Sony UK Technology Centre (UKTEC), world-leading manufacturer of professional and broadcast camera systems, is tasked with customising and testing all of the cameras being used to shoot the 2014 FIFA World Cup™.
Over 2000 pieces of broadcast camera equipment are to be tested and configured at the Pencoed-based business, within a seven day turnaround.
The equipment, which includes over 280 High-Definition cameras (1) – 60% originally made at the site in Pencoed – has already been used in the field at various locations across the globe.
Steve Dalton OBE, Managing Director of Sony UK Technology Centre explained: “To play a part in the World’s largest sporting event is a really exciting opportunity for us. The size of this project is huge and must not be under estimated. With over 2500 hours of live match footage being brought to audiences across the global, there is no room for error. We only have once chance to get it right, first time.
“The majority of this equipment has already been out at various locations for example in broadcast vans, UK and European stadiums, film shoots and so on. This means each camera will be configured for that use.
“Therefore, our team of specialist software and electronics engineers have to ensure that all of these pieces of equipment are customised to a specific, uniform specification which meets FIFA’s necessary requirements, within a very short timescale.”
Over 50 individual checks will be made to each piece of equipment. Testing will look at the camera’s audio, video output and intercom. The engineer’s will also be configuring the equipment’s software, setup and camera adjustment to ensue it is in optimum condition.
Mark Grinyer, Head of Business Development for 3D, 4K & Sports at Sony commented: “With this year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil set to be best yet, it’s crucial we have the right people working on this project. Each match will have 34 cameras positioned around the stadium as a standard – that’s nearly four times the amount compared to a Premiership football match. It is imperative each and every piece of equipment goes through rigorous testing and is configured to the highest quality, so we can deliver premium products and a premium service to our customer.
“Sony UK Technology Centre is known for its excellent quality standards, its attention to detail and the wealth of experience it has in broadcast and professional camera assembly and production testing. The skills and expertise of the engineers in Pencoed are invaluable to us and has meant they are best equipped to test, customise and configure the equipment being used in the games.”
Sony UKTEC will also be sending two of their highly skilled software and electronics engineers to Brazil to provide technical support during the games.
Mr Dalton concluded:”I believe in the skills and expertise we have on site and I’m sure the team will step up to the challenge. I know, everyone who works at Sony UK Technology Centre will feel extremely privileged and proud to be part of a team that will bring live, match coverage to the football fans of the world.
“Furthermore, projects like this go to show that manufacturing in the UK and Wales is still very much alive and that we are capable of producing, developing and customising products for historic events like the 2014 FIFA World Cup™.”
This year, for the first time, three matches – including one of the Quarter Final rounds and the Final – will be captured live in 4K.
FIFA TV selected Sony as their delivery partner (2) to provide Venue Broadcast Facilities for all 12 Venues for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil.