Phenix issued patent for Dynamic Real-Time ABR Encoding and Multi-stream Sync

Phenix Real Time Solutions, the leading provider of real-time streaming video technology and experiences, today announces that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued patents, US 11,051,049 and US 11,019,368, further strengthening the company’s intellectual property position and leadership for real-time streaming technologies. The two new patents further extend the existing portfolio of assigned and provisional patent protections, including the company’s SyncWatch™, real-time advertising insertion, and automated scalability for flash-crowds.

The ‘049 patent titled “Simulating a local experience by live streaming sharable viewpoints of a live event,” enables streaming organizations to deliver real-time, augmented and shared experiences of live events from multiple video feeds (events, camera angles and locations) synchronized to a universal timecode. From live sports to multi-venue music festivals, or multi-camera angle streaming, the patent technology powers applications that allow viewers to switch to alternate streams and views, all without interrupting the stream or causing latency buildup from compiling new playlists.

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• The National Football League and Verizon said their new 5G partnership will allow fans to see seven different live camera angles of the season kickoff game.
• “Verizon will help us capitalize on the promise of 5G technology, paving the way for the future of the game,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said.
• The alliance also has the “potential to improve player training and overall venue operations,” Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg said.

The National Football League and Verizon on Thursday announced a 5G partnership that they say will allow fans to see seven different live camera angles of the season-opening game between the Super Bowl champion Tampa Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys.

The companies the 10-year deal will provide next-generation 5G mobile technology for applications including innovative methods of player training, team scouting, venue operations and health guidelines.

“Verizon will help us capitalize on the promise of 5G technology, paving the way for the future of the game and delivering incredible experiences for millions of NFL fans,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement detailing the alliance. “Verizon has been one of our key technology partners, helping with everything from digital distribution of NFL content, engaging our fans at the NFL’s biggest events, enhancing communications throughout the NFL ecosystem and upgrading technology within stadiums.”

“Our longstanding relationship, and swift delivery of 5G connectivity in 90% of stadiums, has created new ways to bring fans even closer to the action,” Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg said in the announcement. “Our work with the NFL will continue to enhance and transform not only the fan viewing experience, but also has the potential to improve player training and overall venue operations.”

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Sports fans are lucky enough to live in a time when they can watch almost any game instantaneously on their TV, computer or phone. But it turns out “instantaneous” isn’t as fast as we may think.

There’s a small delay — anywhere from fractions of a second to almost a minute — between when something happens on the field, and when viewers at home are able to see it. On top of this delay, some streaming platforms experience what’s called “audience drift,” which happens when people watching the same content on the same platform, but on different devices, are out of synch. This can account for more than a minute in delay between viewers.

While the delay may seem small, it’s not always insignificant. This can lead to potential spoilers, or worse. In the 2010s there were several instances of “courtsiding” — where people would electronically place bets from a sports venue in the moments before bookkeepers knew what happened.

In order to negate this delay, sports broadcasters, agencies and rights owners will have to revamp the technology behind sports streaming. That’s where companies like Phenix come in.

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