what broadcasting technology can bring to the fifa world cup qatar 2022

It’s an exciting time for football fans as the FIFA World Cup comes to the Middle East for the first time! However, many fans are left wondering how their at-home viewing experience will compare to those experiencing the event live from the stands in Qatar. Looking ahead to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, fans around the world can rest assured knowing they will be able to virtually experience the live event in real-time, without disruption. High production standards set by broadcasters over the past few years have guaranteed the means to continue offering and enhancing a wide range of smart innovative solutions for broadcasting live production.

From a state-of-the-art high speed fiber optic network and innovative outdoor broadcasting vans to football analysis and real-time CG experience, fans around the world are guaranteed to have a front row seat to action regardless of where they are watching.

Qatar’s high speed fibre optic network

Billions of fans around the world are set to view matches during the 2022 tournament (held at eight stadiums from 21 November to 18 December). Live broadcasting will benefit from a state-of-the-art fibre network system built by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC). Qatar’s high-speed fibre optic network was tested during the FIFA Arab Cup™, which was held at the tail-end of 2021 and included matches at six tournament venues. Fans tuning in from home are guaranteed a crystal clear viewing experience  in real time as they tune in to watch the big events.

According to Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the fibre optic network connects every stadium with the International Broadcast Coordination Centre. The SC’s Director of Digital Services & Innovation, Maryam Al Muftah, states, “With the World Cup coming to the Middle East and Arab world for the first time, we are extremely proud of being able to deliver the highest capacity broadcast contribution network in the history of FIFA tournaments.” Additionally, Qatar’s fibre network is supported by traditional satellite broadcasting capabilities to ensure media rights licensees are guaranteed an uninterrupted signal.

What Can at Home Fans Expect?

Virtual technology’s greatest strength comes from its adaptability. With ample opportunity for limitless creativity, broadcasters can use real-time CG graphics to enhance the viewing experience in ways previously not possible by standalone video coverage. For example, in 2021, France TV transformed its live broadcast of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) vs AS Monaco in the French Football Cup final, generating 3D recreations of Paris and Monaco cityscapes. On a larger scale, Shanghai Media Group generated iconic landmarks from Europe’s major cities in CG to enhance its coverage of Euro 2020. 

Fans can expect more of the same for the 2022 World Cup Qatar viewing experience. Broadcasters are set to fashion virtual sets and studios that transport home viewers to Qatar’s striking architecture, which balances hyper-modern skyscrapers with ancient, traditional stone structures. This sort of creative broadcasting leverages the latest advances in virtual technology for a true one-of-a-kind at-home viewing experience.

fifa world cup qatar 2022 with seven productions

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with Seven Productions

Regardless of how many digital renderings broadcasters create, real-world footage of Qatar is imperative to proper coverage. For the World Cup, Seven will be offering four medium and large-sized HD/4K Outside Broadcast Trucks, with capabilities ranging from twelve to twenty cameras. This wide range of cameras allows our broadcasters to capture every angle of the action so our viewers at home don’t miss a thing! Oftentimes, home viewing can bring a range of viewing hiccups. As any fan knows, the last thing you want is to miss the big moment because of a glitch or transmission disruption. At Seven, our Outside Broadcasting Trucks are equipped with SNG capability for real-time live transmission and specialist ENG, 4G, and remote cameras. Leveraging the latest satellite capabilities, these combined technologies ensure viewers at home experience the game in real-time without any interruptions.

Through the course of the World Cup, the Seven Production crew will work closely on all projects via our home office in Dubai, with supplemental support from our branch offices in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. While nothing could compare to sitting in the stands at a live event, our innovative broadcasting solutions are designed to provide viewers in the UAE and greater MENA region with an optimal virtual viewing experience guaranteed to rival in-person viewing. 

Leave the broadcasting to us so you can sit back and enjoy the big game with your friends and family!