How we do it

The encoders take all the raw video from the production team and compress the content into smaller, encrypted feeds. These are then distributed over both satellite and low-latency fibre to the Tata Communications Live Events Master Control Room or MCR in the UK as well as the Dorna MCR and HQ in Barcelona. From there it is distributed over the network to broadcasters around the world. Using both satellite and fibre adds an additional layer of diversity and enables a wider global reach. The diversity is a result of the combined use of dual routing configured into a ‘hitless’ solution. This ensures the live content is available for distribution 100% of the time.

The entire infrastructure can be controlled from the second ‘operational’ pod by the Tata Communications Service Delivery team. They monitor everything coming in and going out across the fibre and satellite networks, checking feeds and signals at every step of the journey for any potential issues. The pods are fully connected and monitored by the Tata Communications Live Events MCR in the UK and Tata Media Services Operations centre in Pune, India. As well as communications to the operational teams, the pod is also connected to the Dorna MCR in Barcelona and the larger MotoGP broadcasters, so experts off-site are available at the push of a button.

“With so much action on track that the fans don’t want to miss, it really important that we harness technology sympathetically to seamlessly enhance the viewing experience with things like graphics and replays.”

Manel Arroyo - Managing Director, Dorna Sports & MotoGP

07/02/2024 17:36:50

At the circuit the pods are provided with input from two connected trucks which Dorna Sports bring to every event. One truck captures all the action from the cameras providing over 150 different views. The second truck, known as the IPF (International Programme Feed), houses the directors’ studio in which Sergi Sendra, Senior Director Media Production Dorna Sports, manages his team.

It is from here that they produce 18 hours of uninterrupted world-class broadcast each race weekend by taking the content from the track cameras, adding footage from on-boards, high-speed cameras, replays and graphics, turning it into the international programme feed that is broadcast every weekend.

All this on-site technology is connected to the world outside of the circuit via the Tata Communications fibre network.

Providing data transfer at 1GB, this network is essential in enabling new experiences, greater efficiencies and new market opportunities.

The additional bandwidth combined with increased network speed offer improvements in picture quality and has enabled Dorna to offer viewing services to their fans that were not possible before. Since 2017, more cameras have been put on every bike, providing a 360° view and streaming live content.

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Innovations such as UHD, virtual reality and 360-degree video, and the Internet of Things open the door to more powerful fan experiences, helping fans be part of every chicane, hairpin and battle for position in new ways feeling, like they’re actually in the seat, travelling around the track at over 340kmph.

Thanks to Tata Communications constantly evolving technology, Dorna has also been able to develop a world first in on-screen graphics, enabling the data graphics to track and follow the rider as they move. This helps provide amazing insights from all the data captured in real time.

As well as increased productivity for Dorna and quality for the broadcasters, the teams are benefitting from increased bandwidth too.

This video shows the power of the 2500fps camera as the leading riders approach the end of the start/finish straight at over 200mph at the Italian MotoGP at Mugello. The Ducati team were struggling to understand unusual wear and damage to the tyres. Clearly not visible to the human eye under normal viewing, the high-speed camera allowed them to see the bodywork vibrating and rubbing on the front tyres of both of their bikes.

Capturing images at 2500 frames per second with a high-speed camera provides an image that makes it possible to see things the human eye cannot see.

This allows for things such as tyre problems, rider error and precise braking points to all be more easily identified thereby constantly and consistently helping to improve racing standards.

07/02/2024 17:36:50