Supercars transitions to remote production via NEP's Sydney-based Andrews Hub
Supercars Media has implemented a new remote production model for its TV broadcasts, shifting operations for the Darwin Triple Crown from the event site to NEP's Andrews Hub in Sydney. This change, in collaboration with NEP, leverages fiber optic connectivity to transfer over 140 video feeds, 120 audio feeds, and eight data channels from Darwin to Sydney for production. The new hub model aims for enhanced efficiencies and will be used for the remainder of the Supercars season.
Key Takeaways
- Remote workflow transfers 140 video feeds, 120 audio feeds, and eight data channels from Darwin to Sydney via fiber optic cable.
- Core production staff, including the broadcast director and audio directors, are now based at NEP's Andrews Hub rather than on-site.
- Commentary teams and camera operators remain on-site at the circuit, supported by a localized skeleton technical crew.
- The hub model will be used for the entire 2026 season except for the Perth Super440 event and a hybrid setup at Bathurst.
Why It Matters
This shift marks a significant move for high-tier sports broadcasting in Australia, proving that low-latency remote production is viable even across massive geographic distances. By centralizing the heavy technical stack in Sydney, Supercars reduces the logistical overhead and costs associated with transporting massive outside broadcast units. This evolution mirrors global trends in REMI (Remote Integration Model) workflows seen in F1 and the NBA, allowing rights holders to reinvest savings into viewer-facing enhancements like 4K UHD and HDR. The success of this Darwin debut serves as a performance benchmark for NEP's IP-based infrastructure during high-speed, high-bandwidth live events. Industry participants should monitor whether this reduces production downtime and improves signal reliability in remote racing environments.
Additional Context
The transition to NEP as a production partner follows Supercars’ long-term relationship with Gravity Media, which previously supplied on-site outside broadcast (OB) trucks and a crew of over 250 personnel for flagship events like the Bathurst 1000. Under the new 2026 agreement, Supercars is upgrading its output to native 4K Ultra High Definition produced in High Dynamic Range (HDR) for the first time. According to Speedcafe in February 2026, this technical refresh includes all-new HDR in-car cameras and a revamped graphics package designed to match the live data standards of Formula 1. NEP Group has been aggressively expanding its remote production capabilities globally. Per TV Technology in March 2025, the company launched Supershooter 64, a mobile unit specifically designed for REMI workflows supporting the NHL on TNT and Major League Baseball. More recently, NEP introduced its software-orchestrated 'NEP Platform' at the 2026 NAB Show, aiming to unify media infrastructure across hybrid environments. This platform facilitates the type of distributed human resource management now being used for Supercars, where technical staff can operate from various 'spoke' locations. This centralized model at the Andrews Hub, which originally opened in 2017, has undergone significant IP-based upgrades. As reported by TVBEurope in late 2021, the facility was scaled to become one of the world's largest 4K-capable production centers for Tier 1 sports. By installing dual 10GB fiber paths via Telstra at regional tracks like Hidden Valley, Supercars and NEP have created a permanent infrastructure that allows for 100% IP transmission, drastically reducing the physical footprint of the broadcast compound at the trackside.
Read full article at speedcafe.com
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