RTL Boosts Viewer Engagement of German Elections with LiveU Matrix and Blackbird

Live feeds shared via LiveU Matrix IP distribution platform were broadcast live and clipped in near real-time using cloud native Blackbird editing platform as part of an effective broadcast workflow

HACKENSACK, N.J. and LONDON, June 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LiveU, the leader in live video streaming and remote production solutions, and Blackbird plc (AIM:BIRD), developer and seller of the multi award winning cloud-native video editing and publishing platform, Blackbird, today announced that Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland chose their newly pre-integrated live news solution to enhance live coverage of this year's regional elections. The project was managed by CBC, the production and technology/IT company of Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland. Round-the-clock local support was provided by netorium AG, LiveU's and Blackbird's German partner, using their knowhow of both to set up the end-to-end solution.

Longstanding LiveU customer CBC used the LiveU Matrix IP cloud-based management and distribution platform for dynamic live news content sharing, complementing its existing fleet of LiveU field units. In the most recent elections, live feeds were shared from 12 party venues in Berlin and Magdeburg (covering the press conferences and interviews with the candidates) and received directly into Matrix's cloud channels with all the incoming feeds recorded in real-time in the cloud. Selected feeds were then distributed to multiple receivers and broadcast on the national news as well as additional German broadcasters, facilitating a collaborative effort between the broadcasters. SRT feeds were also ingested into the Matrix platform for the first time. LiveU's network operations center (NOC) provided proactive monitoring of the feeds with dedicated alerts in real-time.

In parallel, the files were accessed in almost real-time using Blackbird's cloud native editing platform. Working remotely, from safe and convenient locations, distributed teams of editors were able to rapidly and collaboratively clip, edit, enrich and publish highlights of the many events. Blackbird then delivered both short and long form high definition digital assets to multiple digital channels simultaneously including social and web as well as to broadcast media partners for re-purposing.

Jens Schilder, Project Manager CBC, said, "We were looking for a quick and versatile solution that could integrate all the assets and components of election coverage, including the live feeds, recording and clippings, into a seamless viewer experience. This year is the first time that we did this kind of project and it was important for us to work with trusted partners who could provide an integrated end-to-end solution, with real-time support. LiveU and Blackbird met our requirements, enabling us to respond instantly with engaging coverage."

Zion Eilam, VP Sales EMEA, LiveU said, "We are extremely happy partnering with CBC on this initiative, expanding the use of LiveU with a cloud-based solution as an alternative to satellite and showcasing our pre-integrated workflow with Blackbird. LiveU Matrix's adoption rate continues to grow globally as organizations unlock the value of a cost-effective, highly reliable content sharing platform for covering major events like elections."

Blackbird CEO, Ian McDonough, said, "This was an excellent first opportunity for Blackbird and LiveU to successfully showcase our new, slick live news solution for a high profile event with one of Europe's most prestigious media companies."

About CBC
Since its foundation in Cologne in 1994, CBC has developed into one of Germany's leading TV production, IT and broadcasting companies. At its locations in Cologne, Munich and Berlin, numerous well-known TV broadcasters and TV producers rely on the expertise of more than 900 employees, state-of-the-art technology and a wide range of services.

The diversified service portfolio with a clear customer- and solution-oriented claim from broadcasting, studio production, outside production and project needs. Among others, CBC serves the channels RTL, VOX, NITRO, RTL plus, SUPER RTL, RTL ZWEI, ntv, RTL Crime, RTL Living, RTL Passion, NOW!, GEO Television and auto motor und sport channel UHD. In addition, CBC is responsible for the production and broadcast of the international coverage of the German Soccer League on behalf of Sportcast. CBC is a company of Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland.

About Blackbird plc
Blackbird plc operates in the fast-growing SaaS and cloud video market. It has created Blackbird®, the world's most advanced suite of cloud-native computing applications for video, all underpinned by its lightning-fast codec. Blackbird plc's patented technology allows for frame accurate navigation, playback, viewing and editing in the cloud. Blackbird® underpins multiple applications, which are used by rights holders, broadcasters, sports and news video specialists, esports, live events and content owners, post-production houses, other mass market digital video channels and corporations.

Since it is cloud-native, Blackbird® removes the need for costly, high end workstations and can be used from almost anywhere on almost any device. It also allows full visibility on multi-location digital content, improves time to market for live content such as video clips and highlights for digital distribution, and ultimately results in much more effective monetization.

Blackbird® is a registered trademark of Blackbird plc.

Websites
www.blackbird.video

Social media
www.linkedin.com/company/blackbird-cloud
www.twitter.com/blackbirdcloud
www.facebook.com/blackbirdplc 

About LiveU  
LiveU is changing the rules of the game for live news and dynamic sports coverage, with flawless 5G 4K HEVC live streaming and remote production. Together with its cloud-based management and next-gen IP distribution platforms, LiveU offers the most cost-effective end-to-end contribution, production and distribution solution. Our broad portfolio of products sets the industry standard for live video production ranging from our newest, portable production-level field units and smartphone app to satellite/cellular hybrid and external antenna solutions. With over 3,000 customers in 130+ countries, LiveU's technology is the solution of choice for global broadcasters, news agencies, sports and entertainment, streaming live video to TV, mobile, online and social media. LiveU is a recipient of Frost & Sullivan's 2021 North America New Product Innovation Award for its LU800 unit and a winner of the 71st Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards in recognition of its innovation and achievement in Video over Cellular Internet Protocol (VoCIP) technology. For more information, visit www.liveu.tv, or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn or Instagram.

LiveU Press Contacts:
Joss Armitage (Int'l)
+44-7979-908-547
joss@jumppr.tv

Joyce Essig (US)
201-742-5229
Joyce@liveu.tv

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