5G Networks Will Soon Bring You Closer to Your Favorite Sports Stars
According to the experts, 5G (generation) technology is an absolute necessity for broadcasting. The world has been abuzz about the growth and development of virtual and augmented reality, however, we have not managed to successfully harness the full potential of both mediums.
So, what does 5G bring to the table? Increased speed while moving data, a reduced latency (meaning a higher response time), and the ability to connect multiple devices at once. 5G networks will likely consist of a vast amount of small cells. As the number of cells increases so does the amount of data you can get flowing at the same time. This means there will be an increase in overall speed. One example is a greater possibility for a virtual reality platform that can stream content in real-time. Something that has yet to be accomplished.
Recently, Samsung worked with KDDI at the Okinawa Cellular Stadium to deploy a system that supported 50 5G-tablets. The idea behind the trial was to showcase how the addition of a 5G network can provide the massive volume needed to support various applications. Additionally, this potential new network could support both content and services sports fans will be able to use in stadiums across the world.
In this trial, the 50 tablets were affixed to a high-reaching lighting tower that was then able to form a service zone for fans. Live 4K video was concurrently streamed and downloaded to each tablet. In the future, each video would provide patrons with the ability to view content ranging from different angles of play to ballpark information and athlete statistics. The idea is that in the future fans will be able to enjoy these various experiences all from their own mobile device while in the stadium. But for now, fans got a glimpse at the type of technology that could be leveraged from a controlled and contained 5G network.
With continued development, 5G could deliver the capacity needed to support the types of applications, content, and services that fans use in stadiums and arenas across the globe.
The 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang was perhaps the most mature utilization of a 5G technology to date. Tiny cameras were affixed to the front of Olympic bobsleds to give the viewer’s a chance to experience the race down the track from the driver’s view. These images were then added into the live HD production.
“These real-time links are only possible with the low latency (almost zero delay) of 5G,” Sotiris Salamouris, Chief Technology Officer, OBS told IBC365. “This is a very important proof of the value of 5G technology not just for distribution to mobile but for contribution links. We are very interested in exploring the use of 5G further with a view to replacing traditional contribution solutions over Radio Frequency.”
Multiple 5G cameras were also set up along the cross-country course and were triggered by GPS-sensors, providing the ability to view your favorite athletes in motion.
In another case study, Steph Houghton — the captain of the English Women’s Soccer Team Manchester City — became one of the first individuals to actually make a holographic call using a 5G mobile network. Using the Microsoft HoloLens mixed reality headset, she was able to call an 11-year-old girl who lived over 190 miles away while appearing in a life-like holographic form. The HoloLens is a first-of-its-kind, holographic computer that allows you to use your digital content to engage with other holograms. The growth of mixed-reality and its various business applications have created a whole new dimension of interaction through different social mediums.
This particular call was a part of Microsoft’s next-generation testing. The future of 5G technology will have a serious impact on sports broadcasting. The implications are immense and the possibilities endless.
Sports teams and organizations of all sizes are investing in VR. Houghton believes the technology itself will be an essential part of future player-fan interaction and broadcasting. Just think if you were able to interact with your favorite player or team using holographic images? The hope is to bring fans closer to the action, no matter how far.
As of today, individuals will need to invest in the hardware necessary to facilitate such viewing capabilities — Oculus Rift, Google Cardboard, HTC Vive are a few examples. Such viewing technology has already allowed some sports leagues like the 2017 Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League final, to produce matches in 360-degrees. But unfortunately, fans could not view the matches in real-time.
A 5G-powered Virtual Reality could allow for remote coaching from famous athletes or more immersive game-day experiences from the comfort of one’s living room. In terms of game-day experiences, the prototype, Soccer on Your Tabletop converts any football video available on YouTube to a 3D hologram that can then be projected onto a flat surface. All you need is a compatible headset.
“In the sports industry it allows us to make closer connections to our fans in the UK and worldwide,” Houghton told the audience. “When I’m playing abroad with Manchester City and England, this technology will make it even easier to stay connected with everyone back home. To communicate in 3D, in real time and with no delay or interruption is an unbelievable experience.”
Mixed reality and holograms go hand-in-hand with the future of sports experiences. While fans want to be able to interact with their favorite players and teams in the most realistic medium possible. Players and front office staff want to give the fans those privileges as it boosts the team’s fan base and revenues in the process. The possibilities are endless with these new mediums especially with the growing developments for 5G networks.
