VITEC, a worldwide leader in advanced video encoding and streaming solutions, announced that the Minnesota Vikings have successfully installed its EZ TV IPTV and Digital Signage Solution for Sports Venues at its state-of-the-art practice facility, Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota. Utilizing the comprehensive features-set of VITEC’s IPTV and Digital Signage Platform, the staff is able to centrally manage and stream HD, low-latency, in-house video feeds and cable channels, as well as create eye-catching digital signs for distribution to all displays and menu boards at the facility.
The cutting-edge practice facility provides over 277,000 square feet of space, which includes administrative offices, an indoor practice facility, a team auditorium, a media center, locker rooms, and several specialized fitness zones. In addition, the site boasts five outdoor practice fields, including a 6,500-seat practice stadium that will be used for training camp and other events. More than 300 displays of various sizes were installed in every area, putting video capabilities at the forefront. VITEC’s EZ TV Solution is used for delivering a wealth of content to the organization, including providing access to a broad range of TV channels, live camera feeds, and digital signage content such as workout schedules, nutritional information, and human resources content.
The platform’s modular architecture is ideal for the ever-changing video, marketing, and sales requirements of today’s sports venues. It distributes live video content from various sources, including cable, satellite, off-air TV channels, and locally generated private video. Utilizing VITEC’s hardware-based IPTV and signage end-points, the organization can remotely control content, access rights and scheduling to any TV, allowing the Vikings to support its staff and players as well as create a new fan experience during team events. With centralized creation, distribution, and monitoring of live and on-demand video content and digital signage, the platform streamlines the process of linear and non-linear video workflows. For example, teams can record any live stream and review it back, adding a sophisticated, in-depth layer to their practices. Players and staff can enjoy a professional TV experience, easily choosing live action footage, VOD movies, or game highlights via a user-friendly interface.
When it comes to effectively managing satellite/cable TV content, VITEC’s approved AES content protection capability offered through the EZ TV Platform enabled the facility to quickly receive approvals from the team’s chosen service provider using the Com2000 IP gateway as a source for dozens of channels. Streams from the gateway are processed in real time by VITEC’s Ocaster DRM server and streamed fully encrypted from the server room to any desktop and physical end-point connected to a display. EZ TV’s field-proven and service-provider-approved end-to-end encryption architecture provides a major advantage for venues as they discuss IPTV distribution with their content providers.
“VITEC’s IPTV and Digital Signage Platform has enabled us to connect every layer of our organization — from our staff, administrators, coaches, players, and fans — with leading-class technology that allows every stream of content to be reliably delivered with low latency and high quality and creates an amazing user experience on each screen,” said John Penhollow, Vikings vice president of corporate and technology partnerships. More information on VITEC’s full line of products is available at www.vitec.com.