Introduction 

With the help of Aries Pro Solutions and VideoLink, Ontario’s Brantford Bulldogs realized the benefits of a fully integrated, streamlined and efficient workflow using TriCaster, Viz 3Play and Viz Flowics, supercharging game broadcasts with real-time graphics, data-driven content and social media interaction. 

The Hamilton Bulldogs, a professional junior ice 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. Vizrt partners Aries Pro Solutions and VideoLink helped the Bulldogs implement a new state of the art production system, equipped with Vizrt technologies, to create a seamless and dynamic broadcast experience. 

Streamlined, flexible production power 

The Bulldogs’ move from a large stadium to the Brantford Civic Center, a smaller community-style rink with fixed infrastructure, presented a range of limitations. The production system not only had to fit within the space constraints of the new stadium, but also be capable of delivering professional-grade results.  

Tasked with the challenge of installing the system within two weeks, Aries Pro Solutions had to install and fully operationalize the production system before the Bulldogs’ first home game. And, with several new staff, the production system needed to be intuitive, easy to learn, and quick to operate. This was a challenge that sat alongside the expected infrastructure constraints of the move. Having moved from a large stadium to a smaller community-style rink with fixed infrastructure meant the new production system had to fit these space constraints all while delivering professional-grade results. 

Despite these challenges, Aries Pro Solutions delivered a robust, comprehensive and user-friendly solution with Vizrt technology at the heart to elevate Brantford Bulldogs’ live broadcasts and the fan experience both in-arena and online.  

With the TriCaster TC1, the Bulldogs have utilized 4K UHD video broadcasts for the first time, with multi-camera switching capabilities enabling the production team to craft dynamic and engaging stories for fans. And, as an all-in-one solution, the TriCaster TC1 hugely simplified the Bulldogs’ production workflows, reducing the need for multiple systems by combining video switching, streaming, recording, and graphic overlays into a single platform. 

“With the TriCaster we’re able to record up to four channels of video as their own independent source, and that goes directly into our media server. So when it comes to proof of performance for partners, we’re able to go back and take our full recorded production feed and then snip it out and send it off to them as proof of performance.” Matthew Gallant, Digital Media Coordinator, Brantford Bulldogs

The Bulldogs’ new streamlined production set up has been crafted with flexibility and cost-effectiveness in mind. Utilizing NDI technology, Aries Pro Solutions has built an entire production system network that connects all production components without the need for extensive wiring, allowing the production team to manage sources and destinations throughout the arena. 

The NDI-enabled production backbone also brings unprecedented flexibility and centralized control to the Bulldogs’ production team. Now able to control any source (camera, monitor, or audio) from anywhere in the stadium, it’s a solution that can be easily expanded or adjusted without additional wiring. With NDI’s ability to run over standard IP-based networks, the Bulldogs can achieve high-quality production output without high infrastructure and maintenance costs.  

Creating a fan-first game day spectacle 

With a desire to create dynamic and engaging experiences for Bulldogs fans, the production team’s new set up incorporates powerful, cloud-based HTML5 graphics with Viz Flowics. For the first time, the Bulldogs can quickly update live graphics, game schedule and player information from anywhere, providing the production team with new levels of flexibility when managing content efficiently. 

And, by utilizing live data feeds from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) directly into Viz Flowics, the Bulldogs can display real-time statistics, player updates, and game progressions without the need for manual updates, saving time and ensuring that all information given to fans is accurate and up to date. 

With more fans than ever now taking to social media to have their say on game-day action, the Bulldogs have utilized Viz Flowics’ social media capabilities, sharing real-time social media feeds to their game day broadcasts. With fans wanting to see their reactions and comments on screen, the Bulldogs have increased levels of fan engagement and participation, both in the arena and with viewers tuning in remotely. 

Capturing every second of action 

Keen to capture all the gameplay action, the Bulldogs’ new production set up incorporates Viz 3Play3P1 to add high-quality replay functionality to the Bulldogs’ broadcasts. For sports like ice hockey, where crucial moments happen quickly, the team can now capture and replay key moments from up to four different angles, adding depth to game coverage. With the ability to now instantly queue replays and replay them in slow motion, the Bulldogs’ best moments are polished to a professional-level standard, enhancing the overall fan experience during key moments of the game.  

Solution 

“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

Despite these challenges, Aries Pro Solutions and Vizrt delivered a robust, comprehensive and user-friendly solution, centered around the TriCaster TC1, Viz 3Play3P1 replay system, and Viz Flowics, all powered by NDI technology to elevate Brantford Bulldogs’ live broadcasts and their viewers’ experience.