Elevating the game: Star Media Production Services’ cutting-edge solutions in global golf broadcasting
During the period from October to November 2023, the international technical team of Star Media Production Services provided professional technical services for four of the world’s top golf events in just five weeks. These four events included the PGA Japan ZOZO Golf Open with a total prize pool exceeding $300 million, the ASIA TOUR Macau Golf Open with a total prize pool exceeding $40 million, the Shenzhen Volvo China Open, and the Hong Kong Open. These overseas golf event services spanned four different locations: Japan, Macau, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Utilizing three sets of advanced broadcasting equipment, Star Media’s technical team delivered comprehensive technical support, showcasing its robust technical capabilities, logistical expertise, and equipment supply prowess. We provided top-notch broadcasting technical services and production experiences for clients both domestically and internationally, earning unanimous praise from industry peers.
Efficient and high-quality international event solutions
While we’ve had excellent signal production experience in domestic major sports events like the Hangzhou Asian Games and the Chengdu Universiade, the production services for home events are relatively straightforward, with fewer logistical challenges compared to overseas events. However, overseas sports event technical services involve more international logistics transportation and venue equipment scheduling issues, requiring flexible and innovative production plans and processes. In recent years, Star Media’s sports event technical team has developed efficient and flexible overseas event solutions through continuous refinement, team collaboration, and the accumulation of mature experience.
01 Overseas event equipment configuration and signal production plan
Star Media’s technical team meticulously planned and executed the entire process, ensuring the smooth and secure conduct of each overseas competition and earning high recognition from the PGA and Asian Tours production companies.
For instance, in the PAG Japan ZOZO Championship, the event was meticulously planned by Star Media’s technical team, covering equipment deployment and professional signal production technology services for the entire process. We equipped 15 wired channels and 4 sets of wireless channels, including the setup of three groups of receiving points and the laying of 46 kilometers of camera fiber optic cables. In addition, special camera positions were added, utilizing top tracer ball trajectory tracking camera technology to enhance the viewing experience. In terms of signal production, we provided over 30 unilateral signals to Asahi TV, offering a comprehensive setup for program live signal one-stop service.
In the two events of the Asian Tour in Macau and Hong Kong, we respectively equipped 10 wired channels and 3 wireless channels, laying nearly 35 kilometers of camera fiber optic cables and setting up two wireless microwave reception points to ensure the integrity of video signal transmission and control production throughout the event. Furthermore, to ensure smooth collaboration and a good experience for the international production team, we purchased a video matrix for golf events to ensure flexible and reliable signal scheduling. Communication matrices, intercoms, and intercom base stations were also set up to facilitate smooth communication inside and outside the event venue.
02 Adopting high-definition EFP onboard systems
Considering the limitations of international venue equipment scheduling, Star Media’s sports event technical team used a typical cost-effective “EFP series product” in the PAG Japan ZOZO and Asian Tour Macau and Hong Kong stations. This product features TALLY and wireless transmission, conforming to the characteristics of international golf event broadcasting production systems. For the Asian Tour-Shenzhen Volvo Golf Open, which is held in China, we deployed our 4K/8K IP OB6 broadcast vehicle as the main director, main audio area, engineering area, and VT Edit area. Additional equipment from the Macau event was used to build the second production area under the vehicle, ensuring the integrity of the production.
03 High-quality audio production technology plan
Star Media Production Services tailored a visual and auditory feast for each different event. For the PAG Japan ZOZO event, 416 microphones were equipped for all wired and wireless channels, using high-quality windproof materials and cables to ensure pure sound quality. In terms of wireless venue commentary microphones, high-power amplifiers were installed on the original equipment, and a second receiving point was set up, paired with a talkback system, to ensure the timeliness and accuracy of venue commentator commentary. Combined with audio 4G and 5G network backpacks, efficient communication between the venue and OB area was achieved.
In the Volvo China Open event system, a half-IP and half-baseband format was adopted for production and transmission, and the DANTE system was used for audio distribution and transmission, allowing the main production area and the second production area’s mixing consoles to play the greatest role. In addition, ENG cameras equipped with different lenses were deployed to be ready at any time for “Hole In One” by the players, ensuring the recording and editing of VT Edit, making the production more exciting.
04 Ensuring the safety and efficiency of international equipment transportation
Star Media’s technical team transported the signal production equipment to Japan a month in advance, making full preparations for the PAG Japan ZOZO station of the PGA Tour. During the Asian Tour, we coordinated reasonably and orderly, fully arranging equipment facilities at the Macau Golf Open, Hong Kong Golf Open, and Shenzhen Volvo Golf Open. During the equipment transportation process, we maintained close communication and coordination with local partners to ensure the safety, timeliness, and integrity of the equipment’s arrival at the event site.
05 Perfect logistics system
Star Media’s technical team fully considered and arranged for the technical staff to provide comfortable accommodation, dining, and transportation, creating a good working environment. When encountering emergencies or challenges, the technical team responded quickly and flexibly, ensuring the smooth progress of the event.
In summary, Star Media has excellently and perfectly completed multiple top-level golf event technical services in a short period of time with its strong technical strength and service level. We will continue to adhere to the concept of “professionalism, innovation, and service,” expecting to provide more high-quality, efficient, and safe technical experiences for more clients with international event service needs, creating more exciting and high-quality event scenes for global audiences, and making greater contributions to the vigorous development of international sports events.
