The Switch, a leading provider of production services and global delivery of live video, announces that it was recently chosen by NESN (New England Sports Network), one of the preeminent regional sports networks (RSNs) in the US, to deliver next-generation IP infrastructure and content delivery services. NESN tapped The Switch’s high-performance hybrid fiber/internet network to replace its existing satellite distribution platform.
The move improves the flexibility of NESN’s video distribution network and ensures superior live sports feeds of Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins games, as well as the Connecticut Sun and hundreds of live college sports events, such as Hockey East, the Beanpot Classic, broadcast through its channels and affiliates. The Switch’s terrestrial distribution platform offers NESN a fully integrated, state-of-the-art solution inclusive of next generation video compression, encryption, receiver management & control and the redundant transmission network.
Fahad Haider, CTO & VP of Engineering at NESN, said: “Working with a trusted partner that has a deep understanding of the live sports broadcast market is critical for our company. After extensive research, we identified The Switch as the vendor with the most unique and reliable solution. We also are thankful for all our affiliated distribution partners, some of the largest media companies in the world, who diligently worked with us on implementing this new innovative solution. Reliability is vital to these affiliates and our fans, so delivering a seamless transition from satellite to this next-generation platform was crucial. We are now in a position to utilize the best capabilities of fiber and internet to ensure the highest possible signal quality for live broadcasts and we have now laid the important groundwork to deliver our broadcasts in 4K HDR.”
The deal, which builds on a decades-long relationship between the two organizations, allows NESN to ensure redundancy to its major affiliate distributors without risking fans’ final viewing experience. During every game, The Switch provides live monitoring from its New York City Network Operations Center (NOC) along with 24/7/365 network operations and engineering support.
Eric Cooney, President and CEO at The Switch, said: “We have worked closely with NESN for more than two decades, building a strong relationship and understanding of their technical and business needs. The operational and commercial benefits NESN has already achieved are a direct result of their vision and innovative deployment of a next-generation IP-based terrestrial distribution solution. We are proud to be supporting them as they lead the way to the next era of sports broadcasting.”
Owned by Fenway Sports Group and Delaware North, NESN was the first Regional Sports Network in the US. It reaches six million households via cable, telco, satellite and over-the-top (OTT) services, delivering multiple Designated Market Area (DMA) channels to homes throughout the six-state New England region and nationally, through NESN National.
