Deltatre deployed a SMPTE ST 2110 IP network for live graphics production in a major project for Italy's Lega Serie A incorporating a workflow built on Imagine’s Selenio Network Processor.
Deltatre has deployed one of the first SMPTE ST 2110 IP networks for live graphics production in a major project undertaken for Italy's Lega Serie A. Deltatre and their technology partners worked within a short timeframe to set up the new system for the 2024-25 season's 17 August launch, and were prepared for production in only 42 days.
Deltatre began planning for this project by comparing the capabilities and costs of SDI versus IP. They concluded that a system entirely based on ST 2110 IP would not only be more scalable and give them more options, but could also match SDI in terms of overall cost. Processing for the new workflow is built on Imagine Communications' Selenio Network Processor (SNP), adopting its Master Control Lite (MCL) personality, or mode. This mode’s software handles branding, live graphics and full master control functionality within the framework of the processing platform.
Graphics Production IP Workflow
In the Deltatre system, supporting native-IP production of all graphics broadcast during the Lega Serie A football matches, the SNP MCLs are configured as ST 2110-compatible dual downstream keyers (DSKs) and are compatible with both HD and UHD/4K media.
"Imagine IP products are modular, well defined and versatile, qualities that helped us integrate their functionality into a very complex system of equipment and software, all within the ST-2110 IP domain," said Craig Harvey, President, Sport Innovations at Deltatre. "Due to Deltatre’s cooperation with the Imagine teams in Italy, we managed to get to air with a new IP workflow despite the exceptionally short timelines. We believe this new approach can open new opportunities for other sports leagues aiming to modernize the way they manage their brand and storytelling around the world."
The new graphics production workflow is hosted within EI Towers' International Broadcast Centre (IBC) in Lissone, which supports distribution of Lega Serie A matches to broadcasters and rightsholders in Italy and internationally. One of the largest, most up to date broadcast centres in Europe, the IBC houses a completely IP workflow designed by EI Towers' engineering team, avoiding IP-SDI conversions that would add complexity to their users’ operations.
Imagine's SNP MCL includes full-resolution 10-bit and HDR-capable graphics, such as four full-frame keyers, three external Key/Fill inputs and full frame sync on every input – including Key/Fill – in a 1RU processing platform. Up to 16 channels of audio processing are available, and interfaces ranging from 12G SDI, 2SI-SDI to ST 2110.
Future Potential
"To make sure we were ready for the start of the season with top-notch graphics, it was important to partner with companies prepared to take on the challenges of this project and work against an aggressive timeline," said Luisella Fusco, Lega Serie A Media Operations & Broadcast Director. "With Deltatre's commitment to innovation and the IP systems, and the experience of partners like Imagine, we now have an integrated, highly reliable, native-IP infrastructure with great potential for future scale."
Regarding the future, Lega Serie A can adapt the SNP MCL to varied applications. Operators using an integrated playout system – such as Imagine’s Versio platform – to make a world broadcast or nation-wide feed can use SNP MCL in this same downstream keyer mode to create specialised versions of the channel for regional splits.
To run sports channels where most of the UHD content is produced in an OB vehicle, the processor can be used to upconvert interstitial and remaining content and intermix it with the UHD from the vehicle to result in a channel that includes both elements. SNP MCL functionality could also serve as a disaster recovery system, running in parallel with a complex automated integrated playout channel.
The SNP MCL selects and manages source inputs by controlling an upstream router through Imagine’s LRC protocol – which is implemented by many third-party manufacturers – and the Magellan Control System. Magellan also supports direct IP networking and control of ST 2110 devices through the industry-standard NMOS protocol.
Reconfigurable SNP
The SNP design is notable for its reconfigurable nature. Users can switch the hardware over to different modes or personalities in the field by upgrading the software with new functionality. In Deltatre's graphics production workflow, for instance, some SNPs are configured with the SNP-MV personality, a low-latency, HDR-capable production multiviewer [MV] that enables content from different video formats and HDR systems to be integrated into a consistent display environment.
"We are enthusiastic football fans at Imagine, so we are proud that our technology is helping Lega Serie A deliver the best possible experience to viewers," said Mathias Eckert, SVP & GM EMEA & APAC at Imagine Communications. "We are also enthusiastic advocates for the rollout of ST 2110, and Deltatre's innovative deployment marks an important milestone in acceptance of the standard – demonstrating to the industry that IP connectivity is valuable in graphics production workflows.” www.imaginecommunications.com
