We’re deep into the 78th NBA regular season, and the playoffs will start next month. These are some of the biggest sports events of the year, averaging about 4 million viewers per game. Because of this popularity, postseason coverage is also a very important part of the sports broadcasting year.
Photo courtesy of WPKZ of Fitchburg, MA at the TD Garden in Boston.
As broadcasters gear up for the last part of the 23/24 NBA season, we wanted to highlight some customers who use Comrex codecs to bring basketball to their audiences.
NBA Switches To IP With BRIC-Link
“A couple of years ago, the NBA decided to transition to IP codecs instead of using the traditional ISDN technology because the latter was getting more difficult to obtain in some locations and to cost more than IP networks,” said Mike Sprysenski, Orlando market engineer for iHeartMedia. “After reviewing what was available, they decided to go with the Comrex BRIC-Links as their new standard.”
As home engineer for the Orlando Magic, Sprysenski assisted with upgrading the codecs in the Orlando stadium. “I was pleased with their choice,” said Sprysenski. “BRIC-Links are easy to set up and install.”
ACCESS NX Changes the Game for WSCO
WSCO(AM) is a Wisconsin station that serves sports and talk programming to their audience in Green Bay and Oshkosh. They provide live play-by-play for Wisconsin major league and minor league coverage, including the Wisconsin Herd, the G-League team for the Milwaukee Bucks.
“ACCESS NX is functional and reliable, and it’s changed the game for our live play-by-play broadcasting,” said BJ DeGroot, assistant brand manager for WSCO and co-host of “BJ and the Bear”. “As far as quality and ease of use is concerned, we have been so happy. If you’re looking to take your station to the next level, it’s the way to go.”
Saying YES to Comrex LiveShot
YES Network is a regional sports network owned by Fox that delivers coverage of New York City sports teams, including the Brooklyn Nets.
YES simulcasts some of their radio programming as live video. They were previously using satellite networks, before discovering LiveShot and bonded cellular/IP technology. Jack Kestenbaum, technical director for YES, had this to say following integration:
“We’re very satisfied. The form-factor of LiveShot Portable is unique — it’s very portable and lightweight, which distinguishes it from other bonded cellular products. And LiveShot also contains some unique features, like two-way video and IFB capability. These features, combined with reliable customer service and bulletproof connections, made LiveShot the choice for us.”
In addition to visual radio applications, LiveShot has been implemented by RSNs for live TV. Consistently low delay (courtesy of CrossLock VPN Technology) and total control over data / connectivity are some more reasons broadcasters choose LiveShot over other video codecs available.
Courtside coverage is a slam dunk with Comrex.
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BRIC-Link III | ACCESS NX | LiveShot