SPFL embraces QTV’s remote production for live matches

May 20 – Scotland’s SPFL has embraced new broadcast technologies commissioning production company QTVto deliver a remote production solution that will cover 142 Scottish Premiership matches per season.

QTV’s Glasgow-based remote production and broadcast facility was designed by systems integration specialists, ES Broadcast, and is supported by technology partnerships with BT Media & Broadcastand Cerberus.Tech.

A focus on greater efficiency in the broadcast production companies has been driven by low latency network technology – essentially broadcast pictures can now be delivered faster, in high definition quality, and without fear of losing the signal. QTV uses the REMI (Remote Integration Model) workflow to bring the individual camera signals back to its central production facility, where operational functions (directing, vision-mixing, replays, graphics, and commentary) are performed.

The efficiency means lower costs as well as a smaller carbon footprint for live events. Obviously restrictions, resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, have accelerated the trend to looking at remote production options.

Neil Doncaster, Chief Executive of the SPFL, said, “The start of our new broadcast agreement cycle from the beginning of Season 2020/21 gave us the opportunity to review our Scottish Premiership match production and distribution processes. Working with QTV has allowed us to modernise our approach with the addition of the match day production centre, which has not only made delivery to partners and Clubs more efficient, but also presented further commercial opportunities.”

As well as the live broadcasts, QTV will deliver match highlights of all 228 Premiership matches; production and distribution of the SPFL’s world feeds across Premiership, Championship, and Premier Sports Cup; as well as managing contribution and distribution of the SPFL’s streaming requirements.

QTV’s CEO Jack McGill said: “We saw an opportunity to do something transformative – both for Scottish football and for the broadcast sector in Scotland – and the success of the first season has inspired us to look quickly for opportunities to expand using similar workflows.”

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