University of Staffordshire has created a state-of-the-art eSports broadcasting course with the support of Panasonic and its long-term partner, Digital Garage. This will enable the university to run eSports events, accommodate more students onto the course and position itself as a leader in academic eSports broadcasting.University of Staffordshire was the first university to launch a dedicated eSports degree. It has enlisted Digital Garage to expand its professional broadcasting capabilities, as part of a £2.7 million eSports expansion programme at the university’s Stoke-on-Trent campus. As the primary contractor, Digital Garage will manage the entire design and build, equipping the space with professional broadcast studio equipment from Panasonic.

IP-based video production

The new 61-seat arena in University of Staffordshire’s eSports Broadcasting Hub will utilise Panasonic’s state-of-the-art live video production platform, KAIROS. Two AT-KC200 mainframes will be utilised, compatible with the SMPTE ST 2110 IP-based transmission standard that is revolutionising the transmission of video and audio signals over IP networks.Ideal for remote and studio-based production environments, KAIROS virtualises traditional switcher functions and eliminates many legacy switcher hardware constraints. It features innovative CPU/GPU architecture and removes the one-to-one input restrictions of SDI-only switchers. This will enable much of the intermediary kit to be removed, providing a cutting-edge, cost-effective solution for eSports broadcasting.The installation of Panasonic’s KAIROS platform and 4K-capable cameras provides students with a professional broadcast environment in a university setting. Their experience in operating Panasonic’s cutting-edge KAIROS platform and IP-based video production networks delivers the future skills they need to go into the workplace.

4K-capable broadcasting

University of Staffordshire’s studio is equipped with three AW-UE100 4K-capable PTZ cameras and three AK-HC3900 HDR studio cameras. The UE100 PTZ is the first 4K 50p/60p^[1] PTZ camera to support high bandwidth NDI® and SRT IP transmission protocols. Its direct drive motor delivers smooth pan and tilt movements, with a wide-angle lens with a 74.1° field of view and 24x optical zoom offering installation flexibility, low noise, and high-resolution image capture – making it ideal for remote and studio-based productions.The HC3900 1080p HDR studio camera is equipped with a large 4K-CMOS sensor for high sensitivity and video quality, ideal for broadcasting, events, education, and corporate environments. Future upgrades to native 4K 60p/50p will enable the HC3900 to deliver native 4K video with a horizontal resolution of 2,000 TV lines.

Professional broadcasting in an academic setting

With Digital Garage managing every aspect of the project, including design, build and budgeting, it has complete autonomy over the selection of best-of-breed kit from Panasonic. It has also re-designed the installation and staging layout to maximise the form and functionality of the space.Furthermore, Digital Garage and Panasonic have delivered ST 2110 and KAIROS-based training, to help University of Staffordshire’s IT and academic staff transition to an AVoIP-based production approach. This will enable them to manage the innovative technology and answer any installation or workflow queries – whilst supporting students effectively.