Freeing the reins from remote commentary

TVU Remote Commentator is a cloud-based production solution that allows sports producers and event organisers to add synchronised, real-time audio commentary from any location via a public internet connection, meaning that talent no longer needs to be on location or using expensive REMI setups. Sessions are created and managed in the cloud, which eliminates the need for expensive hardware or software.

Using a browser-based interface on a laptop or smart device, TVU Remote Commentator lets talent join the production from virtually anywhere, while the interface provides a low-latency, high-quality preview of the event, meaning that they can also add commentary that is in sync with the programme.

Events can be created with predetermined start and end times and the event organiser can select any feed – SDI IN, IP source, recorded clip, etc. – and use it as the return video feedback (VFB) source and channel output, so commentators receive a high-quality video feed to follow the action. Furthermore, multiple commentators in multiple remote locations can collaborate on a single production, with the manufacturer’s autosync technology ensuring the audio and video of all commentators is synced with the main video feed, regardless of network latency or distance from the event. Not only can they hear each other with full mix-minus capability, but a private back channel lets them see each other as well, which helps observe critical body-language queues and replicate in-person talent interaction.

An audio operator can manage the commentator feeds using TVU’s web-based audio mixer, which offers level control, recording, mute/unmute and audio channel mapping for outputs. Localised commentary feeds can be routed to separate audio channels, or completely separate outputs can be created for each channel.

In addition to the launch of TVU Remote Commentator, the manufacturer has released a free TV Anywhere SDK to enable iOS and Android developers to add reliable, high-quality and low-latency video streams to their apps, making it simpler for reporters, viewers and fans to contribute live video for programming.