LiveU Expands Spedeworth TV Race Coverage to More Fans

Enhancing Motorsport Broadcasting with LiveU Technology

Spedeworth TV has taken a significant step forward in delivering high-quality motorsport content to fans around the world by integrating LiveU’s cloud-based live production solution. This upgrade has transformed how they produce and distribute their live and on-demand content, making it more accessible and engaging for a broader audience.

After a successful trial earlier this year, Spedeworth TV transitioned from using a LiveU Solo setup to a full broadcast-quality workflow. They deployed several LiveU compact LU300S units alongside LiveU Studio, a cloud-native video production service. This combination enables them to stream content across their digital platforms as well as popular services like Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Firestick.

With races happening almost every weekend, including domestic, international, and World Final competitions such as the recent National Hot Rods World Championship, this technological shift marks a new chapter for Spedeworth TV. What was once limited to a few live events is now a flexible, high-performance system that can go live from any track at any time, all while requiring fewer resources.

Tom Newman, creative director at Summer Isle Films, which produces content for Spedeworth TV, shared his insights on the transformation. He emphasized that without the LiveU solution, it would be impractical to set up an OB van due to cost constraints. The new system has not only made production more affordable but also enhanced the overall quality of their broadcasts. The team now has greater control over the production process, allowing for more creativity and flexibility.

The multi-camera setup used by Spedeworth TV captures every angle of the action, from fixed cameras on the track to roaming operators and aerial shots from drones. Onboard footage from the cars is also integrated in real time, providing an immersive experience for viewers.

All the footage is mixed at Summer Isle Films’ facility in Suffolk, U.K., using LiveU Studio. The crew remains connected through Studio’s Audio Connect tool, enabling direct communication between producers and camera operators regardless of their location on the track. Footage from the ISO system is used for instant replays and edited into exciting highlights packages. Additionally, the LiveU cloud solution allows for ad insertion, creating new revenue streams for the channel.

Recently, Spedeworth TV pushed the boundaries further by testing mobile phones as onboard cameras, mounted on posts inside the cars. Using LiveU Studio’s Remote Capture tool, they could communicate directly with drivers, offering viewers an electrifying, real-time perspective from the heart of the race.

Newman highlighted the importance of other tools within the LiveU ecosystem. He explained that the streams are behind a gated paywall, but LiveU Studio allows them to split a section of the stream and send it directly to Facebook or YouTube with a single click. This feature provides an immediate boost in engagement and helps drive subscriptions.

Additionally, before going live, the team can conduct interviews and pre-recorded segments, which are then edited in LiveU Studio. This content is packaged and sent out half an hour before the stream starts, inviting people to subscribe and watch the race. This approach has significantly increased viewer engagement and created a more interactive experience for fans.

Matthew Stringer, LiveU sales director in the U.K., praised Spedeworth TV’s efforts, noting that their expansion of live streaming capabilities has allowed them to reach a wider audience, including younger generations and older fans. This growth not only benefits the channel but also creates value for sponsors and enhances the overall appeal of the sport.

Looking ahead, there is potential for further innovations, such as full remote studio setups, which could open up even more opportunities for Spedeworth TV and other sports organizations.