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BC Opava – Single-Camera Broadcasting Using CamStreamer Apps and Dewarping

06 Nov 2024 - 19:04

BC Opava – Single-Camera Broadcasting Using CamStreamer Apps and Dewarping

A single camera AXIS P3268-LV provides automated view areas switching and an embedded scoreboard cropped and dewarped from the main camera view

About the project

Basketball has a nearly 80-year tradition in Opava. For many years, BC Opava has been among the top clubs in the Czech Republic, competing in the country's premier basketball league.

The club is based in a modern multi-purpose hall built 20 years ago, which remains a state-of-the-art facility meeting all the requirements of elite sport. To keep pace with modern trends, the hall operator provides online broadcasts of selected matches.

Previously, only top-tier matches were broadcast, requiring a large crew and professional TV equipment. This has now changed with the introduction of a smart sports broadcasting solution from CamStreamer.

The Challenge: How to broadcast all matches with minimal additional costs?

The CamStreamer solution is highly automated and eliminates the need for a TV crew, expensive equipment, or a complicated setup. This makes it possible to provide professional-quality online broadcasts of minor league matches and training sessions, bringing the sport closer to the fans.

Technical Solution

A single, fixed-mounted AXIS P3268-LV 4K camera equipped with CamStreamer apps provides everything needed. This high-resolution camera from the Swedish manufacturer Axis Communications allows a single wide shot to be transformed into a fully automated online sports broadcast.

Thanks to the 4K resolution, several "view areas" in Full HD can be created from a single image and streamed simultaneously. The CamStreamer software applications, running directly on the camera’s powerful processor, handle the rest:

CamStreamer App: Manages the stream directly to the club’s YouTube channel, either manually or via a pre-set schedule.

CamOverlay App: Implements high-quality graphics with information about the competing teams. It also features a unique "Dewarping" function, which captures the physical scoreboard from the main wide shot, digitally straightens it, and inserts it as a picture-in-picture overlay.

CamSwitcher App: Utilizing the Sport Tracker function, this app automatically switches between different "shots" (view areas) based on the movement of players on the court.

No additional computer is required; only a stable internet connection is needed. The camera is also integrated into the CamStreamer Cloud platform for remote management, setup, and health monitoring (watchdog features). Recordings can be managed locally on an SD card or saved to the cloud. As an added benefit, the camera doubles as a security camera at night, sending alerts if movement is detected outside of stadium opening hours.

How does it work?

1. Wide Coverage:

The Axis 4K camera covers the entire field, including the scoreboard.

2. Smart Switching:

The CamSwitcher App switches the broadcast view according to the action on the court.

3. Scoreboard overlay:

The CamOverlay App straightens the physical scorecard and displays it as a digital infographic.

4. Direct Streaming:

The CamStreamer App streams the edited output directly from the camera to YouTube.

Result

The result is a fully automated feed featuring live scores, attractive graphics, and dynamic shots that switch based on the play. To start a stream, the operator only needs a few clicks, which can be done conveniently via a mobile app.

"It’s an ideal solution for us because it brings the game and training sessions closer to our fans and the players’ families. Additionally, the recordings automatically created in the cloud serve as a tool for coaches to analyze games and training. The acquisition costs are significantly lower than standard TV production. We can highly recommend this solution."
— Dominik Janoš, BC Opava
   

List of Supplies

Products in detail

AXIS P3268-LV:

• An indoor 8 MP dome camera with IR
• Lightfinder 2.0
• Forensic WDR, and deep learning analytics
• It features built-in cybersecurity and excellent 4K image quality.

CamStreamer App:

A smart application for live streaming directly to platforms like YouTube and Facebook without the need for extra hardware.

• CamStreamer App is a smart application for streaming live video directly to Youtube, Facebook and many other platforms. With CamStreamer App installed, Axis IP cameras don't require additional equipment to stream content.
• CamOverlay App is a smart application which enables dynamic and graphic overlays directly on an Axis IP camera. Set up is easy and both options, presets and custom graphics services, are available.
• CamSwitcher App is an ACAP application running on your camera. It can switch among up to five AXIS network cameras and video clips saved on the camera's SD card. Choose master audio and generate a single output video stream in real-time. Switching can be manual, automatic via predefined playlists, or triggered via API commands.
• MSRP: $799

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