BAOSN switches to REMI Productions with JVC

With a mission to provide high-quality, cost-effective, quality broadcasts over the Internet, the team behind the Bay Area Online Sports Network (BAOSN – pronounced “pool”) works hard to live up to those standards. Moreover, as the web network’s slogan indicates: “Game On―Live and Later”, its free content is not only broadcast live, but also made available online for several years.

To achieve its production standards, the BAOSN team has long opted for the highest quality equipment to better meet its needs. Among this equipment is the latest selection of the GY-HC500 CONNECTED CAM™ from JVC Professional Video, a division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation.

A JVC user since founding BAOSN in 2014, Jim Petromilli says, “When JVC introduced their 500 Series Connected Camera with SRT, it was a game-changer for us. The GY-HC500 camera allowed us to play at a higher level than we could before, and the lossless dynamic zoom 40X of the camera was a key factor in this decision. Most of our games are shot in 720p, and most of our customers, whether national or local, request 720p resolution. Today we use four GY-HC500 connected cameras; four BR-DE900 set-top boxes, JVC’s high-performance, professional-grade IP decoding device; and two previous-generation JVC cameras.

CONNECTED CAM solutions and JVC staff also assisted BAOSN in its transition to REMI productions initially boosted by COVID. “Trying to buy and learn how to use new cameras during the pandemic was unprecedented,” adds Petromilli. “The support we received from Edgar Shane, JVC General Manager, Engineering, and his team has been incredible. They made sure we were aware of the best way to set up and use our new cameras, and SRT technology in general. Due to social distancing protocols, all of our training and support was delivered remotely, over the phone, and they were amazing to work with. You don’t necessarily think of the support component when making a purchase, but JVC’s customer service is top notch.

In addition to brand support, the REMI technology in the camera itself stood out for Petromilli and his team. “When a high-speed internet connection is available on location and in the studio, the workflow is simply to connect the camera’s LAN to the router or use the camera’s built-in WiFi for wireless connectivity,” explains- he. “REMI allows us to send the H.264 or HEVC encoded ISO stream from each camera directly to our BR-DE900 decoders using SRT. On-site installation is always quick and easy. The GY-HC500 can store four broadcast destinations and return video sources (IFB). With all settings pre-programmed, simply connect to the Internet and press the “Online” button to start a contributory quality video stream to the remote studio. »

BAOSN originally focused only on grassroots sports, but soon became a Division 1 athletics producer. Prior to forming BAOSN, Petromilli spent several years in higher education implementing various instructional technologies for the in-person and distance learning.