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NBC Sports is preparing to deliver cutting-edge Olympic coverage for its coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The broadcaster has assembled a roster of technology providers to deliver production capabilities across multiple platforms.
NBC will bring the excitement of the Olympics to audiences across the U.S. from July 24 to August 11, 2024 for the Olympics and August 28 to September 8 for the Paralympics, including more than 400 hours of programming in 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos audio.
NBCUniversal’s coverage spans multiple networks and platforms, including NBC, Peacock, USA Network, E!, CNBC, Golf Channel, Telemundo, Universo, NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app. With at least nine hours of coverage each day on NBC alone, and Peacock serving as the streaming hub for 329 medal sports, the network is poised to provide unprecedented access to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
As NBC Sports prepares to cover its 19th Olympic Games and 12th overall, take a look at the key technology partnerships and innovations powering this monumental broadcast effort.
Cameras and switchers
NBC plans to deploy approximately 100 Sony cameras at event venues, during athlete interviews and at press conferences.
The camera lineup includes Sony’s HDC-3500, which enables IP-based transmission. XDCam camcorders such as the PXW-Z750, PXW-Z450, PXW-X400 and PXW-Z280 will also be used. For slow-motion playback, NBC will use Sony’s HDC-5500 and HDC-3500 4K/HDR high frame rate cameras.
NBC Olympics will use multiple Sony production switcher models, including the flagship XVS-9000 IP-enabled switcher, along with the XVS-8000 and XVS-6000 video switchers designed for IP and SDI-based production. These switchers will manage feeds from each venue to the NBC Olympics production facility in Paris, as well as originating HD cable coverage to NBCUniversal’s various networks and platforms.
lens
Canon will supply 115 UHD broadcast lenses for NBC’s Olympic coverage, including many large Cine-Servo lenses that will be used to capture high-quality footage from a variety of angles and distances. Canon will also have on-site support staff in Paris for the duration of the Olympics to ensure optimal lens performance.
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Audio Equipment
NBC Sports will use more than 600 Audio-Technica microphones, headsets and headphones in its Olympic Games production. Equipment includes mono and stereo shotgun microphones to capture the action on the field, as well as immersive 8.0 microphones for an enhanced audio experience. Audio-Technica broadcast headsets and headphones will be used for audio monitoring at the Paris event.
Graphics and Data Presentation
Chyron will provide live broadcast graphics technology for NBC’s Olympic coverage. The Chyron Prime platform delivers 2D and 3D animated text and graphics with real-time statistics and data visualization. The system will be used for both real-time graphics presentations and creative studio elements.
SMT provides TV graphic interfaces for a variety of sports including golf, gymnastics, swimming, and athletics, as well as leaderboard, bracket and medal standings graphics for all sports.
SMT’s telestrator technology and optical tracking systems will be used to enhance the visual presentation, allowing commentators to highlight athletes’ performances in real time.
Display Technology
Planar will supply LED video walls for NBC’s studio and outdoor use. For indoor installations, the Planar DirectLight Pro Series with 1.2mm pixel pitch will be used. For outdoor displays, NBC will use the Planar Luminate Ultra Series with 1.5mm pixel pitch. These high-resolution displays will be used to display visual content and improve the overall production aesthetic.
Network Infrastructure
Cisco will provide network technology for NBC’s all-IP production, including deploying Cisco’s IP Fabric for Media at its international broadcast center in Paris to enable secure delivery of 4K and 8K content.
Cisco security and observability solutions are also used for comprehensive network monitoring and management.
AI and Search Integration
NBC Sports has partnered with Google to incorporate AI-powered features into its Olympic coverage. The collaboration marks the first between Google and Team USA, which has named the tech giant its official search AI partner.
