The Art And Technology Of Sports Broadcast Graphics

Screenshot of custom designed graphics showing key athlete information

Here We Go…

In the fast-paced world of live sports broadcasting, every second counts. From triathlon, to soccer or gravel racing… Our studio team must always be on our toes, ready for anything. For events as large and dynamic as IRONMAN races, a critical role behind the scenes is that of the Graphics Operator. At BCC Live, the Graphics Operator is responsible for creating and managing all the visual data that viewers see on their screens… From leaderboards to race analytics, sponsor integrations, and more. These elements don’t just enhance the broadcast; they help tell the story of the race.

My journey into the world of graphics operation began in a place you might not expect… Designing and producing signage for large corporations. Working with national brands, I learned the importance of adhering to design criteria, brand guidelines, and local regulations. This experience, combined with my passion for endurance sports, ultimately led me to BCC Live, where I now oversee the visual elements of our IRONMAN broadcasts and other live broadcasts we produce.

Just like in signage, precision is key in broadcast graphics. I’ve come to rely heavily on tools like Adobe Illustrator for initial designs and asset management. This allows me to scale graphics seamlessly across resolutions and devices. Beyond the technical skills, what drew me to this role was the opportunity to use graphics as a storytelling tool—especially in long-form broadcasts like IRONMAN events and Gravel Worlds.

Behind the scenes view of the Graphics Operator Workspace
Graphics Operator Workspace

The process of designing graphics for a broadcast starts with the client’s brand identity. At IRONMAN, we work closely with event organizers to make sure every element—from logos to color schemes—resonates with their audience. Whether it’s the Roka Swim Course or the Hoka Run Course, each branded segment not only reflects the larger IRONMAN identity but also provides sponsorship opportunities that sustain the broadcast. This methodology is applicable no matter the event. Whether it’s sports or a live conference broadcast, we ensure every element of the show helps us tell the story of the event.

Creating a graphics package involves more than just slapping logos on the screen. We design visual elements that guide viewers through the race—clocks, scrolling tickers, leaderboard updates, and even athlete bios and headshots. We carefully craft every element to engage viewers and keep them informed about race developments in real-time.

Screenshot of custom designed graphics showing key athlete information
Design Process for Custom Graphics

One of the most exciting aspects of my role is building the technical systems that make race-day graphics possible. Behind every graphic on screen is a network of software and hardware working in harmony. At BCC Live, we’ve developed a seamless system that allows us to pull real-time data from race timing platforms like RTRT, which gives us the ability to display timing splits, leaderboards, and estimated finish times with millisecond precision.

To make things even more efficient, we also use cloud-based tools like Viz Flowics. This HTML5 graphics solution allows us to render native elements directly on our NewTek Tricaster 2 Elite over the web as a buffer source, minimizing the need for imported assets. We’ve also integrated automation into our system with devices like the Elgato Stream Deck, enabling operators to trigger graphics at the press of a button.

TThis focus on simplicity and scalability ensures that, even in the heat of a live broadcast, any operator—whether a seasoned expert or a first-timer—can manage our intuitive system.

On race week, the real work begins. In the days leading up to the race, I prepare by loading all the pre-set libraries specific to the event. This includes setting the race or event name, location, athlete information including start lists, speaker information, bib numbers, country codes and flags, swim cap colors, and any sponsorship obligations. Once the event begins, my job is to ensure that all graphics are synced with the live action, and to ensure a seamless viewing experience.

Some elements, like the scrolling ticker of leaderboard results, are automated, pulling data directly from platforms like RTRT. We manually trigger other elements, like athlete IDs or sponsor spots, based on what’s happening on the course. With IRONMAN events lasting upwards of 10 hours, the graphics need to be updated constantly to reflect the action.

One of the biggest challenges we face is managing the story-telling when traditional timing systems may not update as often as we like. While timing mats are reliable, they only update at specific points on the course… Meaning that a lot can happen between checkpoints. We’re constantly working to improve how we display these live updates, and aim to give viewers the best sense of where the athletes are in real-time.

Gravel cycling race with graphics showing distance, elevation, and weather
Gravel Cycling Race Graphics

At the end of the day, the graphics aren’t just there to look good… They’re there to help tell the story of the race. In an IRONMAN or long distance cycling broadcast, where viewers might tune in and out throughout the day, it’s crucial that the on-screen information provides a clear snapshot of the race’s progress at any given moment.

Graphics are also key to maintaining the broadcast’s commercial viability. We integrate sponsors into the race narrative to create value for both the viewers and the brands involved. Whether it’s displaying the “First Out of the Water presented by Wahoo” or the “Hoka Run Course,” our graphics packages create a cohesive, branded experience that resonates with both the athlete community and corporate partners.

As we look to the future, the role of the Graphics Operator will continue to evolve alongside advancements in technology. At BCC Live, we’re already pioneering new tools like AI-powered race analytics and enhanced GPS tracking systems to deliver even richer data to viewers. We’re also constantly refining our systems to be more intuitive and efficient… Making it easier than ever to produce high-quality broadcasts.

What keeps me passionate about this work is the constant drive to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Every race presents a new challenge… And with it, a new opportunity to create graphics that enhance the viewer experience in fresh and exciting ways.

Exclusive Glimpse Behind The Broadcast Desk – Master Of Multitasking

Switching Up the Game: Live Broadcast Technical Director

Gravel Cycling Race with Graphics in the Lower Portion of the Screen
Custom Graphics for Gravel Cycling Race

Switching Up the Game: Live Broadcast Technical Director

TriCaster TC-1 in the BCC Live Office

Ever wondered who’s the unsung hero behind those thrilling IRONMAN Pro Series live broadcast shows? At BCC Live, we’re the orchestra conductors, orchestrating the magic behind the scenes. One of our key roles is the Director/Technical Director (or “TD”). We’re the final checkpoint on the production train, where all the elements – camera feeds, commentary, graphics, and more – converge to create the masterpiece you see on screen.

Broadcast booth set up in studio
Broadcast Desk

Typically, our job involves taking a clean feed from another company’s camera mix and adding our unique touch. We collaborate with various production companies worldwide, including Carr-Hughes (renowned for horse racing in the US) and ASO (the mastermind behind the Tour de France). Think of us as the final step in the production journey. We infuse the broadcast with host commentary, dynamic videos, ad breaks, and eye-catching graphics before sending the final product to the world. It’s a high-stakes, real-time juggling act, but it’s the thrill of the challenge that keeps us coming back.

Multicam setup in broadcast desk
Multicam Setup

This year, we’ve pushed the boundaries of our role. For two of the Pro Series broadcasts, St. George and Boulder, we took complete control of the production, from handling eight on-site cameras to all the usual TD wizardry. It was like stepping into the director’s chair; the adrenaline rush was exhilarating, and the pressure was palpable. Each of our on-site cameras streamed directly back to our studio, where the director would choose the right shot at the right time.

With a broadcast lasting over eight hours, you can imagine the constant switching and coordination required. The director had to stay in constant communication with the on-ground crew to ensure every camera knew when its shot was live, when to find a different angle, locate a different athlete, or even troubleshoot technical issues. To be honest, I don’t think I sat down during either of those broadcasts!

We even ventured into new territory with Garmin Gravel Worlds, producing the entire broadcast, including on-site cameras. It was one of the first-ever live broadcasts of a full gravel race, covering 150 miles around Lincoln, Nebraska. Our team executed a remarkable broadcast for an incredible race, putting the gravel community on the map.

Man working in broadcast desk at tricaster
Studio Tricaster

We’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved. We’ve pushed our boundaries, expanded our capabilities, and elevated the art of live broadcasting. And the best part? This is just the beginning. We’re hungry for more, eager to explore new horizons, and ready to keep surprising you with what we can do.

So, the next time you’re captivated by a BCC Live broadcast, remember, there’s a dedicated team working tirelessly behind the scenes, passionate about delivering the best possible viewing experience. We’re excited to see where this journey takes us next. Stay tuned!

Interested in learning about other roles during a broadcast? Check out our post on the Replay Operator… https://bccliveproductions.com/blog/the-replay-operator/

And don’t forget to check out our video work… https://vimeo.com/bccliveproductions

Exclusive Glimpse Behind The Broadcast Desk – Master Of Multitasking

Replay Operators Desk Setup

One of our most high-profile jobs here at BCC Live is the production of all the broadcasts for the IRONMAN Group’s triathlons worldwide. Every event that goes out on TV or on streaming services goes through us first. And we’re honored to be a part of it! Today, we’re going to be talking about The Replay Operator!

Specifically, what we do is take camera feeds (either from our own team on the ground or from one of IRONMAN’s other production partners) and add graphics, bring in commentary from our announcers in our studio, insert commercials, and add in additional content to give the show extra life… All this happens before we send it onwards to a whole bevy of streaming services.

Camera Operator takes video of 2 Sports Commentators in front of a lake.
Live Broadcast Production

If you know anything about an IRONMAN or IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon… You know one thing: it’s a long distance and a lot of time. It’s a huge time investment just to sit down and watch one take place! To make the broadcasts more digestible and give people the highlights after the fact, we create and run replays during the broadcast to get people up to speed.

And that’s where our replay operators come in. During IRONMAN broadcasts, we have one replay operator. While the rest of our team is working on switching cameras, mixing audio, and making the show run smoothly and on time, one key person at the replay desk creates videos from our show… Among other things. Dive in with me to a breakdown of the workflow at this station. I’ll show you what the replay operator does in a typical broadcast!

Replay Operator's desk setup
Replay Desk

On the far right here are the monitors and dedicated control surface for our 3Play 3P2. This is a dedicated system by NewTek (now Vizrt) designed for instant replays in sports broadcasting—how convenient! Though it’s primarily intended to be used for quick highlights (like replaying a notable pass)… We use it for far more. Our 3Play is working hard all the way through the show to turn out fresh content. The replay operator spends most of their time on this machine… But more on that later.

In the middle is the TalkShow VS-100’s display. This is another piece of NewTek/Vizrt hardware. It serves a single purpose: bringing in remote callers over Skype to include on the broadcast. As you can see, the replay operator has other responsibilities as well!

And off to the left of this image is my laptop… In addition to holding a copy of the script and monitoring our chat on Microsoft Teams with remote team members, this also controls Grabyo. Grabyo is a separate replay and video production system to the 3Play. Why do we need two of those? Well, I’ll get into that!

What’s the point of having the 3Play and Grabyo running at the same time to generate content? Well, each has its strengths and weaknesses—and they send video to different places!

Grabyo, a web-based service, receives a single stream from our studio. The straightforward interface is designed by the system to take single clips from a stream and save them to cloud-based servers. From there, those clips can be downloaded or posted directly to linked social networks. It’s meant to be a quick and versatile tool to get posts based on a livestream out to your followers. If you’ve seen moments from an IRONMAN broadcast posted on their social media while the broadcast was going on… They came from Grabyo!

Image of Grabyo software program running on a computer screen
Grabyo

But it’s not a do-all service. For one, the fact that Grabyo receives only a single stream means that the content it receives is relatively limited. It’s always getting video from the “program” feed and audio from our commentators. For another, the “live clipping” service described above can create clips just as precisely as the 3Play. But editing clips together to make a longer video is a separate service on Grabyo… We don’t really have the time for one operator to switch between the two during a show!

Meanwhile, the 3Play has some considerable editing power—more than you really need for instant replays! It can pull in up to eight feeds simultaneously that can be switched through on demand. It can add music and transitions, edit using keyframes, and build out playlists of clips that can be exported out as full and robust videos to use as you please.

It’s not too shy of a full non-linear editing system like Premiere or Final Cut! So, the power is in your hands to make videos that look exactly how you want them to. What’s more, the 3Play is designed to interface with the TriCaster that serves as the main switcher for our broadcasts. This makes it a snap to pull clips and playlists from the 3Play to play on the live broadcast.

3Play Interface on computer monitor
3Play

However, the 3Play has its idiosyncrasies. If you make a playlist of clips and want to export that as a video to use somewhere other than the TriCaster, you have to wait until you’ve stopped recording to do so. Which means you wouldn’t be able to grab clips of other events while exporting. Not ideal for a live production where anything can happen! And even if you could export while recording… The only option is to create a file you would need to pull onto a separate computer to use during a production. There are built-in settings to export directly to various social media sites. Updates to the sites have made them all non-functional.

So, the 3Play’s role is to make more well-produced and longer videos during the broadcast that are either played back on the broadcast through the TriCaster or exported for use after the show. We primarily use it for creating “what you’ve missed so far” videos and highlight reels. We play these during and after the broadcast.

Exporting and posting these videos after the race is over isn’t ideal… But it’s still faster than having an editor download the whole show to edit after the fact! Meanwhile, the Grabyo feed creates social-media-ready clips that are relatively basic. But they can be online just seconds after a notable moment takes place. And it’s the replay operator’s job to run both systems! Luckily, both Grabyo and the 3Play are relatively easy to use when you get into a groove… So the task of operating two replay systems simultaneously isn’t as difficult as one might think. But it sure looks impressive to an outside observer!

Let’s run through a typical broadcast experience for me as the replay operator. My day begins about an hour before the show starts. I log in to the various pieces of hardware and make sure that everything is running smoothly and receiving signal. From then until showtime, it’s all just preparation… Reviewing the script, checking the incoming and outgoing feeds to see that they have live video. And making sure the rest of the team has everything they need.

Handwritten notes on a white piece of paper
Athlete Cheat Sheet

Also on my desk are a couple cheat sheets I’ve written up beforehand. I write out the broad strokes of the race schedule in our time zone, so I don’t miss any important cues coming up on the clock. The other is a list of the notable pro athletes competing in the race that day… With their bib number and (once I spot them) what their race gear looks like. Pro triathletes can often look very similar. So, it pays to know who you’re looking at when it comes to putting together videos in a pinch!

Not long before the broadcast starts, everyone in the studio starts recording the show on a myriad of different devices for safety. When the 3Play starts recording, it’s ready to start making clips for the broadcast, so it’s good to start as soon as solid footage is coming in from the ground team—but the recording of a full triathlon takes up a lot of space, so I must make sure there’s up to a terabyte of free space on the 3Play’s drives first!

5 black rectangular external backup drives
Backup Drives

Once the show starts going, everything falls into a familiar rhythm. The TriCaster operator starts switching the show, pulling up graphics and switching between viewpoints as the announcers introduce the region and the featured athletes. I’m grabbing clips on Grabyo of the start line and the top competitors—those are always a hit on social media—and filling up my “pre-race” clip list on the 3Play with nice scenic shots to establish the race in the videos I start cutting together.

Then the gun goes off, the athletes are in the water, and we’re going at a breakneck pace—there’s lots to talk about right at the start, it’s hard to tell who’s who, and every athlete is jockeying for position. The clip list on the 3Play grows longer and longer as I try to snag picturesque shots of every athlete in the field (you never know who might end up on the podium, after all), match names to faces, and keep track of who’s leading and who’s falling behind.

Replay Operators Desk Setup
Replay Operators Desk

Moreso than anyone else in the studio, my job is to keep an extremely close eye on the progress of the race. It’s easy for a critical pass to go by in the blink of an eye, or even not show up on the broadcast, so you don’t want to be making clips and videos wrongly assuming someone is in the lead. Tracking the leaders, the passes, and any difficulties that may transpire on the course makes it that much easier to tell the story in the short videos that are being built out on the 3Play—some of them need to recap the whole race in just 90 seconds!

It’s challenging to receive terrific footage from our team on the ground and cut out so much of it for the sake of these highlight videos, but that’s the cost of telling a good story.

If there’s a lull in the action, that’s a great opportunity to get returning viewers caught up on the story so far. I build out a rolling “let’s get caught up” video that’s ready to play by the time the athletes are out on the bike course, and with just a few clicks the TriCaster operator can import that video to play out on the air in seconds.

We also often try to have individual recaps of the swim, bike, and run, in the event the studio announcers want to look back on a specific leg of the triathlon. I must work quickly to get these ready for action and let the TriCaster operator know they’re good to go, as they could get played at any moment.

All while this is going on, I’m calling up remote guests on the TalkShow so they can weigh in with their thoughts on the race, picking out picturesque or funny moments to clip on Grabyo for social media, making sure we have clips of sponsored segments, and watching the leaderboard to see if any major passes took place off-camera. It’s a lot to do all at once, especially for upwards of nine hours!

Man working at replay operator desk in broadcast studio
Ryan Working as Replay Operator

But all things come to an end in time. Once the top three men and women cross the finish line, we enter the closing segment of the show. We interview the top three athletes, run a podium ceremony, discuss the scoreboards with the announcers, and then… We close the show with one more video from the 3Play: we set the 90-second recap mentioned earlier to music and end the show on a high note. The end slate comes up, the streams stop, and I breathe a sigh of relief…

…And then start exporting all the videos I made throughout the day! Having a quick turnaround on the content we make during the race is one of our strengths, so there’s no time to lose. This is also the time for one last watch-through to make sure every edit is as good as it can be and every video follows the full story of the race, showing the top finishers throughout the race to highlight their story.

List of video deliverables on Vimeo
Video Deliverables

Before too long, every video is offloaded from the 3Play and begins uploading to Vimeo for distribution. By the time the rest of the team shuts down their gear and chats with the announcers about how the race went, I’m getting ready to send off the videos and start downloading a full copy of the show from Grabyo to hang on to for later. In just a few short minutes, IRONMAN has full highlight reels to tell the story of the day, we have all the footage we need for a longer cutdown for syndication, and we’re all ready to go home. It seems like it flies by!

At BCC Live, running the replay desk is a constant juggling act of managing different systems and services while picking out all the best moments that make triathlon so interesting. It might feel overwhelming sometimes when everything’s happening at once, but getting to watch athletes perform at their peak while you sit at the epicenter of a major broadcast production never gets old. I love it every time—and I hope you love the videos you get to see of it!

https://bccliveproductions.com/blog

Digital Studio India Press

BCC Live has successfully tackled the complexities of live event broadcasting by integrating AJA BRIDGE LIVE into their workflow. This technological partnership enhances BCC Live’s ability to navigate the intricate challenges of live production, ensuring flawless encoding and decoding across diverse events. The move underscores BCC Live’s commitment to delivering high-quality live content, leveraging AJA’s robust solutions to elevate viewer experience.

For an in-depth look, you’d need to visit Digital Studio India’s website directly.

“[BCC Live] utilizes BRIDGE LIVE for IRONMAN 70.3 competitions, employing SCTE markers to trigger ad breaks during partner-led broadcasts. Offering end-to-end services, from production to post-production, BCC Live ensures customized event graphics and content delivery, with the Boulder studio serving as a hub for all content before distribution across platforms.”

Article by DigitalStudioIndia.com

Live-Production.tv Press

Man working in broadcast desk at tricaster
Man working in broadcast desk at tricaster

In an insightful feature by Live-Production.TV, the spotlight is on BCC Live’s strategic adoption of AJA BRIDGE LIVE to meet the encoding and decoding demands of their diverse live production projects. This integration has empowered us to address the myriad of technical challenges that arise in live event production, from IRONMAN to Rock n Roll Marathon broadcasts. AJA BRIDGE LIVE’s flexibility and efficiency have notably streamlined our workflow, ensuring high-quality delivery across platforms. Dive into the full story on Live-Production.TV

“Whether broadcasting or running tests, BCC Live deploys BRIDGE LIVE nearly every weekend to support a range of production demands (i.e., 1080i or 1080p, 50 or 60 frames, Secure Reliable Transport, etc.).”

AJA BRIDGE LIVE Helps BCC Live Meet Encoding/Decoding Demands Across Productions by Live-Production.TV

AJA Video Systems Press

BCC Live is featured in an AJA Video Systems press article discussing their innovative approach to transforming client ideas into tangible, high-quality live productions. Utilizing AJA’s BRIDGE LIVE, BCC Live adeptly navigates the technical complexities of live event broadcasting, emphasizing the importance of reliable, versatile technology in executing client visions effectively. This partnership exemplifies the fusion of creativity and technology to exceed client expectations in live production. For a deeper dive into their strategy and success stories, visit AJA’s website.

“Boulder, Colorado-based BCC Live may have gotten its start in information technology (IT) but has quickly evolved into a live production powerhouse. Committed to ensuring customers’ success, the company thrives on solving the most difficult broadcast and live stream challenges for customers across the globe.”

Article by AJA Video Systems