EMG / Gravity Media Collaborates With Tennis Australia

EMG / Gravity Media, in collaboration with Tennis Australia, have successfully delivered cutting-edge coverage for the Laver Cup 2024 at Berlin's Uber Arena.

By leveraging their combined expertise, meticulous planning, and state-of-the-art technology, the teams provided an unmatched viewing experience for one of tennis’ most prestigious events.

At the heart of the production was the Nova 105 IP UHD HDR OB truck, a powerful tool supporting all aspects of the large-scale onsite production. As a proof of concept, the coverage was delivered in full 1080p HDR, showcasing impressive high dynamic range footage. For distribution, the outgoing feeds were converted to 1080p SDR, yet the quality remained exceptional - resulting in standard definition images that looked better than ever before, thanks to the original HDR capture.

Key to the success of the project was the detailed technical planning led by Lars Hilberink from the EMG / Gravity Media team based in the Netherlands. His extensive knowledge of IP video networks, HDR workflows, and colour grading were crucial in bringing this complex system to life. The production featured 49 cameras, including a sophisticated network of behind-the-scenes robotic and specialty cameras - such as the renowned net cameras, an extensive RF camera network, two full-size production galleries, multiple edit suites, as well as an onsite studio and commentary facilities.

This collaboration beautifully merged Gravity Media’s strong client relationships and experience with EMG’s technical expertise and flagship facilities. The project management team comprising Julia de Waal, Eric Pronk, and Georgy Tishin - seamlessly blended the strengths of the two newly merged teams, creating an efficient and highly productive working environment.

"I was impressed by all of our team’s professionalism and level of preparation," said Georgy Tishin, Project and Account Manager for EMG / Gravity Media Australia.

Eric Pronk, Project Manager from EMG / Gravity Media Netherlands, added: "Our team truly enjoyed working on this incredible project. We are proud to have contributed and are excited for future collaborations, as we explore the combined strengths and resources of EMG and Gravity Media."

This project has set a new standard for tennis broadcasting, demonstrating the benefits of HDR and paving the way for more innovative approaches in future productions.