InBroadcast - November 2024 - 33

www.inbroadcast.com | Vol: 14 - Issue 11 | November 2024
33
InMedia
BCE and RTL joined forces to ensure
comprehensive coverage of Pope's
visit to Luxembourg
120 technicians, 50 cameras, and cutting-edge technology deployed for live broadcast to a global audience...
B
of Pope Francis' official visit
CE (Broadcasting Center Europe) and RTL
played a pivotal role in delivering live coverage
to Luxembourg,
reaching local and international audiences. This
historic event, entrusted to BCE and RTL by the
Service d'Information et de Presse (SIP), was
a technical
feat that showcased the power of
collaboration and advanced broadcast technology.
Since the previous Sunday, BCE teams have
been installing state-of-the-art infrastructure at key
locations throughout Luxembourg City, including
the airport, Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Palais GrandDucal,
Cercle Cité, and central city streets. This
setup ensured a seamless broadcast experience for
viewers across the globe.
On the day of the visit, a team of 120 technicians
and operators, supported by 50 strategically placed
cameras, captured every moment. BCE deployed its
comprehensive production capabilities, including
Outside Broadcast (OB) vans and Satellite News
Gathering (SNG) vehicles, all integrated with BCE's
Playout over IP broadcast center. This allowed for
live streaming on RTL Lëtzebuerg TV and website,
with global distribution via the European Broadcast
Union (EBU).
Tom
Weber, RTL's
acknowledged
locations
expressed
Technical
the technical
coordinating live broadcasts
but
challenges
across multiple
confidence in the
expertise of the BCE and RTL teams. " Ensuring
real-time transmission from various sites is always
a challenge, but our teams' coordination made
it possible to provide uninterrupted coverage, "
Weber said. Christian Fischer, Director of the live
broadcast, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that
the production complexity paralleled other major
state events, including Grand Duke Jean's accession
and funeral ceremonies.
To enhance the visual quality, BCE implemented
advanced lighting solutions at the Cathédrale NotreDame,
including specialized balloon lights that
captured the intricate details of the proceedings.
Xavier Thillen, Head of Production and Digital
Media Operations at BCE, remarked, " This project
was a massive technical undertaking, but our
teams executed flawlessly. Collaborating with RTL
and leveraging our vast experience in large-scale
live events enabled us to deliver a world-class
broadcast. "
In a first
centralized
for Luxembourg, BCE introduced a
production model based
at
Place
Guillaume II, where signals from the 50 cameras,
spread across key locations, were transmitted via
fiber optic networks to BCE's mobile broadcast unit.
This efficient setup optimized team synergies and
ensured the highest production standards.
For added redundancy, main camera feeds were
simultaneously transmitted over 5G networks using
the StreamHub platform, which provided a reliable
backup for live video transmission in case of fiber
optic failure. The 5G connection, supported by Post
and Tango, ensured that broadcast continuity was
maintained.
Strategic
partnerships
Director,
of
with
leading
local
companies were key to the success of this largescale
event. BCE and RTL were supported by Free
Lens TV Sàrl, PRO MUSIK Sàrl, Codex Events S.A.,
Luxconnect & Post Luxembourg, Foodclan and
Amplitude, alongside their production partner,
TV Skyline GmbH. These collaborations brought
together a wealth of expertise to meet the demands
of this high-profile production.
BCE also managed various multimedia services,
including international
TV
and
production, a media center, global
radio signal
satellite
distribution via Eurovision and ENEX, and multilanguage
streaming platforms. Additionally, BCE
provided live subtitling for public viewing areas
in Luxembourg City, ensuring accessibility for all
viewers.
The production scope included capturing key
moments such as the Pope's arrival at Luxembourg
Airport, his meetings at the Palais Grand-Ducal,
his tour through the city in the popemobile, and
his encounter with the Catholic community
at
Cathédrale Notre-Dame.
BCE's centralized production model allowed for
real-time signal distribution across all locations,
with live feeds broadcast on large screens at the
airport's VIP lounges and public viewing sites across
the city.
Global
distribution
Eurovision and
was
achieved
ENEX, ensuring that
monumental event was accessible to international
broadcasters. BCE's use of 16/9 format HD video
and stereo audio ensured that media outlets
received the highest quality footage in multiple
formats, including ProRes HD and MP4.
Between live ceremonies, beauty
were produced
highlight
reels
transmitted as part
of the international
through
this
shots and
on-site and
feed,
allowing viewers to enjoy a comprehensive visual
narrative of Pope Francis' visit.
BCE and RTL's joint efforts ensured that this
historic occasion was captured with precision,
offering a seamless
experience to
worldwide.
https://bce.lu
viewers

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