Broadcasters shift to hybrid IP models for major 2026 sporting events
Broadcasters are increasingly shifting toward hybrid production models for major sporting events by combining on-site hardware with remote galleries. This architecture utilizes technologies like SMPTE ST 2110, JPEG XS, and SRT to balance deterministic local control at venues with the efficiency and resource utilization of centralized, remote-based production.
Key Takeaways
- Hybrid models keep core audio, RF, and engineering on-site while centralizing switching, replay, and graphics in remote production centers.
- Broadcasters prioritize JPEG XS for low-latency links on managed fiber, while shifting to HEVC or SRT over constrained network environments.
- The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will use a managed fiber and IP connectivity environment to link four venues within an eight-mile corridor.
- Remote production served as the operational foundation for 2026 Winter Olympics coverage, specifically to manage geographically dispersed mountain venues.
Why It Matters
The transition to hybrid IP workflows marks the end of the experimental phase for remote production in high-stakes sports. By utilizing ultra-low latency JPEG XS and deterministic ST 2110, broadcasters can now scale coverage without the logistical overhead of massive on-site truck fleets. This shift concretely enables rights holders to increase camera counts and specialty feeds while reducing power and freight costs. For the broader ecosystem, it signals a move toward hardware-agnostic, software-defined production that can pivot between different connectivity profiles in real time. Watch for whether JPEG XS becomes the default standard for premium cloud-ingest workflows by the 2026 World Cup.
Additional Context
The practical adoption of these hybrid workflows is already reflected in major fleet upgrades. Per SVG Europe and NBC Sports (February 2026), NBCUniversal selected the Appear X Platform to provide video compression and transport for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, specifically citing its ability to transport more camera feeds across international bandwidth than previously possible. This deployment includes over 100 Sony cameras and specialized AR/VR integration via Ross Video to link Italian venues back to production hubs in Stamford and New York.
Technological maturity is also reflected in facility construction. Per RGB Broadcasting (January 2026), SMPTE ST 2110 has become the standard for 78% of new broadcast facility builds, while NMOS IS-04/IS-05 protocols for discovery and connection management are present in 65% of IP installations. This infrastructure allows broadcasters to treat remote galleries as permanent extensions of the venue, a strategy TNT Sports is utilizing for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Per Streaming Media Global (July 2026), TNT Sports' Glasgow operation relies on 230 on-site staff supported by nearly 460 remote personnel across London and Paris to deliver 600 hours of coverage.
Efficiency gains are also driving the shift. Per intoPIX (April 2026), the use of lightweight JPEG XS compression offers visually lossless quality at approximately 12.5% of the bandwidth of uncompressed video, with latency measured in microseconds. This technical capability aligns with growing green tech mandates, with Imagine Communications reporting (January 2026) that IP-based production can reduce energy consumption by up to 15% compared to legacy SDI systems. As hardware availability for these codecs expands, the distinction between local and remote control continues to dissolve.
Read full article at tvbeurope.com
Enjoy our coverage?
Add StreamingMeme as a preferred source on Google to see more of our streaming news at the top of your Search results.
Add as preferred source