Extensive Upgrade Comprises All-Ross LED CMS and On-Field Graphics Workflows
AUSTIN, Texas — Nov. 17, 2023 — BeckTV, a premier systems integrator for the broadcast media industry, and Ross Video, a global leader in live video production solutions, have joined forces once again to complete another significant project at M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. The two companies collaborated on upgrading the Ravens’ content management system (CMS) workflow, which sends graphic content to the venue’s LED scoreboards and vomitory displays. This system completion marks another successful project in the longtime relationship between Ross and BeckTV aimed at elevating the Ravens’ fan experience.
The original system installed in 2017 consisted of a hybrid Ross CMS and a third-party workflow. BeckTV and Ross designed and built a new system using a full complement of Ross gear to meet the stadium’s requirements for a unified and user-friendly solution with redundancy. BeckTV and Ross completed the project in two phases: the first before the 2022 season and the second before the start of the 2023 season.
“This upgrade continues our commitment to provide a world-class entertainment experience for Ravens fans,” said Jay O’Brien, VP, Broadcasting & Gameday Productions, Baltimore Ravens. “The Ross CMS allows our production team to use every bit of their resources to deliver content without technical limitations.”
The main solution for managing real-time motion graphics on LED displays is XPression Tessera from Ross. As a multifaceted tool for managing and filling video displays in studios or venues, XPression Tessera uses region-mapping to distribute graphics across multiple channels or engines for pixel-accurate rendering, and it allows for real-time animation and content changes. Working in concert with XPression Tessera is Carbonite Mosaic, a dynamic compositing tool that scales live productions to massive displays with maximum pixel accuracy, which is key when dealing with end zone displays close to 13,000 pixels wide.
The new LED content management system drives content to 52 unique displays strategically placed throughout the stadium, including end zone, entry gate, vomitory, and club displays; corner boards; upper and lower ribbons; and concourse TVs. Full redundancy is built into the system to ensure reliability.
To handle video image processing for some of the larger displays, there are nine Ultrix Carbonite switchers. Ultrix Carbonite combines the routing and processing capabilities of Ultrix with the sophisticated creative capabilities of Carbonite, the world’s most popular midsize production switcher.
The new stadium system also includes the Piero sports analysis tool. The Ravens’ use of the Piero system sets them apart from other teams in the league because they apply it not only for live production purposes but also for postproduction and weekly shows. Piero offers a wide range of capabilities, such as first-down graphics, on-field graphics, virtual branding, and virtual sponsorship on the field. With Piero, the Ravens get more robust stats and data management and can feed that information to displays.
Finally, operators have complete control of the productions through Ross’ Unified Sports Venue Control Solution. The DashBoard venue control software seamlessly integrates production control room technology with the LED content management system. Game day operators can trigger video production, the LED content management system, remote cameras, projection systems, sound, lighting, and more – all with a simple button press within the intuitive DashBoard interface.
“Because our products are built to operate seamlessly with one another, BeckTV can design these kinds of cohesive systems that help the Ravens create dazzling productions with minimal effort,” said Kevin Cottam, Vice President of Sports and Live Events, Ross Video. “This unified, single-vendor solution brings the stadium up to date with the latest Ross systems, streamlining operations and ensuring an immersive experience for fans. Additionally, the ongoing support from our sports live events group, coupled with 24/7 tech support, gives the Ravens’ production team peace of mind.”
“The upgraded M&T Bank Stadium showcases another successful collaboration between BeckTV and Ross Video,” said Matt Weiss, BeckTV’s Vice President of Business Development. “It’s a testament to our individual and collective expertise in delivering cutting-edge solutions for these kinds of demanding, high-profile pro sports projects. The enhanced LED CMS workflow, along with the Piero system for on-field graphics, ensures that Ravens fans can enjoy an unforgettable gameday experience.”
About BeckTV
BeckTV is one of the United States’ premier design-build systems integrators. With more than 40 years of experience, BeckTV has designed and built more professional television facilities for more customers than any other systems integrator. In virtually every application from broadcast and cable networks, local TV stations, sports trucks, and stadium venues to educational institutions and houses of worship, BeckTV uses a collaborative approach to assure successful outcomes, on time and on budget. The company maintains full-service offices in New York and Austin, as well as an engineering office in Washington, D.C. More information about BeckTV is available at www.becktv.com.
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