next-generation technology to support the sports industry and its fans. By providing advanced services and integrated technology solutions, Sporting Innovations redefines the sports business model and creates unique types of engagement for fans. These engagements will enable brands to strengthen relationships with their fans and drive substantial incremental revenue. Our unique position in the market, as owners of our own team and stadium, allows us to innovate at the infrastructure and software layers, and presents stakeholders with a platform to connect, engage, and monetize a fan base.

About EVS
EVS provides its customers with reliable and innovative technology to enable the production of live, enriched video programming, allowing them to work more efficiently and boost their revenue streams. Its industry-leading broadcast and media production systems are used by broadcasters, production companies, post-production facilities, film studios, content owners and archive libraries around the globe. It spans four key markets – Sports, Entertainment, News and Media.

Founded in 1994, its innovative Live Slow Motion system revolutionised live broadcasting. Its reliable and integrated tapeless solutions, based around its market-leading XT server range, are now widely used to deliver live productions worldwide. Today, it continues to develop practical innovations, such as its C-Cast second-screen delivery platform, to help customers maximise the value of their media content.
The company is headquartered in Belgium and has offices in Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and North and Latin America. Approximately 475 EVS professionals from 20 offices are selling its branded products in over 100 countries, and provide customer support globally. EVS is a public company traded on Euronext Brussels: EVS, ISIN: BE0003820371.