As we all know, the demand for live coverage or live sport streaming is increasing all the time. In the past couple of years, a lot of reruns of classic games and nostalgic moments have been played extensively. It has made it difficult for sports fans to enjoy live action as it used to be pre-pandemic. As a result, broadcasters face a variety of delivery challenges.
Live delivery has become more complex today with viewers expecting access to their favourite events. They want to be able to watch their favourite sport on multiple devices and from multiple locations. The ease with which globally dispersed audiences can access streaming services today allows even the most niche sporting events to become economically viable.
Challenges Of Live Sports Streaming
Sports broadcasts are among the biggest money-makers in the entertainment industry. Also, streaming Olympics Live events is one of the biggest challenges. Streaming games and matches present digital broadcasters with many challenges, but every year new records are set for how many people can tune in.
There is no doubt that 2021 and the start of 2022 have been game-changing years for the world of professional sports. Despite the challenges, the online viewing experience for fans has also been enhanced through innovation. In an effort to provide viewers with a new way to watch live sports, stadiums experimented with camera placement after a delayed start.
Due to the successful completion of shortened seasons, live sport streaming demand increased, increasing competition for streaming rights. This has benefited sports fans as traditional broadcasters and OTT streaming providers in finding ways to differentiate their services.
With so many streaming platforms in today’s world, viewers are definitely getting the best of it. However, there are a few challenges for broadcasters that keep on growing:
Securing Streams
A significant challenge in securing live sports content is to ensure it is not redistributed without permission. Credential sharing for stream access and the interception of redistributed streams are challenges that are receiving renewed attention across the industry.
As part of the solution to this challenge, a range of options already exist. There are multiple new ways emerging to deploy these solutions at the point of content delivery. Their edge computing technology allows for reinvestment in sports rights and renewal efforts.
Catching Up With The Fast-Pace
Live sport streaming is more difficult than live streaming almost any other event. For instance, the amount of movement is 100 times greater than during a church service or any other live-streaming event for that matter.
The viewers are barely able to see what’s going on when your static camera is placed too far away from the action. However, it may end up being too hectic to do camerawork, with constant movement to track down balls and follow the players.
Some viewers may feel nauseated rather than enthused by it. The best location will be one that is adequate for covering the playing field and allows viewers to see the action reasonably well. You could also use two cameras-one static, and one that is operated by a trainee operator.
Blurry Images & Video Quality
Live sport streaming requires a lot of effort from cameras and computers. When there is a lot of movement in the frame, the equipment has to work harder to update the pixels. It is possible to have a blurry image for several reasons, but most often it is caused by overworked CPUs or outdated cameras.
Verify that your camera’s resolution settings are set correctly, and make sure the settings are optimized for tracking fast movement. You can even adjust some sports cameras’ motion settings to help you with sports. The old tried-and-true restart can sometimes alleviate CPU issues as well.
Constant Venue Changes
When it comes to live streaming a sports event, preparation means being prepared for the unexpected. The internet connection is mostly unpredictable due to frequent venue changes. Until you show up, you simply will not know what kind of connectivity to expect, what are your options, or what’s available. Furthermore, you do not know how logistics will be handled. The best position for cameras, the location and number of outlets, etc.
Mobile hot spots are not ideal for broadcasting, but they are handy to have so you must always carry them and keep them close. If the internet goes down or you can’t connect for one reason or another, at least you have a way to continue your live stream.
Back To Back Streaming Events
Another unique challenge is covering simultaneous sporting events, such as tournaments. When you play two, three, or four games in a day, your equipment can be worn out and your manpower can be drained. A live feed must be monitored in two different locations and equipment must be set up in both. It might be possible to keep two games going at the same time if the locations are within walking distance. However, it is still challenging to keep track of them both.
To manage the live feed in each location, you must have a way to communicate between venues and designated parties. It is important to keep the lines of communication open. It takes a lot of skill, techniques, and experience to produce ideal results for live sports streaming. However, you can make sure that the delivery and broadcasting of the live stream are exceptional. It can be done by leveraging a reliable content delivery network.
5centsCDN To The Rescue
If you are looking to live stream your sporting events without compromising the quality, go with a specialized content delivery network platform. 5centsCDN helps deliver the content to your viewers in it’s best form, with minimum delay, and at the most affordable rates.
