AT&T and working with LiveU to add 5G mobile connectivity to LiveU’s HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) bonding portable broadcasting solutions.
LiveU’s HEVC portable units currently use technology that bonds multiple cellular networks, including AT&T’s 4G LTE, together for video transport. In addition, they offer other transport technologies such as Wi-Fi and satellite. The companies expect that adding 5G to that equation will allow for higher speeds and lower latency in the field and enhanced features for future LiveU video solutions.
AT&T and LiveU will be testing out 5G-enabled features at AT&T’s Foundry.
“By teaming up with LiveU to trial 5G with their portable HEVC broadcast units, we will learn how we can help broadcasters increase production capabilities and expand possibilities for future innovations - as well as help them create compelling new engagement models with consumers. Just imagine the possibility of broadcasters being able to live stream breaking news in 8K or in an AR/VR 360 format over mobile 5G,” said Mo Katibeh, chief marketing officer at AT&T Business, in a statement.
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“We see 5G as a critical advancement for the broadcast industry disrupting the way breaking news, live sports, and other live events are produced. We anticipate the technology will bring more capabilities to our customers such as multiple channels of audio, multicamera productions from a single portable transmission solution, 4K streaming, and high-quality video return,” said Avi Cohen, chief operations officer and co-founder at LiveU, in a statement. “AT&T is a strong global leader with a focused approach on delivering high-quality solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers and content creators. Collaborating with AT&T demonstrates LiveU’s commitment to providing our customers with unique features and solutions that take advantage of all the possibilities that 5G enables.”
The LiveU trials are among several projects AT&T is undertaking to find media and entertainment applications for 5G. The company last year announced plans to launch a wireless 5G test zone on Magic Leap’s corporate campus in Florida. Magic Leap is an augmented reality startup.
Last year, AT&T along with Fox Sports, Fox Innovation Lab, Ericsson and Intel, conducted 5G livestreaming trials from the U.S. Open golf tournament. And earlier this year, AT&T’s WarnerMedia announced plans to open a research and development laboratory focused on building new media experiences that take advantage of emerging tech like 5G.