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Gravity Media serves up global broadcasting innovation at Australian Open 25
EMG / Gravity Media has highlighted its production input at this year’s Australian Open including a bespoke international broadcast centre and the introduction of cutting-edge broadcast technologies including a new Blue Zone.
A dedicated team of 75 from EMG / Gravity Media, comprised of crew from different entities within EMG / Gravity Media (including Australia, UK, Netherlands, Germany) specialised in designing, setting up, and operating a state-of-the-art, stand-alone major broadcast centre at Melbourne Park, deploying over 100 tonnes of fly-away systems and more than 150 broadcast cameras. This effort delivered over 200 hours of coverage across 15 days and nights, reaching audiences worldwide.
The IP system delivered on average, over 19 Tb/s of signals, enabling coverage to be accessed by international rights holders around the world, with local presence on site for Nine Network in Australia along with international rights holders including ESPN, Eurosport, WoWoW and CCTV.
Across the entire precinct, EMG / Gravity Media provided 172 cameras, including a variety of Panasonic robotic cameras. The venue was equipped with a comprehensive network of antennae, enabling 20 roving RF cameras to operate seamlessly anywhere within the precinct. Additionally, two remote RF robotic cameras provided broader views of Melbourne, positioned at AAMI Park and on an office building in the city.
The production galleries, installed by EMG / Gravity Media, were operated by Tennis Australia’s production crew at TA’s headquarters at Melbourne Park. They were connected to the central equipment room, housed within a temporary structure built by Tennis Australia at the TV compound, via 500 metres of fibre and a dual 700-gig data connection.
The production facilities comprised of eleven production galleries, 10 audio control rooms featuring Calrec Artemis and Brio audio consoles. EMG / Gravity Media also deployed 11 ViBox vision mixer systems to cover the eleven outside courts. The system powered over 130 control positions, with over 150 multi-viewers displaying an impressive 1700 PIPs between them.
Tennis Australia’s production also featured an innovative new element developed and shaped in collaboration with EMG / Gravity Media – named 'the Bluezone'. This cutting-edge addition had its own dedicated control gallery, audio control room, EVS and edit facilities, and a multicamera studio. Designed specifically to cater to social media and streaming platforms, the Bluezone delivered a fresh tennis viewing experience. It included a studio show featuring chats with players calling in via Zoom, crossing with RF cameras roving the tennis grounds, plus highlights and creative packages showcasing completed matches.
This was EMG / Gravity Media’s 11th year as the broadcast and technology solutions partner for Tennis Australia for the Australian Open in Melbourne, and its 21st year as the host broadcast technical provider for the entire event.
“The partnership between Tennis Australia and EMG / Gravity Media has been fundamental to the continued growth in content production and global exposure at the Australian Open and across the Summer of Tennis events. This year’s technical operation has been one of the smoothest in memory and is a testament to the close collaboration between the two organisations," Josh Lee, Head of Broadcast & Media Operations, Tennis Australia, said.
Eamonn Curtin, Chief Commercial Officer at EMG / Gravity Media said successful delivery of the Australian Open coverage is a testament to the incredible collaboration between teams across Europe and Australia.
"This event has truly highlighted the power of global teamwork, with all involved seamlessly combining their expertise, technology, and passion. Our teams have worked tirelessly to bring this iconic event to audiences around the world. This tournament displays the kind of innovation and dedication that drives our company forward and sets new standards in live sports coverage," he said.