LiveU’s IP-video EcoSystem played a pivotal role in the real-time, round-the-clock coverage of the recent UK election. The company’s field units, cloud production and distribution solutions were used extensively by the UK’s and world’s leading broadcasters and news agencies from 40 countries, enabling reporting from hundreds of polling stations and other locations across the country. LiveU’s solutions were instrumental in covering key election spots, with the broadcasters prioritizing high-profile constituencies with the most impactful election counts.
Nearly 900 LiveU field encoders (including the multi-cam LU800 and compact LU300S) were deployed by over 180 LiveU customers over the 48-hour period (July 3-5) complemented by the LU-Smart smartphone app. Around 18,000 live sessions were recorded, totaling over 5,000 hours, with over 10.5 TB of live transmissions. LiveU’s cloud-native IP-video distribution platform, LiveU Matrix, was the backbone of pooled political content, such as around the party leaders, allowing broadcasters to securely share key moments with each other in real-time, reducing production costs. Over 400 distribution channels were used. LiveU’s cloud-native video production solution, LiveU Studio, expanded the reach of interviews, speeches, and aftermath coverage across digital channels as part of a seamless production workflow.
The election stood out for its scale and deployment of the most engaging live broadcasts, including interviews, parliamentary candidates arriving to their polling stations, the declaration results and speeches live on air. LiveU’s technology allowed broadcasters to provide comprehensive coverage, from build-up and pre-election reporting to post-result analysis. A mix of cellular, local WiFi, and LEO connectivity was used, offering connection diversity without having to alter workflows.
“It was a privilege to support our customers and election coverage at this scale,” said Matt Stringer, Sales Director at LiveU. “Our entire EcoSystem was in use, from field units to cloud services, ensuring that every aspect of the election was captured and broadcast in real-time both on linear and digital platforms. LiveU was used to capture all the key moments, including important election count locations and leader speeches. Our support teams had our customers backs, knowing that we had local support and 24/7 provided reassurances to our customers in the field.”
Stringer continued, “This election really underscores LiveU’s capability to deliver reliable, high-quality live video solutions for events of any size, including the most important news nights of the year. With LiveU Studio added to the mix, we’re able to increasingly support digital broadcasting, as well as linear, catering to diverse audience needs and different viewing platforms.”
The UK election follows LiveU’s track record of supporting major global events, including the European Parliament and Indian elections, Tour de France, and Euro 2024. The US Presidential Election is now in full swing with LiveU’s flexible broadcast equipment, private connectivity and production solutions being used for extensive election coverage.
