Empowering the Brantford Bulldogs with Advanced Production Technology

Learn how Vizrt successfully hosted a hybrid corporate event, engaging over 200 employees in person, with hundreds more joining globally via live streaming.

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Stunning Graphics and Seamless productions Soar Fan Engagement with Brantford Bulldogs’ New Game Day Tech

Learn how Vizrt successfully hosted a hybrid corporate event, engaging over 200 employees in person, with hundreds more joining globally via live streaming.

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Introduction 

In the summer of 2023, the Hamilton Bulldogs, a professional hockey team, relocated to Brantford, Ontario, rebranding themselves as the Brantford Bulldogs. The move to a smaller community style rink required a complete overhaul of the team’s production infrastructure to maintain professional-quality broadcasts for fans both in the arena and watching remotely. Aries Pro Solutions and VideoLink were tasked with implementing a new, cutting-edge production system that would meet the high standards expected from the Bulldogs. Despite infrastructure limitations and a tight two-week timeline, the goal was to create a seamless and dynamic broadcast experience.

Challenge 

The move to the Brantford Civic Centre came with several challenges:

  • Infrastructure Constraints: Moving from a large stadium to a smaller community style rink with fixed infrastructure presented limitations. The production system had to fit within these space constraints while still delivering professional-grade results.
  • Tight Deadline: Aries Pro Solutions had only two weeks to install and fully operationalize the production system before the Bulldogs’ first home game.
  • Supporting New and Unfamiliarized Staff: The project had to support new team members who were unfamiliar with some of the advanced production equipment. The system needed to be intuitive, easy to learn, and quick to operate.
“We had new staff members who hadn’t used any of this equipment before. The equipment had to be functional, and easy to use. For all this, we really relied on Steve from Aries Pro Solutions to deliver on. And I thought overall things went really well.” Jeff Elia, Senior Director of Business Operations, Brantford Bulldogs

Solution

Despite these challenges, Aries Pro Solutions and Vizrt delivered a robust and comprehensive solution, incorporating the following key components:

TriCaster TC1
4K System

At the heart of the production system was the TriCaster TC1 4K, a powerful and versatile tool that offered several critical features.

  • 4K Video Resolution: The TC1 enabled ultra-high-definition 4K video, providing the Bulldogs with superior broadcast quality for both in-person fans and remote viewers.
  • Multi-Camera Switching: The TC1’s multi-camera switching capabilities allowed seamless transitions between different camera angles, creating dynamic and engaging live broadcasts
  • Integrated Production Tools: As an all-in-one solution, the TC1 provided video switching, streaming, recording, and graphic overlays in a single platform. This simplified the workflow and reduced the need for multiple systems. 
  • Remote Camera Control: The TC1’s ability to control PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras remotely allowed a single operator to manage multiple camera angles, reducing staffing needs and operational complexity. 

3Play® Four-Channel
Replay System

The 3Play system was critical for adding high-quality replay functionality to the Bulldogs’ broadcasts.

  • Multi-Angle Replays: The 3Play system allowed the team to capture and replay key moments from up to four different angles, adding depth to game coverage. For sports like hockey, where crucial moments happen quickly, this feature enhances the viewer experience. 
  • Instant Playback and Slow Motion: The system’s ability to instantly queue replays and show them in slow motion added professional-level polish to the broadcasts, keeping fans engaged during key moments of the game. 

Viz Flowics
Integration

The Viz Flowics platform provided dynamic graphics, social media interaction, and data-driven content.

  • Live Social Media Integration: Viz Flowics enabled real-time social media feeds to be displayed on-screen, allowing fans to see their reactions and comments during the game. This increased engagement and participation, both in the arena and for remote viewers.
  • Multi-Camera Switching: The TC1’s multi-camera switching capabilities allowed seamless transitions between different camera angles, creating dynamic and engaging live broadcasts
  • Dynamic Graphics: The cloud-based system allowed quick updates of live graphics, game schedules, and player information. Accessible from anywhere, the system provided flexibility for the production team to manage content efficiently. 

NDI®
Integration

A key part of the production setup was the use of NDI® technology, which enabled Aries Pro Solutions to connect all the components of the system efficiently and flexibly:

  • Simplified Infrastructure: NDI allowed all video, audio, power, and control signals to be transmitted over a single Cat6 cable network. This drastically reduced the complexity of wiring and installation, allowing the production team to manage sources and destinations easily throughout the arena. 
  • Centralized Control and Flexibility: NDI enabled the production team to control any source (camera, monitor, or audio) from anywhere in the facility. This centralized approach allowed for flexible and scalable production setups, which could be expanded or adjusted as needed without additional wiring. 
  • Cost Efficiency and Scalability: NDI’s ability to run over standard IP-based networks meant lower infrastructure costs and easier maintenance compared to traditional broadcast setups. The system’s flexibility allowed for future scalability as the Bulldogs’ production needs evolved, ensuring the technology could grow with them. 

Outcomes

The successful implementation of these technologies resulted in several key outcomes for the Brantford Bulldogs:

  • Professional-Grade Broadcasts: The combination of the TriCaster TC1, 3Play and Viz Flowics systems allowed the Bulldogs to deliver high-quality, professional-level broadcasts. The 4K video resolution, multi-camera switching, and dynamic replays provided a viewing experience on par with larger venues and professional sports leagues.
  • Proof-of-Performance for Sponsors: The ability to record and deliver proof-of-performance clips for sponsors allowed the Bulldogs to meet their sponsorship obligations effectively. The high-quality video assets provided to sponsors helped maintain strong relationships and delivered on the value promised.
  • Enhanced Fan Engagement: With Viz Flowics, the Bulldogs were able to increase fan engagement by incorporating real-time social media interaction and displaying live game statistics. The use of data-driven content further enriched the broadcast experience by providing instant updates on player stats, game progress, and more, keeping fans informed and entertained throughout.
  • Future Scalability and Flexibility: The use of NDI technology ensures that the Bulldogs’ production system can easily scale as their needs grow. With the ability to expand the system without costly rewiring or additional infrastructure, the Bulldogs are well-positioned for future growth in both broadcast capabilities and production quality.
  • Streamlined Operations: The integration of NDI technology simplified the overall production process by reducing the complexity of the system’s wiring and infrastructure. The user-friendly design of the TriCaster TC1, 3Play and Viz Flowics systems allowed new staff members to quickly learn how to operate them, reducing the need for extensive training. This operational efficiency was crucial, given the short two-week installation period.
Julia Boss-Zister, Graphic Designer at Brantford Bulldogs
“Being able to pull in social media is a great way to see real-time engagement and reaction to anything that’s happening in the game and being able to show it on screen to all of our fans live as it happens.” Julia Boss-Zister, Graphic Designer, at Brantford Bulldogs

Conclusion

The relocation and technology upgrade for the Brantford Bulldogs demonstrated the power of integrating advanced production tools into a smaller venue. Aries Pro Solutions successfully implemented a flexible, scalable system centered around the TriCaster TC1 4K system, 3Play replay system, and Viz Flowics, all powered by NDI technology. This solution enabled the Bulldogs to deliver professional-grade broadcasts, engage fans with real-time interaction, and provide data-driven content that enriched the viewing experience. Despite the constraints of a smaller venue and a tight timeline, the project achieved its goals, setting a new standard for community-based sports production. The flexibility of the system ensures that the Bulldogs can continue to evolve their production capabilities for years to come, maintaining their competitive edge in delivering high-quality content to fans and partners alike.

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