Optica Media integrates LiveU IQ and Audio Connect to ensure mobile connectivity at the Rolex Fastnet Race

The biennial regatta Rolex Fastnet Race once again had the production of Optical Media, a company that opted for the tool LiveU IQ to improve the mobile connectivity available in this highly demanding environment.

The sailing competition, which began in Cowes on the Isle of Wight and ended in Cherbourg, France, after rounding Fastnet Rock on the southwest coast of Ireland, celebrated its centenary breaking record of participants. In order to capture all the emotion that the 3000 participants of this race, Optical Media produced a previous format 15 minutes, broadcast live the exit of each class and covered all the details of the regatta, which was broadcast live on the YouTube del Royal Ocean Racing Club and in two European chains.

To ensure coverage in this highly demanding environment, the production company deployed multiple LiveU LU600 units that would be responsible for live streaming 4K content, one of which was mounted on a high-speed rigid inflatable boat (RIB) equipped with a specialized stabilized camera system. The boat followed the fleet as it crossed the Solent, providing close-up images of the crews fighting for the best positions.

The system was used throughout the coverage. LiveU IQ, which is responsible for change dynamically and intelligently mobile network operator to provide the highest performing set of cellular connections available. This service was very useful according to James Light, director of Optical Media, even in those moments when the tracking boat was chasing the fleet at a speed of between 15 and 20 knots: "We never lost connection on the dinghy. I think the LIQ service is very powerful and by using it in these difficult conditions, it has shown me that it really works. It was able to identify any key network there was and keep it active at all times. I think part of this year's success is due to LIQ's ability to react in real time to changes in network conditions. It is a weather-resistant solution that offers the best options."

To complement this coverage, a second unit was placed LiveU in Egypt Point, a strategic point near the starting line, while a third unit provided elevated shots from the cima of a hill with the picturesque Hurst Castle as a backdrop.

LU-Link (LiveU), part of the coverage of the Rolex Fastnet Race

Optical Media also deployed LiveU's LU-Link solution, which enables a cloud service plug-and-play and eliminates the need for custom firewall configuration, allowing the LiveU server to be hosted on an unmanaged network. "It's like magic. With LU-Link we can connect to any network, we just have to plug the rack into the mobile unit, which is parked next to the Royal Squadron Building, and that's it. It just works," he explains Light, who also confirms that “the team could connect their headphones through a jack extender built into the inflatable boat, at Egypt Point and Hurst Castle, and could hear the director's communications in real time with complete clarity.”

"I think our methodology as a production company is to find the best tools available for the job at hand, based on a number of factors including budget, complexity and setting. Together with the LiveU team, we find solutions that work in difficult environments so we can bring viewers closer to the action. LiveU opens up opportunities for us to talk to clients about how we can tell stories in different ways," concludes the director of Optical Media.

Matthew Stringer, LiveU UK Sales Director, welcomes the success of the rollout despite its complexity: "This project is one of the most challenging real-world implementations of LiveU IQ, demonstrating the unrivaled power and diversity of real-time networks that LIQ can offer. Broadcasting live from the Solent is very difficult due to network conditions, but LIQ provided a strong signal throughout. The Rolex Fastnet Race is a prestigious event “And by working closely with James and his team, we ensured they had simple, ready-to-use LiveU production tools that maximize both productivity and creative freedom, no matter how difficult the conditions.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWK109HYMdQ