5G Vista, a government-backed consortium using 5G technologies to deepen audience engagement, broaden fan content and create new commercial opportunities, completed a successful trial at a live football match on Saturday as MK Dons hosted Ipswich Town in League One.
A group of fans at Stadium MK were able to try out a prototype of the 5G Vista app, which allowed them to view six high-quality live streams offering different perspectives of the game.
The app included behind-the-scenes footage, which was available with the tap of a screen. 5G Vista said the broadcast technology has the potential to offer solutions to a number of pain points experienced by broadcasters and TV crews at events venues and stadiums.
The consortium cited cabling and network complexity and unstable 4G networks as some of the challenges that can be overcome by using 5G. According to 5G Vista, the technology will allow enhanced spectator experiences at a cost advantage compared to more traditional cellular solutions.
Alex Buchan, strategic technologist at Digital TV Group and project lead, said: “DTG, through the Vista project, is proud to be leading the TV industry into a new phase of interactive, personalised and live content driven by 5G for access anywhere, anytime.
“The trial at MK Dons shows the technology developed during the project has the potential to transform the way we consume content, and experience live events, over the coming decade.”
Julia Lopez, the UK’s Digital Infrastructure Minister, added: “5G has the power to further fans’ enjoyment of live sports in stadiums while helping broadcasters to improve their live output. I’m delighted that this trial is the latest in a long list of cutting-edge tests we’ve funded through our £200m (€239m/$271m) programme to use 5G to drive economic growth and improve people’s lives.”
The trial comes as Chelsea prepares to become the first Premier League club to introduce 5G technology at its home stadium. As part of Chelsea’s deal with telecommunications company Three, Stamford Bridge will introduce the technology for next week’s UEFA Champions League match against Lille.
Image: Richard Humphrey/CC BY-SA 2.0/Edited for size
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