Executive Summary
On International Jazz Day, a globally recognized cultural event supported by UNESCO, the United Nations, and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, Blacon Media, in partnership with Streaming Media Live and Roberts Communications Network, successfully delivered a historic live broadcast in 4K UHD from Chicago to a worldwide audience. The event and official broadcast are available at www.jazzday.com.
This milestone production marked a significant advancement in live broadcast execution:
- First-ever 4K global delivery for International Jazz Day
- LiveU deployed as the Primary Transmission Path in 4K
- Full 4K Satellite backup architecture ensuring total redundancy
The result: a seamless, high-quality global broadcast with the reliability required for a world-stage event.
Powered by Blacon Media, Streaming Media Live & Roberts Communications Network
The Challenge
Delivering a live, global 4K broadcast of this scale required overcoming several critical challenges:
- Zero tolerance for signal interruption across all platforms
- Multiple international distribution endpoints
- Complex urban venue environment in Chicago
- Requirement for full transmission redundancy (IP + Satellite)
- Tight deployment timelines and real-time coordination
Additionally, the production demanded synchronization between client leadership, field transmission teams, and NOC operations, all working in lockstep under live broadcast conditions.
The Solution
Streaming Media Live engineered and deployed a fully redundant, dual-path 4K transmission architecture, leveraging both IP and satellite technologies:
Primary Transmission Path (IP Contribution)
- LiveU LU800 utilizing bonded cellular + dedicated hardline
- Native 4K UHD signal acquisition and transport
- LRT (LiveU Reliable Transport) ensuring low latency and high resiliency
- Delivered to RCN’s Network Operations Center for processing and routing
Backup Transmission Path (Satellite)
- C-Band uplink via PAT2 mobile transmission unit
- 4K HEVC encoding (4:2:2 10-bit) for broadcast-grade quality
- Full-time availability for instant failover
- Downlinked and integrated at RCN NOC
NOC Operations & Global Distribution
- Centralized control at Roberts Communications Network NOC
- Real-time signal monitoring, frame synchronization, and switching
- Multi-platform global distribution:
- YouTube
- International broadcast partners via IP and satellite pathways
Execution Excellence
The success of this broadcast was driven by a highly coordinated team effort across all partners:
Blacon Media – Client leadership, creative vision, and production oversight
Streaming Media Live – Transmission architecture, deployment, and execution
Roberts Communications Network – Infrastructure, NOC operations, and global distribution
Key contributors included:
PAT2 Truck Team – Delivered extensive preparation and flawless 4K uplink readiness under demanding timelines
RCN NOC Team – Provided precise, real-time monitoring and execution across all signal paths
James MacDougall – Led streaming systems and delivery with exceptional reliability
David Szelag & RCN Engineering Team – Delivered critical engineering leadership, integration, and technical support
This level of collaboration ensured broadcast integrity, operational stability, and rapid response to live-event demands.
The Result
- ✅ Successful global 4K UHD live broadcast
- ✅ Seamless integration of IP and Satellite transmission paths
- ✅ Zero major transmission failures during live execution
- ✅ High-quality delivery to worldwide audiences across platforms
- ✅ A proven, repeatable workflow for future large-scale events
Why It Matters
This production underscores a major shift in modern broadcast operations:
- Hybrid transmission (IP + Satellite) is now essential for reliability
- 4K UHD live workflows are scalable and production-ready
- REMI and distributed production models increase efficiency without sacrificing quality
- Redundancy is mission-critical, not optional, for global broadcasts
Partner With Us
Blacon Media, Streaming Media Live, and Roberts Communications Network together deliver end-to-end production, transmission, and global distribution solutions for:
- Live Sports
- Global Cultural Events
- Broadcast Networks
- OTT Platforms
- Corporate & Entertainment Productions
From Anywhere to Everywhere.
Disclaimer:
Images, event references, and related materials are used for informational and promotional recap purposes only. All trademarks, logos, and names are the property of their respective owners. Use of these references does not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation by UNESCO, the United Nations, the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, or International Jazz Day.