LiveU Powers the Trans Am Race Series
The Trans Am Race Series leveraged LiveU LU300S encoders for the in-car camera systems to give viewers a cutting-edge in-car experience during their live CBS Broadcast.
The Challenge
For the 2022 season, Trans Am presented a new TV package to air all races in prime time on CBS Sports Network. With the aim of increasing exposure to this audience, Trans Am started looking for ways to improve the TV broadcast. One area they focused on was a better in-car camera experience.
Most of the cars were already outfitted with in-car camera systems but delivering these images to the viewing audience had been a challenge. Trans Am events are often held at racetracks with dips and hills that are in remote locations. Trans Am cars regularly exceed 150 mph on portions of these tracks adding complexity to the challenge of providing a high quality and resilient video transport solution.
The Solution
The Trans Am team had been looking for a “global solution” to meet this challenge. They had seen LiveU successfully deployed for in-car camera applications with some of their race teams and decided to test it out for themselves. Test sessions were conducted with great success.
The key to the success is primarily LiveU’s patented bonded cellular technology featuring LiveU Reliable Transport (LRT). LRT, combined with the latest in 5G connectivity, provided reliable and resilient video transmission resulting in pristine video images from anywhere on the track.
Following this tests, Trans Am acquired 10 of the new LiveU LU300S 5G encoders for their in-car camera systems.
More Exposure for Sponsors
Kenneth Thwaits, owner of Showtime Motor Sports saw the potential for the cutting-edge in-car experience.
“ I bring 4 cars to the racetrack. I put a camera in every single one that I offer. I want that exposure. I want every driver who drives for us to get that exposure. We are bringing fans into our workspace.”
LiveU has been used at 20+ races this year during the 60-minute broadcasts. In addition to the initial airing, each episode re-airs on CBS Sports Network and is available on CBSSports.com and streaming service subscriptions. The enhancement to the live coverage has contributed to a significant increase in viewership and sponsor revenue.
“The LiveU has transformed our quality – our fans are able to watch the racing through the eyes of our driver.”
Tony Parella, Owner of the Trans Am Racing Company