Broadcast Management Group Provides AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights With Remote Production Framework

During the pandemic businesses are calling it “pivot”, but for a hockey team it might be called a “power turn”. The Remote Integration Model or REMI style of broadcasting has been around for several years, but COVID forcing people to work remotely, broadened its use and accelerated its technological advances.

One example of this, is the partnership formed between Broadcast Management Group (BMG) and the Henderson Silver Knights for the American Hockey League’s 2021 season. The CW Las Vegas and MY LVTV hired BMG’s Sports Packaging Division to broadcast 11 home games during a season that was accelerated due to the pandemic.

Click HERE to check out a sizzle reel from the season

10 of the 11 games were broadcast from the Orleans Arena. The 11th took place at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. This was the first time the REMI workflow was used by the AHL hockey team in Las Vegas.

The REMI workflow for this game was as smooth as a well sharpened pair of hockey skates. The camera operators, video engineer, A-2, and the announcers were at the arena. Located at BMG’s REMI Broadcast Hub in Las Vegas were the technical director, audio mixer and video replay. Through this method of broadcasting, the producer was able to work from home in Phoenix, Arizona. The Director, graphics operator, and FoxBox/Stats operator worked from Chicago. Communication for all staff was facilitated through a Unity Intercom system that was tied into the BMG REMI Broadcast Hub’s RTS System.

From a technical standpoint, 8 video feeds from the arena were sent via two LiveU 800s and received at the REMI Hub by two 4 channel LiveU 2000s. Two video feeds were sent from the Broadcast Hub to the arenas via two LiveU 610s to a LiveU 2000. Audio microphones were embedded into LiveU signals and de-embedded at the Hub, mixed and then sent back to the arena.

“The REMI workflow allowed BMG to hire the best talent for our shows. Saving travel expense and time, allowing us to put more resources into the broadcast product,” says Todd Mason, Chief Executive Officer of Broadcast Management Group. “It allowed our client to bring a higher level of production to their telecast by tapping into a pool of the best talent, which wasn’t restricted by location or budget.”

BMG brought one of its REMI Mobile kits to the Orleans Arena to support the broadcasts. That unit included:

• (5) Grass Valley LDX 86 WorldCam cameras with Vinten tripods and ENG configurations
• (5) Creative Grading Panels CGP 500
• (1) Camera Control Server
• (2) Canon XJ100 x 9.3B Box lenses
• (2) Canon HJ11e x 4.7B lenses
• (1) Canon XJ23 x 7 Box lens
• (1) Canon HJ17e x 7 lens
• (2) Canon ZSD-300D digital servo zoom lenses
• (1) Fujinon ZA12 x 4.5 lens

While it was not the primary source of production and transmissions for these games, BMG’s REMI Mobile Unit was utilized when needed. The Unite features 6 workstations with RTS KP32 panels, and Multiview displays. This allows for producing and directing functions to happen on-site, while still leveraging the BMG REMI Broadcast Hub.

From a client standpoint, the REMI workflow was effective and seamless.

“BMG’s REMI solution was the best option that was still COVID-friendly and budget-smart,” says David Clevidence, Creative Services Director, The CW Las Vegas and My LVTV. “A relatively new combination of technology gave us remote access to the people and equipment we needed to present games to our viewers in an impressively professional manner.”

With a now-proven track record, this style of workflow for sporting events has a strong future, according to experts who have been in on the ground floor of this technology.

“With each broadcast production with the REMI workflow, we perfect each step of the process,” says Mark Ott, Director of Broadcast Operations for BMG’s Las Vegas facility. “REMI continues to improve with tight industry collaboration. Each project, whether it be sports, entertainment or news allows us to innovate and create first class productions.”