Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012
HD Microwave Broadcast - In Port Racing

The 2011-2012 race will see 1080i High Definition productions in all ports by host broadcaster IMG Media. Live material will be transmitted from helicopters, chase boats and the yachts direct to shore.

Livewire Digital has incorporated the latest generation of OEM HD microwave modules into the RF sub-system on board. Custom antennas are fitted to the aerial mast on the transom of each yacht and the system is capable of transmitting HD material over distances in excess of 15 nautical miles.

Configuring and managing sophisticated A/V & microwave equipment generally requires experts and technicians on site. During the in-port race, the Media Crew Members must take on these responsibilities and one of the key challenges has been to offer them a simple way to control and manage the system. The MCM selects the ‘in-port racing’ workflow, which pre-configures the Media desk A/V routing and then uses the Microwave Management App to select one of a set of profiles that configure the microwave to operate optimally under different prevailing conditions. He can then focus on camera and microphone control.

The on-board technology can support transmitting full HD material off the yacht, but how does the producer back on shore direct the Media Crew Member to use a specific camera, focus on an adjacent yacht or hold a shot?

Using the Fleet Broadband FB150 services in conjunction with the Media Services Rack, Livewire Digital provide a bi-direction audio bridge that allows the producer to talk to any of the MCMs. The MCM can then respond using a ‘push to talk’ facility.

On shore Livewire Digital engineers manage the microwave receivers taking instructions from the producer and presenting a number of live feeds to the IMG production facility.