Cisco System's new StadiumVision Mobile platform is using Wi-Fi stadium networks to deliver live, multicast video to fans' smartphones and tablets.
"Cisco StadiumVision Mobile represents the industry's first proven solution to use multicast over Wi-Fi, which enables one source to be broadcast over an optimized network to many devices in a highly efficient way. This is a significant advancement over traditional unicast solutions, where one video channel is replicated multiple times across the network to each device," said Cisco.
The product uses a Cisco Connected Stadium Wi-Fi network and is being implemented by the Brooklyn Nets (Barclays Center), Real Madrid (Estadio Santiago Bernabeu) and Sporting Kansas City (Sporting Park) in their respective venues.
Using an integrated with an in-venue app, StadiumVision Mobile provides live video and data feeds with minimal delay and offers multiple channels of unique content such as a replay channel, an alternate-view channel that offers a view of the bench during timeouts plus a data channel for stats, trivia contests and multi-player games.
"Real-time delivery of multimedia to mobile devices in the venue creates the opportunity for teams, venues and leagues to connect with fans through targeted advertising, sponsorship activations, promotions, branding and more," said Cisco. In addition, a stadium can offer a venue-wide "moment of exclusivity," through which one specific sponsor can own every screen option in the venue, including big board, HD displays and now mobile devices.
The Cisco Connected Sports and Entertainment portfolio now enables Connected Stadium teams to connect with fans through HD displays using StadiumVision, enable fans to share their experience via social media channels using Connected Stadium Wi-Fi and place them at the center of the experience with live video using StadiumVision Mobile.
"StadiumVision Mobile is a key component of Barclays Center's official mobile app. Our goal was to make Barclays Center one of the most technologically advanced venues in the world and deliver an app to fans that includes incredible features like live video, the ability to order concessions from your seat and pick them up without standing in line and a plethora of other team and venue information," said Chip Foley, director of building technology, Forest City Ratner, which is the Barclays Center developer.
Mobile carriers and venue managers are increasingly eyeing Wi-Fi as a way to address the wireless data usage demands of high-profile events. Providing Wi-Fi in stadiums is a growing business worldwide, whether done on a standalone basis or in conjunction with mobile networks.
For more:
- see this Cisco release
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