HBS Leverages JPEG XS and ST 2110 for Record-Breaking World Cup
Host Broadcast Services (HBS) details its extensive technical preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will span three countries and 16 host cities. HBS plans to use JPEG XS for compression over an ST 2110 IP backbone, with remote connectivity for centralized shading and replay systems from the IBC in Dallas. They are also implementing satellite backups and expanding the use of SRT for content distribution to rights holders.
Key Takeaways
- JPEG XS compression will provide the primary low-latency backbone for the SMPTE ST 2110 IP-based distribution network.
- Operations are centralized at a 45,000-square-meter International Broadcast Centre (IBC) in Dallas, with post-production handled remotely in London.
- The 104-match tournament will utilize 1,200 km of cabling across 16 venues and generate 1,248 total outgoing feeds.
- Verizon serves as the official telecommunications provider, establishing the stadium-to-IBC network connectivity.
- Distribution to rights holders features 1080p HDR and UHD HDR options, with expanded use of SRT for multi-feed delivery.
Why It Matters
The 2026 World Cup marks a critical shift toward hybrid remote production at an unprecedented scale. By centralizing high-skill functions like shading and immersive audio at the Dallas IBC while routing post-production through London via dedicated JPEG XS links, HBS is solving the talent and consistency challenges inherent in a 16-venue, three-country footprint. This architecture validates the maturity of ST 2110 and JPEG XS for mission-critical, low-latency sports broadcast, essentially moving from experimental trials to the industry's default high-capacity standard. Watch for how the performance of the long-haul Dallas-to-London link influences future multi-continental production models.
Additional Context
The technical strategy for 2026 builds directly on large-scale trials conducted during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. According to SVG Europe in July 2025, that tournament served as the 'largest production for a club competition ever,' coordinating 63 matches across 12 U.S. stadiums. Those tests allowed HBS to refine its remote shading and audio workflows, which were critical for managing the diverse international mix of technical personnel required for global events. FIFA also utilized the event to pilot AI-powered stabilization and referee-view cameras, both of which are scheduled for broader implementation in the 2026 tournament.
Connectivity remains the project's primary hurdle, reinforced by Verizon’s role as the official telecommunications sponsor. Per a September 2024 announcement from FIFA, Verizon is supplying dedicated connectivity services across all 16 stadiums and official sites. This involves an estimated contract value between $75 million and $100 million, as reported by Sports Business Journal in September 2024. The network must support roughly 2,000 broadcast media representatives at the IBC while simultaneously managing fan-facing 5G Ultra Wideband services within the stadiums.
The widespread adoption of JPEG XS at this year’s World Cup reflects a broader industry trend toward high-efficiency, low-latency intermediate codecs. Per reporting from Media Links in November 2024, JPEG XS saw substantial use during the Paris 2024 Olympics, where it facilitated hundreds of feeds at bitrates between 150 and 425 Mbps. By 2026, the codec has become the definitive bridge for broadcasters moving from uncompressed SDI to IP-native workflows, specifically to reduce the bandwidth demands of 4K and HDR signals without introducing the processing delays typical of H.264 or HEVC.
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