Live X ManualThird party connections to the boats

Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18

July 2017

Contents

1. Introduction

2. System Overview

3. Limitations

4. Skype Connection

5. POTS / Plain Old Telephone System

6. Addresses

7. How to Apply and Associated Costs

8. The Procedure

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1. Introduction

From our Race Headquarter in Alicante, we are able to facilitate real-time, 24/7, live connections with all the boats entered in this edition of the race - while they are sailing on the ocean legs for media, teams and stakeholders.

We encourage you to make use of this service, as live connections with the boat can make dynamic and compelling TV; or add exciting value to a corporate conference.

A unique foundation of the Volvo Ocean Race is that all communications to and from the boats is routed through Race Control in Alicante.

What we can offer:

• We can make telephone connections via our phone bridge.

• We can facilitate Skype video calls with the boats.

2. System Overview

Live X is a complete system from Live-Wire Digital UK Ltd. It covers the transmission of video and audio from a Volvo Ocean Race boat to the Alicante based headquarters over the Inmarsat satellite network as can be seem in the graphic below.

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3. Limitations

Due to the nature of the harsh conditions and the satellite network the Volvo Ocean Race boats may not always have a reliable connection for streaming video due to obstructions or lack of coverage. For example in certain locations the satellite maybe obstructed by the mast and/or sail of the boat.

Although audio will always be sent back to the boat, video will never be returned to the boat due to bandwidth limitations.

Although calls may connect at close to HD, the live video stream from the boat into Alicante HQ is between 240p and 360p, this is due to the bandwidth available to the boats over the satellite network.

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4. Skype

Volvo Ocean Race hosts a multiway Skype TX Broadcast system. ‘TalkShow VS 4000 is the professional, multi-channel video calling system designed to simultaneously connect you with up to 4 remote guests—regardless of location—in real time and deliver distraction-free, broadcast-quality HD content with complete production control.’

Skype uses adaptive bitrate control so the resolution and quality of the call depends on the network of both ends having a very stable connection. Skype TX uses a quality of service through the skype network to allow higher quality call from Volvo Ocean Race to the end user.

Any generic Skype account can connect to our Skype TX bridge there is no requirement for Skype for business or additional services.

https://www.newtek.com/talkshow/tech-specs/

5. POTS / Plain Old Telephone System

Volvo Ocean Race hosts a TieLine audio bridge which can connect third party calls from an ISDN line to a call from a boat over the Live-X connection or a satellite phone call. This device will also accept calls via IP of the following codecs

Timeline Music, Timeline MusicPLUS, G.711, G.722, MPEG Layer 2 LC-AAC, HE-AAC, HE- AACv2 16/24 bit Enhanced apt-X Linear, PCM16/24 bit 48kHz sampling

Again although this system has been tested with many brands and models of codecs, it is recommended that a test call is made in advance from any third party video conferencing unit to ensure the devices are compatible.

6. Addresses

Dial in addresses and numbers will be provided by Volvo Ocean Race a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the scheduled call, these numbers and addresses shall not be distributed. Please note, phone numbers for direct contact with race yachts will not be provided.

7. How To Apply and Associated Costs

Fill out this application form https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ffb649037b1a4927a8a2e67b0be62898

When the yachts are at sea the Watch Producer desk will be operational 24/7. Their role is to co-ordinate media requests to the yachts. Once we have all of your details they’ll be in touch to set things up.

In most cases the cost of satellite connection between the race yacht – Alicante – to you will be borne by Volvo Ocean Race, and therefore practical limitations will be placed on duration of connections on a case-by-case basis.

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8. Procedure

So that we can make sure that everything is working we prefer to run a test between you and us here in Alicante 72-hrs before the scheduled event to trouble-shoot connection issues and ensure the race team is properly advised.

It is useful at this time if we can connect our technical people with your technical people.

Then, 24hrs before the event we like to run another test connection between the broadcaster and Race Control in Alicante. This is very important for Web conference and Skype calls.

We also like to make a test call between you and us here in Alicante about 1hr before the scheduled event.

The Watch Producer will co-ordinate the connection and follow up after the event.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Live X Manual

Volvo Ocean Race, S.L.U. Muelle Nº 10 de Levante Puerto de Alicante 03001 Alicante Spain

Leon Sefton Head of TV leon.sefton@volvooceanrace.com