MCG Captures Live AFL Match Action With New Fujinon UA 107 Lens

MKTG Sports + Entertainment, a global integrated agency who operate the MCG Scoreboard Control as part of the commercial rights agreement to deliver the AFL, are contractually obliged to produce in-venue coverage of AFL matches for the two big screens separate from the broadcast coverage.

The match coverage is provided primarily through two fixed stand cameras, a tight shot provided by an 87x lens and a 40x for wider shots, and an AFL owned portable RF camera that completes the production. Recently there was a requirement for a newer, more powerful lens and for that they chose the Fujinon UA 107.

MKTG's GM Operations & Technology, Mike Lewis, explained, “The two stand cameras need to be very agile and closely follow or anticipate the play. The existing Fujinon 87x lens had served us well after 15 years of service and required replacement. The MCC, the equipment owner, agreed replacement was required and asked MKTG to facilitate options for replacement.”

The lens's requirements needed to be futureproofed for the MCC, and according to Lewis, the 4K UA 107 was the right choice for the application.

He added, “Fan engagement and brand activation are essential considerations in entertaining crowds before matches or during breaks in play. The Fujinon UA 107 allows the operator to shoot very tight, keep up with the play, and easily single out spectators for big-screen coverage. The MCC asked us to provide options for them that would be best in class and ensure that they were futureproofed with compatible 4K capability, the Fujinon lens met that requirement.

MCC's General Manager - IT & Innovation, Rey Sumaru, said, "The MCC has an obligation to provide the best possible experience for our members, their guests, fans and all those who come to the MCG. In addition, the investment in this new Fujinon lens sees a commitment to the future ensuring our technological purchases keep us current and ensure we have an eye on future 4K development." 

You might also like...

The Back Of The Brain May Soon Rule The Roost

If industry reports are to be believed, Apple is poised to release a mixed-reality headset at some point in 2023. Of course, it’s anyone’s guess when Apple’s Reality Pro will actually see the holographic light of day, but one t…

Learning From The Experts At The BEITC Sessions at 2023 NAB Show

Many NAB Shows visitors don’t realize that some of the most valuable technical information released at NAB Shows emanates from BEITC sessions. The job titles of all but one speaker in the conference are all related to engineering, technology, d…

Celebrating BEITC At NAB Show

As we approach the 2023 NAB Show in the NAB centenary year, we celebrate the unique insight and influence of the Broadcast Engineering & IT Conference that happens alongside the show each year.

Artificial Inspiration – Debating The Implications Of Training AI To Create Images

There is growing debate over the ethical and legal implications of using millions of images drawn from the internet to train AI powered software to create ‘new’ images. It feels like the beginning of a journey which could have profound imp…

Capturing Nitin Sawhney’s Ghosts In The Ruins

The 2022 City of Culture festival concluded with a performance created by Nitin Sawhney CBE. Filmed on the URSA Broadcast G2, an edited broadcast of Ghosts In The Ruins aired on the BBC.