In the broadcasting activities of major sports events, live broadcast trucks are typically used, and not just one truck, but rather a cluster of broadcast trucks.

For example, in broadcasting the World Athletics Championships, as the competition is divided into track and field events, with field events including high jump, long jump, javelin throw, and track events including sprints, long-distance running, hurdles, etc., each competition category requires a separate directing team for on-site filming. Additionally, the number of camera positions and filming aids used for each competition category varies significantly.

Next, let's analyze the filming techniques for each competition event: High Jump: When filming the high jump event, two cameras need to be set up in front, facing the athletes, with the lenses aimed at the athletes for a cross-shooting effect. This is used to capture the athletes' approach to the bar. Why two cameras? Because the athletes' approach is fast, the director can determine, through judgment, which camera angle is better for capturing decisive moments, using a combination of candid shots and tracking shots.

There is also another camera position responsible for capturing the scene after the athlete completes the jump and leaves the field. At this point, it is crucial to candidly capture the athlete's expressions.

Candid shots of the athlete's expressions position

At the same time, there should be two camera positions dedicated to capturing the scene when athletes clear the bar. The footage from these two camera positions complements each other, providing options for the director to use.

Close-up shots of clearing the bar

At the rear of the entire jumping platform, set up a camera for capturing a close-up shot of the athlete's frontal view when clearing the bar.

Telephoto close-up shots

In this area, a total of 6 cameras are set up. These 4 cameras transmit signals to the on-site broadcasting truck dedicated to filming the high jump area through fiber optics. In addition, 2 roaming cameras are arranged specifically for candid close-up shots of athletes. When introducing athletes, the roaming cameras advance to capture a half-body close-up of the athlete. The signals from the 2 roaming cameras are sent back via microwave to the on-site broadcasting truck in the high jump area, serving as a backup for each other.

Diagram illustrating camera setup positions

Long Jump: Set up one camera facing the athlete to capture the athlete's approach run, and another camera positioned from the side to film the athlete's approach run.

Frontal shot of athlete's approach run / Side shot of athlete's approach run

One camera dedicated to capturing the scene when the athlete lands in the sandpit.

Takeoff Point Scene

In this area, a total of 4 cameras are set up. These 4 cameras transmit signals through fiber optics to the on-site broadcasting truck dedicated to filming the long jump area. In addition, 2 roaming cameras are arranged specifically for candid close-up shots of athletes. When introducing athletes, the roaming cameras advance in advance to provide a half-body close-up of the athlete. The signals from the 2 roaming cameras are sent back via microwave to the on-site broadcasting truck in the long jump area, serving as a backup for each other.

Roaming camera athlete introduction scene

Diagram illustrating camera setup positions

Sprints: When setting up filming positions for the sprint events, in addition to the crucial high-speed track camera that follows the race from start to finish, capturing the most critical moments of the race.

Setting up above the Bird's Nest Stadium, the Flycam captures the competition scenes simultaneously.

Dedicated starting line position, capturing the split second of athletes starting the race.

Finish Line Exclusive Position

A dedicated camera position to candidly capture close-ups of athletes' faces during the competition process.

Close-up camera position during the competition

Additionally, a camera position needs to be set up at the finish line specifically for capturing the expressions of athletes after breaking through the finish line.

Candid shots of athletes' expressions position

Before introducing athletes and after athletes complete the competition, there will be multiple microwave-transmitting cameras for capturing in advance half-body close-ups of athletes. All these signals are transmitted back to the on-site broadcasting truck in the sprint area.

Roaming Camera Tracking Athletes

Diagram illustrating camera setup positions

Next, let's take a look at the overall system diagram. In each area's on-site broadcasting truck, the competition scenes for that area are independently filmed. Each broadcasting truck has a directing team, and the signals from each area's broadcasting truck ultimately enter the main on-site broadcasting truck. The main on-site broadcasting truck then connects to two panoramic camera positions filming the competition scene (one primary, one backup), and there is also a camera capturing audience reactions to enhance the on-site atmosphere. Finally, through satellite signals, the footage is transmitted back to the television station, delivering the live competition images to countless households' television screens.

Audience Reaction Shots

As we observe in the entire system diagram, in addition to the live broadcast of the competition by the broadcasting trucks, we also provide a more immersive live signal for the on-site audience. The main on-site broadcasting truck's signal is transmitted through HD-SDI to Datavideo's MS-2800 mobile directing system in the venue's live broadcast hall. This system is also connected to interview camera positions for athletes, one primary and one backup, bringing the emotions and feelings of the athletes after the competition to the on-site audience. These are moments that cannot be seen when watching the live signal at home.

Venue Live Broadcast Hall

On-site Interview Camera Position Screens

There are a total of 4 computer signal inputs, one of which is for the on-site graphics system, providing a more dazzling live broadcast display for on-site spectators. The other three include content displayed on the competition information screen, presenting information about the live competition to the audience. The remaining two computers are used for live insertion of images, including transitional visual materials and sponsor advertising visuals.

On-site Competition Information Screen

Sponsor Advertising Visuals

Due to the long-distance transmission of HD-SDI signals from the main on-site broadcasting truck, there were issues with image signal jitter at the receiving end. The on-site setup includes Datavideo's VP-633 SDI signal amplifier to stabilize and enhance the quality of the live broadcast signal. Therefore, it is recommended that for large venues with long-distance transmission of SDI signals, SDI signal amplifiers be used to ensure the stability and safety of the live broadcast signal.

Two on-site commentators, one male commentator providing live Chinese commentary, and one female commentator providing live English commentary for foreign spectators. The audio signals are connected to the MS-2800 through XLR balanced audio signals. The MS-2800's main output is connected to an encoding computer for online streaming. Simultaneously, the audio is output to the on-site sound system, complementing the main on-site screen and interview screens for audio-visual live broadcasting.

On-site Interview Screen

The above is the live broadcasting solution for a large-scale sports event. From the front-end signal collection in various competition zones, the aggregation of live signals from multiple areas, to satellite transmission for television broadcasting, live audio-visual big screens for on-site spectators, and online streaming. All of these elements present a professional and comprehensive broadcast spectacle.