Broadcast Services International Supports NBA All-Star Commentary Needs

The international rights holders on hand for NBA All-Star Weekend continues to grow and it was up to Broadcast Services International, based in Burlington, Ontario, to make sure 14 commentary positions spread across three sections in the arena were operating properly.

Mike Hart (left) and Locke Eady of BSI helped 14 international rights holders meet their on-site commentary needs.

We supported it with fiber terminal gear and video distribution for world program, says Locke Eady, BSI, VP of productions. We had 5 commentary cameras for rights holder for all pre/post and half time studio hits.

BSI had a crew of 8 people to support the growing on site presence of international right holders. It Broadcast Services International's 19th year working with NBA.

In addition to commentary systems, international broadcasters are wanting to integrate their own unilateral cameras for their announcers, says Eady. Many of the worlds broadcasters have slowly migrated to IP codecs, while some still rely on a hybrid interface as a backup.

Chinese broadcasters had an increased presence this year with four on hand, including CCTV and TenCent, the latter of which has a major OTT distribution deal with the NBA in China.

They were set up court side with a full commentary position, Q3 Qball Camera and lights, adds Eady.

Some of the challenges BSI always faces is the amount of space for all the broadcasters and the amount of equipment needed for each.

With cameras, lights, monitors and commentary boxes, things can get tight sometimes, says Eady. Most of the time we don't know what the positions look like until we get there. We always pack various mounts, stands and equipment to be able to adapt to the broadcasters needs and the space provided.

It also can be a bit like working for the United Nations.

Everyone is slightly different with different request and requirements and you add in up to 15 different languages that you don't speak and your communication skills become very creative, says Eady.

LINK:	http://www.sportsvideo.org/2017/02/28/broadcast-services-international...
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