"IVC Media was originally associated with the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) way back in 1995 when the company installed the original analogue video over Cat 5 structured cabling and RF over coax," explains John Smith, managing director of IVC Media. "Since then, in 2007, the club worked with us to implement new IPTV technology across their updated high speed data network and each year we have staff on site to support all the TV distribution of the whole tournament."
"Where realtime coverage is required for commentary booths a Mediastar system works alongside the IPTV system," continues Smith. "RF and IPTV distribution of channels to public/private areas within ground include the referees' tower, commentary boxes, debentures area, changing rooms, AELT Coffices and press areas. The signage display system in Centre Court and Court No.1 debentures area currently provides up-to-date information via web pages, which show live play within a video window alongside latest news and an RSS feed. During the championships a total of more than a thousand displays of various types are in constant use throughout the complex."
Back at IVC'sYeovil base, the company is also currently working closely with Sony and Exterity to test a 3D system across an IPTV network for possible future broadcasts to corporate guests at Wimbledon.
(Jim Evans)
