11/05/07 - Livewire Digital, the leading provider of integrated data, voice and video broadcast services, have been appointed by the Volvo Ocean Race to provide the on board video and audio broadcast system for the world famous yacht race which sets sail on 11th October 2008.

It will be the fourth race running that Livewire Digital will provide the on board media delivery infrastructure for the entire fleet of Volvo 70 class yachts.

Andy Hindley, race director of the Volvo Ocean Race, said “Surpassing the 1.8 billion viewers set by the last race will be a serious challenge, but we are determined to provide fans with the best view possible. Livewire Digital’s previous record with the Volvo Ocean Race is exemplary and I am sure they will again exceed all expectations.”

Livewire Digital’s ‘Media Desk’ will be installed in all the competing yachts to capture the excitement, danger and sheer adrenaline rush of the world’s premier yacht race. It will relay transmissions from participating yachts’ on-board cameras. Media Desk incorporates Livewire Digital’s M-Link technology, the industry standard for remote newsgathering. The new system includes a raft of innovations, including an H.264 AVC live video encoding for interaction with the teams and Inmarsat’s high speed maritime satellite services to provide high bandwidth media delivery.

The new 2008-2009 Volvo Ocean Race format will take the fleet along a 39,000 nautical mile track, with stopovers in the Middle-East, India, China, the Americas, and Europe. One exciting new feature is the inclusion of a media specialist aboard every participating yacht, responsible for the recording, editing and delivery of on-board footage through Livewire’s media system

Tristan Wood, Managing Director of Livewire Digital, explained “Livewire is looking forward to help maintain the Volvo Ocean Race’s reputation as the most exciting yacht race in the world for the many viewers and fans across the world. We know what a tough challenge all participants are facing, but we also know that Livewire Media Desks and on-board cameras are more than a match for the demanding race conditions!”

For more information, detailed analysis or images of the yachts or the Livewire Digital equipment, please contact:

Lukas Port – email:lukas.port@livewirepr.com 
T: 020 8339 7438  F: 020 8339 7441 
Livewire Public Relations, 32 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 6HX. 
Website: www.livewirepr.com