SVG Sit-Down: NESN's Kenny Elcock and Harmonic's Jean Macher Talk Next-Gen Distribution for Live SportsNESN streamlines its workflow with XOS advanced media processor and DMS X distributionBy Daniel Frankel, SVG Contributor
Monday, December 8, 2025 - 11:53 am
Print This Story | Subscribe
Story Highlights
New England Sports Network (NESN) has its hands full. The regional sports network that is home to MLB's Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates and NHL's Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins aims to deliver live sports action to millions of homes via both linear and streaming mechanisms.
NESN's customers increasingly demand more in terms of video and audio superiority, and the RSN sees the need to deliver such quality to affiliate partners. That's partly why, at the beginning of 2025, NESN collaborated with Astound Business Solutions and Harmonic to re-create the way NESN distributes live content.
The RSN turned to Harmonic's XOS media processor, which offers up to 50% reductions in bitrate through AI-powered EyeQ content-aware encoding, delivering cost-effective video-quality optimization while extending support for formats up to native 4K UHD HDR. NESN also integrated Harmonic's ProStream X stream processor to distribute live sports content to all affiliates using SRT protocol, ensuring high-quality, reliable delivery.
SVG recently connected with NESN VP, Technology, Kenny Elcock and Harmonic Senior Director, Global SaaS Solutions, Jean Macher to discuss how everything came together.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This interview was conducted prior to today's announcement of MediaKind acquiring Harmonic's video business.
NESN's Kenny Elcock: This is a solution where technology did drive the business. It wasn't just because of cost cutting. This was [about] how to get the best product to the customer and be as agile as possible.
So how did you two meet?
Elcock: We definitely needed to create a distribution-convergence solution. We were traditionally a linear company that provided distribution for our linear and growing digital affiliates. We partnered with Harmonic to create the backbone and foundation of a solution to provide our partners a cleaner delivery option with improved quality at a lower cost. We also wanted a solution that was extremely agile. With the foundation we build, we could adapt the solution for our digital, DTC, and FAST-channel partners. One of the unique aspects of this relationship is the solid infrastructure, which delivers NESN content in multiple formats to many partners, creating a secure stepping stone for next-gen technology.
How many channels do you manage?
Elcock: We have a combination of 12 linear playout channels, 19 total channels when you encompass our DTC partners across the New England and Pittsburgh DMAs.
You also work with ViewLift. What do they do?
Elcock: ViewLift handles New England: HD for both NESN and NESN+, 4K for NESN on our DTC app and some of our other digital partners.
When did the integration of Harmonic's tech occur?
Elcock: We completed the integration of the Harmonic equipment, at the start of 2025, after three or four months of building the backbone infrastructure using the Harmonic XOS delivery system. We put all our linear partners onto the Harmonic distribution solution. Once we were comfortable, we transitioned our NESN digital delivery to the Harmonic solution, delivering the content to ViewLift. That transition was completed within the last 90 days.
Harmonic's Jean Macher: Here, the topic is the primary distribution solution. What we are trying to accomplish is to bring the maximum flexibility to the customer.
Jean, you work with a lot of RSNs. How did you get into business with NESN?
Macher: NESN is a historical customer for us; we have a great relationship with Kenny in particular. And yes, we also have a good footprint with RSNs in general. We do a mix of primary distribution solutions that we deploy for those RSN customers, and sometimes also a streaming solution that we deploy for them. Here, the topic is the primary distribution solution. What we are trying to accomplish is to bring the maximum flexibility to the customer. We provided the primary distribution headend.
And we try to bring a new generation of receivers that has full flexibility. As Kenny said, you might need a specific format for your partner, but tomorrow they might need a different one: different codec, different output type, linear versus streaming. All of this is built into the IRD [integrated receiver/decoder] and offers the flexibility of adapting to any affiliate situation.
On top of that, with all the capability at the edge, you need a strong management solution. So we also offer that. It's called DMS X (distribution management system).
We should also touch on the partnership with Astound, which was an important component to all of this. And we offer an additional component built around telemetry: we help you get feedback on what's happening with your distribution partners.
Elcock: That was one of the key selling points for my team. We have the ability now to support all our linear partners in a real-time capacity. We are able to monitor all devices in real time and provide our partners with immediate feedback as to what's going on before the content is delivered within their environment. We're able to provide switchable format solutions as needed, within hours if required. What that helps us do is echo loudly a white-glove, five-star service for our affiliates. It wasn't the traditional way where you hand it off and say, Bye. We are engaged in our partner's success.
Maybe, in 101-ish terms, you can describe the essential evolution here?
Elcock: Traditionally, what was provided from us as a content provider is an IRD to each affiliate. Within that I
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
06/09/2026
June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...
19/08/2026
As the cost of IP nears price parity with traditional SDI, Reynolds argues that ...
19/08/2026
A private 5G bubble was chosen instead of traditional broadcast RF for the race ...
19/08/2026
(L-R) Rafael Manuel and Isabel Sicat attend the Filipi ana premiere during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival at The Ray Theatre on January 23, 2026, in Park Cit...
19/08/2026
Studio owners invited to have their say on rates cuts
The Music Producers Guild (MPG) are inviting UK-based studios to take part in an in-depth survey that ...
19/08/2026
Vintage-inspired desktop interface revealed
Harrison's latest hardware offering sees them head into the world of audio interfaces, delivering a 10-in/12...
19/08/2026
Granular effect remains locked to scale and tempo
Described as your dream granular effect , Minimal Audio's latest creation is capable of turning any s...
19/08/2026
First polyphonic SWAM instrument incoming
Audio Modeling's latest physical-modelling orchestral instrument is just around the corner, and is now availab...
19/08/2026
World Cup Games Generate 84 Billion Minutes Across FOX, Fox Sports 1 and NBCU...
19/08/2026
July brought typical peak-holiday drops in viewership, driven primarily by viewers stepping away from screens and a visible decline in reach across both traditi...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Henry joins BCE as the company accelerates its commercial strategy and expands its international presence across the media, broadcast and technology markets. He...
19/08/2026
iWedia, a leading provider of software solutions for connected TV devices, today announced a major milestone in Android platform optimization with the successfu...
19/08/2026
NTP Technology announces that ST 2110-30 audio-over-IP connectivity with AES67 and RAVENNA capabilities is now available for the brand's world-class audio i...
19/08/2026
Net Insight has been selected to provide its Nimbra platform by the service provider Big Blue Marble, formerly ORS Group, as the core media transport solution f...
19/08/2026
LiveU has supported Coventry City FC and several other top-flight UK football clubs through one of their most demanding live production challenges of the year, ...
19/08/2026
Nature Seekers Documentary Shot with Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF
Brie Clayton August 18, 2026
0 Comments
Filming endangered turtles required camera...
19/08/2026
Neyrinck Brings D-Control Consoles Back to Life on Apple Silicon with D-Control ...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Riedel Communications today announced that Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth, Australia, implemented a comprehensive communications infrastructure that brin...
19/08/2026
QuickLink, a leading provider of award-winning video production and remote guest contribution solutions, will spotlight a major leap forward in remote guest con...
19/08/2026
Integrated platform melds media asset management, playout automation and newsroom workflows
EMAM, PlayBox Neo and SNEWS have officially launched Nuvex, a conne...
19/08/2026
Screen Australia releases the Private Investment Toolkit to strengthen screen in...
19/08/2026
Do Aussies truly value local content? Unpacking Screen Currency 2026 with Deirdr...
19/08/2026
There's an early Christmas gift for Bookish fans, as UKTV confirms the re-commission of the hit U&alibi drama, created by and starring Mark Gatiss. Viewers ...
19/08/2026
Wednesday 19 August 2026
Sky gives sports fans the chance to watch multiple liv...
19/08/2026
On Saturday September 5 Katie Taylor will step into the ring for the fight of her life against Flora Pili in front of 80,000 fans in Croke Park. A legendary fig...
18/08/2026
SportStream 2026, a free three-day virtual event, will take place September 15-17. One registration provides access to all three days of live programming and on...
18/08/2026
BeckTV will introduce BeckFlow to the European market at IBC2026, demonstrated on the Providius stand (10.F53).
BeckFlow is a web-based schematic documentation...
18/08/2026
Boland Communications will introduce a SMPTE ST 2110 input option for its 4K monitors at IBC2026, along with a new 55-inch super-narrow bezel display for video ...
18/08/2026
Dolby Laboratories and the Seattle Seahawks have announced a partnership integrating Dolby OptiView into the Seahawks' live streaming coverage, making the S...
18/08/2026
For BMG Executive Producer of Sports Production, Graham Taylor, producing live s...
18/08/2026
TMRW Sports has appointed Rufus Hack as President of Golf, a newly created role in which he will lead the company's golf businesses including TGL presented ...
18/08/2026
SMT will provide race technology for FOX Sports' coverage of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. on August 23, when the NTT INDYCAR SERIES races ...
18/08/2026
The live, YouTube-native roundtables combine fan voices, credentialed reporters,...
18/08/2026
Behind The Mic provides a roundup of recent news regarding on-air talent, includ...
18/08/2026
The industry legend sounds off on replacing the Heat's iconic Medusa score...
18/08/2026
William F. Rasmussen, the sports fan-turned broadcaster and entrepreneur whose out-of-the-box idea of a 24-hour cable sports network, ESPN, changed forever the ...
18/08/2026
DAZN Group has completed its acquisition of ViewLift, a provider of streaming and digital solutions for sports content owners. The acquisition was first announc...
18/08/2026
The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) has added SI TV, Sports Illustrated's 24/7 streaming channel, as a broadcast partner for the remain...
18/08/2026
The Esports Foundation has announced that the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC), originally scheduled for November 2026 in Riyadh, will be postponed to Novemb...
18/08/2026
Diversified has announced a new Global Managed Services Practice, consolidating the company's managed services capabilities into one organization. Rob Mello...
18/08/2026
Appear has completed a proof of concept with Thoroughbred Racing Productions (TRP), demonstrating multi-camera remote live production over bonded 5G cellular an...
SVG Sit-Down: NESN's Kenny Elcock and Harmonic's Jean Macher Talk Next-Gen Distribution for Live SportsNESN streamlines its workflow with XOS advanced media processor and DMS X distributionBy Daniel Frankel, SVG Contributor 
