MSG Networks taps LTN for sports broadcasting

Video transport solutions provider LTN has inked a deal with US media company MSG Networks which sees the company transition from satellite to terrestrial IP-based via the live video transmission solution LTN Wave.

LTN will distribute the MSG Networks channels delivering live coverage of the sport teams — New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres to fans while future-proofing the organisation’s distribution model and harnessing the full benefits of the LTN Network.

LTN Wave provides a flexible, scalable, and reliable video transport solution that de-risks satellite migration with end-to-end management and automatic stress-free changeover while supporting next-generation possibilities such as content replacement and custom ad triggers. It can seamlessly integrate within existing infrastructure while harnessing other solutions such as third-party encoders, decoders, and hardware or software. LTN’s open and agnostic network strategy means customers can acquire content in a single format and deliver in multiple formats, common third protocols, and in and out of public clouds, as needed. It will permit MSG Networks to reliably distribute multiple versions of content to any destination worldwide,expanding its reach and monetisation.

The transition from satellite to terrestrial IP-based will also be instrumental in enhancing the live sports experience on MSG Networks due to launch streaming service MSG+.

According to LTN, the partnership sees MSG transform its technology roadmap while providing the service layer to drive operational efficiencies and intelligent monetisation and distribution capabilities.

David Schafer, SVP Product, Technology & Operations at MSG Networks, said: “LTN is trusted across the broadcasting and live sports industry. Our partnership with LTN provides us with mission-critical reliability. An IP-first approach to content distribution delivers the foundations for success, with greater business agility and a host of new revenue opportunities. We are truly excited about this next phase of IP-powered content distribution.”

“The media industry is steadily moving away from satellite. But mission-critical channels cannot afford to rely on the open internet with billions of dollars in revenue at stake. Customers like MSG Networks need the managed network that LTN offers along with the peace of mind of a 5 nines reliable SLA and a 24/7 TOC,” said Chris Myers, EVP, chief revenue officer, LTN.