LiveU Powers the Broken Arrow Skyrace
The Broken Arrow Skyrace is a premier mountain running event known for its challenging off-trail climbing, steep terrain, and significant vertical gains at high altitudes.
Overview
The production team behind the Broken Arrow Skyrace sought to elevate their four-hour live coverage by leveraging IP technology through LiveU’s EcoSystem of portable encoders and mobile apps. With a tight budget and the challenges of producing a live event in such a demanding environment, the team had to get creative to ensure that viewers could experience thrilling moments from every possible angle.
The Challenge
The race takes place in a mountainous area with limited or no connectivity. Ensuring a reliable live broadcast from the main 14- mile loop course with varying elevations and rough terrain was a major obstacle. The production needed to cover a wide range of conditions, including steep climbs, harsh weather, and remote This required camera operators who could keep up with elite runners on difficult terrain, while capturing high-quality POV video.
The Solution
LiveU’s bonded cellular technology allowed the team to transmit live video feeds from multiple remote locations across the race, regardless of the terrain. By using iPhones equipped with LiveU’s LU Smart mobile app, the team could capture and broadcast live footage from any location using cellular coverage. LiveU’s portable encoders were essential in delivering high- quality video feeds from drones and fixed cameras, ensuring that the live broadcast was smooth and uninterrupted.
“The weather threw a wrinkle into the plans, but it was so nice to go back to the race director and say as a production team, we are covered because of the flexibility of the IP workflow,”
Scott Rokis, Broken Arrow Skyrace, Director of Visual Media
Results
The Broken Arrow Skyrace live broadcast was a resounding success. Despite the numerous challenges, the production team was able to deliver a compelling and immersive viewing experience to audiences around the world. The use of LiveU’s technology enabled the team to overcome the obstacles of remote location, connectivity issues, and budget constraints.