Empowering the Brantford Bulldogs with Advanced Production Technology

Learn how Brantford Bulldogs powered game day broadcasts with real time stats, exciting visuals and unbeatable fan engagement.


Brantford Bulldogs’ Tech Upgrade Revolutionizes Community Sports Production

Learn how Brantford Bulldogs powered game day broadcasts with real time stats, exciting visuals and unbeatable fan engagement.

Video – Modal backup

Introduction 

With the help of Aries Pro Solutions and VideoLink, Ontario’s Brantford Bulldogs realized the benefits of a fully integrated, streamlined and efficient workflow using TriCaster, Viz 3Play and Viz Flowics, supercharging game broadcasts with real-time graphics, data-driven content and social media interaction. 

The Hamilton Bulldogs, a professional junior ice hockey team, relocated to Brantford, Ontario, rebranding themselves as the Brantford Bulldogs. The move to a smaller community style rink required a complete overhaul of the team’s production infrastructure to maintain professional-quality broadcasts for fans both in the arena and watching remotely. Vizrt partners Aries Pro Solutions and VideoLink helped the Bulldogs implement a new state of the art production system, equipped with Vizrt technologies, to create a seamless and dynamic broadcast experience. 

Streamlined, flexible production power 

The Bulldogs’ move from a large stadium to the Brantford Civic Center, a smaller community-style rink with fixed infrastructure, presented a range of limitations. The production system not only had to fit within the space constraints of the new stadium, but also be capable of delivering professional-grade results.  

Tasked with the challenge of installing the system within two weeks, Aries Pro Solutions had to install and fully operationalize the production system before the Bulldogs’ first home game. And, with several new staff, the production system needed to be intuitive, easy to learn, and quick to operate. This was a challenge that sat alongside the expected infrastructure constraints of the move. Having moved from a large stadium to a smaller community-style rink with fixed infrastructure meant the new production system had to fit these space constraints all while delivering professional-grade results. 

Despite these challenges, Aries Pro Solutions delivered a robust, comprehensive and user-friendly solution with Vizrt technology at the heart to elevate Brantford Bulldogs’ live broadcasts and the fan experience both in-arena and online.  

With the TriCaster TC1, the Bulldogs have utilized 4K UHD video broadcasts for the first time, with multi-camera switching capabilities enabling the production team to craft dynamic and engaging stories for fans. And, as an all-in-one solution, the TriCaster TC1 hugely simplified the Bulldogs’ production workflows, reducing the need for multiple systems by combining video switching, streaming, recording, and graphic overlays into a single platform. 

With the TriCaster we’re able to record up to four channels of video as their own independent source, and that goes directly into our media server. So when it comes to proof of performance for partners, we’re able to go back and take our full recorded production feed and then snip it out and send it off to them as proof of performance. Matthew Gallant, Digital Media Coordinator, Brantford Bulldogs

The Bulldogs’ new streamlined production set up has been crafted with flexibility and cost-effectiveness in mind. Utilizing NDI technology, Aries Pro Solutions has built an entire production system network that connects all production components without the need for extensive wiring, allowing the production team to manage sources and destinations throughout the arena. 

The NDI-enabled production backbone also brings unprecedented flexibility and centralized control to the Bulldogs’ production team. Now able to control any source (camera, monitor, or audio) from anywhere in the stadium, it’s a solution that can be easily expanded or adjusted without additional wiring. With NDI’s ability to run over standard IP-based networks, the Bulldogs can achieve high-quality production output without high infrastructure and maintenance costs.  

Creating a fan-first game day spectacle 

With a desire to create dynamic and engaging experiences for Bulldogs fans, the production team’s new set up incorporates powerful, cloud-based HTML5 graphics with Viz Flowics. For the first time, the Bulldogs can quickly update live graphics, game schedule and player information from anywhere, providing the production team with new levels of flexibility when managing content efficiently. 

And, by utilizing live data feeds from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) directly into Viz Flowics, the Bulldogs can display real-time statistics, player updates, and game progressions without the need for manual updates, saving time and ensuring that all information given to fans is accurate and up to date. 

With more fans than ever now taking to social media to have their say on game-day action, the Bulldogs have utilized Viz Flowics’ social media capabilities, sharing real-time social media feeds to their game day broadcasts. With fans wanting to see their reactions and comments on screen, the Bulldogs have increased levels of fan engagement and participation, both in the arena and with viewers tuning in remotely. 

Capturing every second of action 

Keen to capture all the gameplay action, the Bulldogs’ new production set up incorporates Viz 3Play3P1 to add high-quality replay functionality to the Bulldogs’ broadcasts. For sports like ice hockey, where crucial moments happen quickly, the team can now capture and replay key moments from up to four different angles, adding depth to game coverage. With the ability to now instantly queue replays and replay them in slow motion, the Bulldogs’ best moments are polished to a professional-level standard, enhancing the overall fan experience during key moments of the game.  

Solution 

We had new staff members who hadn’t used any of this equipment before. The equipment had to be functional, and easy to use. For all this, we really relied on Steve from Aries Pro Solutions to deliver on. And I thought overall things went really well. Jeff Elia, Senior Director of Business Operations, Brantford Bulldogs

Despite these challenges, Aries Pro Solutions and Vizrt delivered a robust, comprehensive and user-friendly solution, centered around the TriCaster TC1, Viz 3Play3P1 replay system, and Viz Flowics, all powered by NDI technology to elevate Brantford Bulldogs’ live broadcasts and their viewers’ experience.  

Solution

Despite these challenges, Aries Pro Solutions and Vizrt delivered a robust and comprehensive solution, incorporating the following key components:


TriCaster TC1
4K System

  • 4K Video Resolution: The TC1 enabled ultra-high-definition 4K video, providing the Bulldogs with superior broadcast quality for both in-person fans and remote viewers.
  • Multi-Camera Switching: The TC1’s multi-camera switching capabilities allowed seamless transitions between different camera angles, creating dynamic and engaging live broadcasts
  • Integrated Production Tools: As an all-in-one solution, the TC1 provided video switching, streaming, recording, and graphic overlays in a single platform. This simplified the workflow and reduced the need for multiple systems. 
  • Remote Camera Control: The TC1’s ability to control PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras remotely allowed a single operator to manage multiple camera angles, reducing staffing needs and operational complexity. 

3Play® Four-Channel
Replay System

  • Multi-Angle Replays: The 3Play system allowed the team to capture and replay key moments from up to four different angles, adding depth to game coverage. For sports like hockey, where crucial moments happen quickly, this feature enhances the viewer experience. 
  • Instant Playback and Slow Motion: The system’s ability to instantly queue replays and show them in slow motion added professional-level polish to the broadcasts, keeping fans engaged during key moments of the game. 

Viz Flowics
Integration

  • Live Social Media Integration: Viz Flowics enabled real-time social media feeds to be displayed on-screen, allowing fans to see their reactions and comments during the game. This increased engagement and participation, both in the arena and for remote viewers.
  • Multi-Camera Switching: The TC1’s multi-camera switching capabilities allowed seamless transitions between different camera angles, creating dynamic and engaging live broadcasts
  • Dynamic Graphics: The cloud-based system allowed quick updates of live graphics, game schedules, and player information. Accessible from anywhere, the system provided flexibility for the production team to manage content efficiently. 

NDI®
Integration

  • Simplified Infrastructure: NDI allowed all video, audio, power, and control signals to be transmitted over a single Cat6 cable network. This drastically reduced the complexity of wiring and installation, allowing the production team to manage sources and destinations easily throughout the arena. 
  • Centralized Control and Flexibility: NDI enabled the production team to control any source (camera, monitor, or audio) from anywhere in the facility. This centralized approach allowed for flexible and scalable production setups, which could be expanded or adjusted as needed without additional wiring. 
  • Cost Efficiency and Scalability: NDI’s ability to run over standard IP-based networks meant lower infrastructure costs and easier maintenance compared to traditional broadcast setups. The system’s flexibility allowed for future scalability as the Bulldogs’ production needs evolved, ensuring the technology could grow with them. 

Outcomes

The successful implementation of these technologies resulted in several key outcomes for the Brantford Bulldogs:

1

Professional-Grade Broadcasts

The combination of the TriCaster TC1, Viz 3Play and Viz Flowics allowed the Bulldogs to deliver high-quality, professional-level broadcasts. The 4K video resolution, multi-camera switching, and dynamic replays provided a viewing experience on par with larger venues and professional sports leagues.

2

Proof-of-Performance for Sponsors
The ability to record and deliver proof-of-performance clips via TriCaster and 3Play3P1 allowed the Bulldogs to meet their sponsorship obligations efficiently.  The high-quality video assets provided to sponsors helped maintain strong relationships and delivered on the value promised.

3

Enhanced Fan Engagement
With Viz Flowics, the Bulldogs were able to increase fan engagement by incorporating real-time social media interaction and displaying live game statistics. The use of data-driven content further enriched the broadcast experience by providing instant updates on player stats, game progress, and more, keeping fans informed and entertained throughout.

4

Future Scalability and Flexibility
The use of NDI technology ensures that the Bulldogs’ production system can easily scale as their needs grow. With the ability to expand the system without costly rewiring or additional infrastructure, the Bulldogs are well-positioned for future growth in both broadcast capabilities and production quality.

5

Streamlined Operations
The integration of NDI technology simplified the overall production process by reducing the complexity of the system’s wiring and infrastructure. The user-friendly interfaces of the TriCaster TC1, Viz 3Play and Viz Flowics systems allowed new staff members to quickly learn how to operate them, reducing the need for extensive training. This operational efficiency was crucial, given the short two-week installation period. 
Julia Boss-Zister,
Graphic Designer at Brantford Bulldogs
Being able to pull in social media is a great way to see real-time engagement and reaction to anything that’s happening in the game and being able to show it on screen to all of our fans live as it happens. Julia Boss-Zister, Graphic Designer, Brantford Bulldogs

Conclusion

The relocation and technology upgrade for the Brantford Bulldogs demonstrated the power of integrating advanced production tools into a smaller venue. Aries Pro Solutions successfully implemented a flexible, scalable system centered around Vizrt Sports Solutions including Viz Flowics. This enabled the Bulldogs to deliver professional-grade broadcasts, engage fans with real-time interaction, and provide data-driven content that enriched the viewing experience. 

Despite the constraints of a smaller venue and a tight timeline, the project achieved its goals, setting a new standard for community-based sports production. The flexibility of the system ensures that the Bulldogs can continue to evolve their production capabilities for years to come, maintaining their competitive edge in delivering high-quality content to fans and partners alike.