UEFA EURO 2012™

UEFA TV Production

What we do

In 2012, UEFA selected experienced broadcast solutions provider Gravity Media – then branded Gearhouse Broadcast – to undertake major work in preparation for its EURO 2012 tournament.

Gravity Media’s Project Solutions Division was tasked with the provision of 8 high definition technical facilities, based at each of the Technical Operation Centres (TOCs) located at 8 stadia utilised for UEFA EURO 2012™.

What we used

For such a popular, high-profile event, it was vital UEFA provided broadcasters at every venue with the latest in high-end technological advancements. The solutions provided had to be reliable and flexible, featuring fast interconnection and, for each broadcaster, the smoothest set-up process possible.

Gravity Media’s overall solution comprised of a total of fifty-six equipment racks across the eight venues – seven at each TOC.

Each of the 8 TOC facilities contained 128×128 Snell router, Harris glue products, Sony monitors, Tektronix waveform monitors, Evertz SPG’s and multiviewer and Riedel communications matrix.

The TOC racks were all built and tested at Gravity Media’s UK Headquarters prior to shipment to Poland and the Ukraine.

Commentary and Information Systems RF Distribution:

At each stadium, Gravity Media provided a ten-channel RF modulator system, amplifiers, mixers and RF splitters. This was to create commentary areas allowing for 80-100 commentators to broadcast live at the same time without interference.

In addition, Gravity Media provided RF feeds for the printed press positions for international media.

Cable Installation:

Gravity Media also provided the multilateral and unilateral cable installation for the entire UEFA EURO 2012™ tournament. The broadcast contract involved installing over 880 kilometres of cable across the eight venues in the host nations of Poland and Ukraine.

Outcome

Commenting on the project, Andre Nel, Broadcast Engineering and Technical Manager for UEFA TV Production said it was vital to provide broadcasters at each venue with the latest technological solutions to fit their production and technical operational needs.

“Moving between venues and fast reliable interconnection and set up is of the utmost importance to Broadcasters and Gearhouse Broadcast delivered these services to a very high standard and quality.”