Lifted Entertainment Expands Use Of Hitomi's MatchBox Technology

Hitomi Broadcast has announced that Lifted Entertainment, one of the world’s leading creators and producers of unscripted formats, is expanding its use of MatchBox technology to include the Glass and Latency functionality for precise latency and lip-sync measurements across their complex production environments.

Lifted Entertainment, (Part of the ITV Studios group) whose global hits include 'Love Island' and 'I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!', has been using Hitomi's MatchBox system for several years for live transmission line-up, circuit identification and basic timing alignment. The decision to incorporate MatchBox Latency and Glass functionality marks a significant evolution in their approach to managing timing across their extensive camera setups, which can include up to 90 cameras in multiple locations for a single production.

"Traditionally, sync has been managed using standard slate identing – a very manual process that isn't entirely accurate," explained Leon Langdale, Technical Producer at Lifted Entertainment. "With Glass, we can achieve sub-millisecond precision, which is crucial when you’re dealing with dozens of cameras and microphones across multiple locations. For reality TV production where precise conversation synchronisation is essential, this level of accuracy is invaluable."

The production environments for shows like ‘Love Island’ involve a complex mix of ‘hot heads’ -PTZ cameras, traditional studio cameras, and numerous microphones hidden throughout the set and worn by contributors. This creates a challenging environment for maintaining precise timing across all sources.

"We are pleased to see Lifted Entertainment taking full advantage of MatchBox's capabilities," said Anna Hurd, Head of Sales at Hitomi Broadcast. "The entertainment sector presents unique challenges for timing alignment, with its mix of fixed and remote cameras, complex audio setups, and the critical need for perfect lip-sync and camera alignment in reality TV production. Glass provides a fast, accurate way to measure timing from in front of the camera, significantly streamlining the alignment process."

The expanded use of MatchBox with Glass and Latency functionality will debut on upcoming Lifted Entertainment productions, offering enhanced efficiency in their timing alignment workflows while maintaining the highest broadcast standards for their flagship entertainment shows.

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