Photo credit: Alibaba Group

Cloud technology and artificial intelligence will transform how viewers experience the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, as an upgraded broadcasting solution puts them closer to the action than ever before.

OBS Cloud 3.0, launched on Thursday by Alibaba Cloud and Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), boosts efficiency and streamlines workflow for media and organizers alike.

Broadcasters can deliver cloud-based broadcasting in real-time via the Live Cloud service, while the Content+ platform provides a wide range of content produced by OBS, including live sessions, athlete interviews, features, behind-the-scenes footage, and social media content.

“With approximately half of the world’s population watching the Games, technologies like Alibaba Cloud help us tell the stories of the best athletes in the world, but also bring the world together in ways which are more exciting and inspirational,” said Yiannis Exarchos, OBS Chief Executive Officer.

Exarchos spoke during the OBS Cloud 3.0 release at Alibaba Cloud International Broadcasting Centre (IBC) alongside Alibaba Cloud executives and International Olympic Committee and OBS representatives.

The launch comes as OBS prepares to produce a record-breaking 11,000 hours of Olympic Games footage during Paris 2024, representing a 15% increase from Tokyo 2020.

“We are very excited to see the evolution of Olympic broadcasting from Tokyo 2020 to Paris 2024, enabled by Alibaba Cloud’s extensive global infrastructure and proven AI technologies,” noted Selina Yuan, President of International Business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, at the event.

Game-Changer

For the first in Olympic history, OBS Live Cloud has become the main method of remote distribution to broadcasters, transmitting a total of 379 video and 100 audio feeds.

OBS Live Cloud service, introduced at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, had 22 subscribers during Olympic Winter Games two years ago. At Paris 2024, it will cater to two-thirds of booked remote services across 54 broadcasters.

Cloud-based technology is a game-changer for global media, which previously relied on expensive international telecommunication circuits and spent significant time preparing equipment for live coverage.

It’s also a powerful tool for OBS, enabling organizers to do more with less—literally.

Paris 2024 will have a reduced broadcast footprint, with an IBC that is 13% smaller than Tokyo 2020 and 23% smaller than Rio 2016.

Enhanced with AI

Paris 2024 will host camera replay systems infused with AI technology to offer frame-freeze slow-motion replays of athletes’ performances.

Alibaba Cloud is providing all the multi-camera replay systems at the Games, which will be deployed at 14 venues to cover events across 21 different sports.

These systems can transform live footage into precise 3D models for real-time rendering, creating immersive virtual reconstructions that enhance both live and non-live coverage.

“The partnership between Alibaba Cloud and OBS amplifies our commitment to help transform the viewer experience at the Olympic Games, turning technology innovations into practical applications for tangible results,” Alibaba Cloud’s Yuan added.

Sports fans will be able to see the results in action.

For instance, OBS Olympic Video Player, an advanced multi-platform video service especially for small and medium-sized organizations, will support ultra-high-definition (UHD) livestreaming for the first time.

Thanks to Alibaba Cloud’s global infrastructure, Content+, which is fully hosted on the cloud, will be able to deliver content in UHD for the first time and offer new features like vertical screen compatibility and more.

Discover more Alizila stories about the Olympic Games here

Find B-roll footage from the Alibaba Cloud IBC Showcase at Paris 2024 here