Live-streaming technology is well and truly part of the modern entertainment experience. And, one innovation has taken the step towards revolutionizing live broadcasts. But first, let’s take a look at how streaming has taken off.
Trajectory of Live Streaming
Today, live-streaming technology is used throughout the entertainment industry. The uptake in this form of broadcast has not only allowed platforms to offer interactive virtual experiences in real-time, but the technology also supports diverse themes and interactive elements due to its ability to integrate various graphics, filters, and effects. Take online casinos, for example – instead of choosing on-demand games, players can pick from top roulette games such as Live XXXtreme Lightning and Roulette Green, which are played in real-time and are hosted by a croupier in the studio. In addition, players can choose from themed games such as Live K-Pop Roulette, x1000 Quantum Roulette, and Age of the Gods Roulette, which use a multitude of digital elements and techniques to develop an immersive environment and gaming experience.
It is thanks to this diversity and flexibility of its features and applications that has allowed live streaming to see continuous and reliable growth. In 2021, the global live-streaming platform market size was $38310 million. By 2031, it is expected to reach $231,485.35 million, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.5%. This is largely down to the changing demands, preferences, and behaviors of global consumers. Increased demand for faster internet and adoption of smartphones globally can also support the expansion of the market, as well as fuel further interest and drive behind innovations in the technology behind it. Of course, this does not mean that some have already begun to change the game with new technologies for live streaming, particularly in the sports broadcast sector.
Technology Transforming Live Broadcasts
It might go without saying, but many sporting events have numerous logistical challenges. Firstly, there will be multiple perspectives. In addition, these feeds all need to be reliably transmitted back to the studio, and out to the viewer. Now, take something like marathons, and you come up with a whole host of potential other issues. Typically run in the world’s largest urban hubs, this can lead to things like signal interference, instability of the camera due to the nature of the roads, and overloaded networks.
To mitigate this, the 2024 Shanghai Marathon used China Mobile Shanghai’s 5G-A technology. This groundbreaking technology, also known as 5.5G, promises boosted speed and stability for live broadcasts with faster than 1Gbps download speeds and high-bitrate upload capacity that could support 8K video feeds. This is because it uses a feature that can simultaneously process audio and visual data, and integrate them in the process. It also leverages ambient existing signals, which allows it to optimize transmission and performance even in areas where energy consumption may be a concern.
Thanks to this technology, the coverage of the marathon was able to introduce a new, interactive feature. Marathon enthusiasts could benefit from real-time on-track perspectives and live commentary from Liu Jianhong and Li Zhixuan. The network also allowed fans to more easily share their experience on social media, boosting the overall reach of the event.
As you can see, live streaming and live broadcasting is seeing a consistent increase in demand. And, with that, technological innovations are improving the quality and reliability of these streams for broadcasters and audiences alike.
