Pitch International has partnered with Synamedia and Globecast to deliver cloud-based distribution of Emirates FA Cup matches, marking a shift toward more flexible broadcast delivery. The new setup allows broadcasters to receive match feeds via either IP or satellite for the first time.
The system uses Synamedia’s Quortex Link cloud distribution platform, integrated with Globecast’s managed services platform, enabling high-quality and low-latency video delivery. Through this hybrid approach, broadcasters across Western Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa can choose between traditional satellite distribution or IP-based streaming.
The FA Cup, the world’s oldest football tournament, attracts significant global audiences, with nearly 100 million viewers during the 2023/24 season. Pitch International, which holds broadcast rights across several regions, implemented the new cloud-based workflow to enhance scalability and operational efficiency while maintaining broadcast-grade reliability.
The distribution workflow leverages Globecast’s Connect Live SRT platform, powered by Quortex Link, to deliver live feeds to affiliates across multiple territories. The system allows broadcasters to receive feeds customized to their required video format and frame rate, while ensuring secure and consistent delivery even during busy match schedules.
By combining cloud-based distribution with satellite infrastructure, the solution offers broadcasters greater flexibility without compromising reliability or coverage.
According to Pitch International, interest from broadcasters in switching to the cloud-based streaming option has already exceeded expectations. The approach allows content owners to distribute live sports events with greater agility while maintaining high-quality transmission.
Quortex Link operates as a pay-as-you-use SaaS platform, removing the need for complex static infrastructure. This enables faster deployment of video distribution services while reducing costs and energy consumption compared to traditional broadcast models.
The FA Cup project highlights a growing trend in sports broadcasting, where cloud-based workflows are increasingly being adopted alongside conventional satellite delivery to improve scalability, flexibility, and efficiency.
