RAI, the national public service broadcaster in Italy, with its Research Centre and Technology Directorate, together with EMG Italy, CVE, One TV, Sony Europe and the WUG Organising Committee, are pleased to announce the success of a series of 5G technology trials on a private network in the 4GHz band. Applied to TV production during the recent Winter Universiade in Turin, also known as the FISU World University Games Winter 2025, took place from 13 to 23 January 2025 in the locations of Turin, Bardonecchia, Pinerolo, Torre Pellice, Pragelato and Sestriere. During the 11 days of competition, events were held in 11 sports disciplines, including ice hockey, figure skating, downhill skiing and many others.

The experimental 5G NPN network consisted of two cells, operating on a frequency granted for experimental purposes by the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy. The equipment for filming and interconnection between operators was wirelessly connected to these cells. Sony, together with fellow experts participating in the Proof of Concept, implemented the latest generation of HEVC codecs, which guarantee high quality video transmission at low bit rates and extremely low latency performance. Specifically, Sony’s CBK-RPU7 remote production unit was connected to the PDT-FP1 Portable Data Transmitter, which connected to the private 5G network. At the other end of the connection, the NXL-ME80 (Media Edge Processor) received and managed the signals and transmitted them to the rest of the infrastructure. The test evaluated the effectiveness of 5G for transporting contribution signals in highly complex live production scenarios, offering a viable alternative to traditional radio frequency and cable connections. The technology was first tested ‘indoors’ at the Inalpi Arena in Turin during the rehearsals of the event’s Opening Ceremony, and then moved to a more complex ‘outdoor’ scenario on the slopes of Bardonecchia where it followed the Alpine Ski, Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski competitions.

Initial test results are showing how this technology can significantly improve the overall efficiency of event production by simplifying and speeding up the infrastructure installation process. Furthermore, being based on wireless technologies, the system offers greater freedom in positioning the cameras, compared to the traditional wired system that connects the cameras to the control room via fibre optics. Despite the transport of compressed video signals, thanks to the flexibility in configuration, reliability and robustness of the radio link, it was possible to maintain high video quality standards and minimise latency.

Benito Mari, Senior Sales Manager, Sony Europe, commented: “The outcome of the test was extremely positive, not only for the quality, stability and latency aspects of the captured images, but also for the remote management aspect, which allowed the control of the camera setting parameters in real time directly to the camera control station via the 5G network. A heartfelt thank you to all the colleagues from the leading companies involved and to RAI for their constant commitment to exploring innovative solutions, always aimed at improving the efficiency of production processes. “

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Categories: Press Releases

Tags: 5G, italy, RAI, Sony