Special Instructions:
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:
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.
3Play® Four-Channel
Replay System
The 3Play system was critical for adding high-quality replay functionality to the Bulldogs’ broadcasts.
Viz Flowics
Integration
The Viz Flowics platform provided dynamic graphics, social media interaction, and data-driven content.
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:
Outcomes
The successful implementation of these technologies resulted in several key outcomes for the 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.