Case Studies: Pope Francis in Singapore

Pope Francis 2024 at Stadium Sport Hub
12 September 2024 Broadcast Event

1. Introduction:

This case study covers the execution of a large-scale stadium live-feed, livestream and international broadcast using the Panasonic KAIROS, Kairos Core 2000 (Main Frame) AT-KC2000.

The visit of Pope Francis to Singapore, was culminated at the Singapore National Stadium on 12th September 2024, where he presided over a Mass for a crowd of 50,000 people. This event included a 2.5-hour pre-mass prayer program, a 30min pope mobile drive around, 1.5-hour Holy Mass and a 2.5 hour post-mass concert program.

This was a live, multi-camera production that required high-definition video quality, reliable equipment, and seamless integration between various broadcasting components. This multi-camera set up, provided live camera feed to the stadium LED screens, local livestream and international broadcast. This set up included a live commentary studio with live commentators and on screen sign language interpretation.

Panasonic Connect Asia supported this event by providing sponsorship of 4K Studio Cameras, Camera Control Units, Monitors, Tripods, Panasonic AV-UHS500 live switcher for the commentary studio, converters and accessories. The Panasonic KAIROS, Kairos Core 2000 (Main Frame) AT-KC2000 was used as the main visual switcher during this event, with 3 control panels in 2 separate locations within the National Stadium.

2. Event Overview:

Event: Pope Francis in Singapore
Location: National Stadium, Sport Hub Singapore
Date: September 12, 2024
Audience: 50,000 on-site spectators and a live broadcast audience across multiple platforms, including international TV and streaming services
Duration: 7-hour continuous broadcast
Objective: To deliver high-definition live coverage with clear visuals, smooth transitions, and multiple angles, ensuring a dynamic viewing experience for both in-person and remote audiences.

3. Equipment Setup and Requirements:

A. Main Stadium: Panasonic 4K Studio Cameras

Model Used:

1. Panasonic AK-UC3300GSJ x 6
2. Panasonic AK-UC4000GSJ x 2
3. Panasonic AK-HC3900GSJ x 1

Features:

1. Panasonic AK-UC3300GSJ

The AK-UC3300 4K studio camera system is designed for professional broadcast use. Equipped with a 11-megapixel sensor, it is ideal for high-resolution 4K video shooting. A 2x HD high-speed video shooting function provides excellent operability when shooting rapid movements such as during sports and live events.

4K video output with horizontal / vertical resolution of 2,000 TV lines with a large 11-megapixel image sensor.
Supports 1/100 second high-speed reading to rolling shutter distortion.
Supports High Dynamic Range (HLG) and ITU-R BT.2020 wide color space. (with AK-UCU600 connected)
Supports HD Hi-Speed (2x). (with AK-UCU600 connected)
12G-SDI output/ TICO over SDI output /(with AK-UCU600 connected). SMPTE ST 2110 supported with optional (with AK-NP600).

2. Panasonic AK-UC4000GSJ x 2

The AK-UC4000 camera offers the high video quality that is only possible with a large sensor, along with a wide range of 4K acquisition with the latest functions such as HDR, BT.2020 and high-speed shooting. The camera keeps up with diversifying systems with the AK-UCU700 series camera control unit (CCU) which includes options for 25G ST 2110, Dante audio and streaming with SRT and NDI^®, making it suitable not only for studio production but for a wide range of operations such as sports and live events.

* NDI^® is a video connectivity technology and is registered as a trademark by Vizrt NDI AB in the United States and other countries.

4.4K Sensor Camera with 2/3 type B4 Output from the AK-UCU600 Camera Control Unit.
UHD 12G-SDI (x2)
2x, 3x, or 4x HD Slow Motion Output
SMPTE 2110 MoIP Upgrade Path
Supports HDR (HLG) and ITU-R BT.2020.

Each camera’s monitor were equipped with tele-lights that could indicate which control board the camera was going live on (ie. The broadcast control panel, main control panel or the Multimedia control panel). The tele-lights notified the camera operator if they were live at any point during the event, indicated with the colours, Green, yellow and red.

Purpose:

The multiple high quality 4K cameras were strategically positioned to capture live performances, audience reactions, and on-stage dynamics, including the multiple processions and pope mobile drive around.

Camera Positions:

* Panasonic 4K Studio Cameras were at positions (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 14, 15 and 16)

B. Fujinon 4K Broadcast Lenses

FUJIFILM Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., sponsored 15 broadcast lenses, ranging from 14x to 125x.

2 x UA14x4.5BERD
1 x UA22x8BERD
2 x UA24x7.8BERD
4 x UA46x9.5BERD
1 x UA70x8.7BESM
1 x UA80x9BESM
3 x UA107x8.4BESM
1 x UA125x8BESM

FUJINON 4K lenses, with advanced optical performance supporting 4K cameras, deliver premium image quality across a versatile range of shooting scenes.
And with Nine Iris Blades, making it possible to render images, taking full advantage of a Softer, more Natural Bokeh. For those who do not compromise on quality and performance.

C. Panasonic Kairos Core 2000

Model Used:: Kairos Core 2000 (Main Frame) AT-KC2000
Kairos Control (Control Panel) AT-KC10C1 x 1
Kairos Control (Control Panel) AT-KC10C2 x 2
Kairos Creator (GUI Software) AT-SFC10

Kairos 2000 Control Panel Locations:

1. Event Overlay Room

Kairos Core 2000 (Main Frame) AT-KC2000 was situated in the event overlay room
All cameras feeds and other inputs feeds were cabled to the Kairos core 2000.
One control panel was situated in the event overlay room
This control panel was the broadcast control panel that provided the visual mixing for the broadcast and live stream, as well as input the overlays, MEs and other video playbacks that were required for the livestream and broadcast.
The broadcast control panel also cut in the portions for the live commentary studio
The broadcast control panel was configured to receive the main camera mix as well as individual cameras
A safety/contingency plan was also programed to allow the broadcast control panel in the event overlay room to control

2. Front of House (FOH)

Used 2 types of control panels.
- Main Control Panel, Kairos Control AT-KC10C1 provided the clean visual mix for all the cameras, this provided a continuous camera program feed for international broadcast (ie. Without graphics, commentary studio etc), this program feed was also used by the broadcast control team and Multimedia control team as the base camera program feed.
- Compact Control Panel, Kairos Control AT-KC10C2 provided camera feed to the on site event screens. This control panel used the main camera program feed but provided the ability to cut to over to individual cameras to coordinate with the multimedia assets for the various event screens.

The IT/IP Platform KAIROS solution allowed all inputs to be able to be programmed to be accessible from all control panels, allowing flexibility and versatility compared to traditional analog systems.

D. PTZs

4 PTZ cameras were deployed on the stage to provide views of the audience, views from the stage as cameras were not permitted on stage during the event due to security reasons.

Model Used:: AW-UE150KE x 4
AW-UE160KE x 1

E. Live Commentary Studio

A live commentary studio was set up on the 5th floor lounge overlooking the stadium.
Panasonic sponsored cameras and live switchers and monitor screens were used in this studio. A sign language interpretation booth was also set up for the sign language interpreter to appear on both the stadium event screens as well as the livestream.