Cloud technology has surpassed satellite for the first time to become the main method for broadcasting the Olympic Games, promising faster transmissions at a reduced cost.
For the upcoming 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, the Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) and Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing arm of China’s internet giant Alibaba, have co-developed OBS Cloud 3.0 to enhance the broadcasting of the Games’ opening ceremony.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach attended the official opening of Alibaba Wonder Avenue on Saturday, where he praised the significant impact of Alibaba’s artificial intelligence (AI) expertise on the Olympic Movement.
“Alibaba’s Wonder Avenue is the latest example of how our partnership is propelling the Olympic Movement into the digital age,” Bach stated. “Alibaba plays an essential role in supporting technology during the Olympic Games, significantly increasing efficiency and sustainability in Olympic operations. Our partnership extends beyond the Games, with Alibaba playing a defining role in our Olympic AI Agenda, helping us harness the vast potential of AI in a responsible manner. These examples highlight how Alibaba is the perfect partner for shaping our digital future.”
Additionally, a total of 11,000 hours of competitive live feeds are expected to be distributed via OBS Cloud to over 200 countries and regions worldwide. OBS has installed multi-camera replay systems in 14 venues to provide frame-freeze slow-motion replays for sports such as rugby, table tennis, athletics, skateboarding, and other events. Advanced technologies, including AI, are also being utilized in these venues to offer global viewers a more immersive experience of the Games.
This shift from traditional satellite broadcasting to cloud-based services marks a significant evolution in how audiences around the globe experience the Olympics. By utilizing cloud technology, broadcasters can deliver high-quality, real-time content more efficiently, making the Games more accessible to viewers everywhere.
The collaboration between OBS and Alibaba Cloud signifies a milestone in the digital transformation of Olympic broadcasting, leveraging cutting-edge cloud and AI technologies to enhance the viewing experience and operational efficiency of the Games.
Reference(s):
Olympics 2024: Bach applauds China for history-making cloud, AI tech
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