Introduction

Sports streaming is an important technology that enables many people around the world to watch real-time sports games. In particular, as the use of sports streaming on mobile devices increases, users can enjoy sports games anytime, anywhere. However, streaming in a mobile environment faces various technical challenges, such as network instability and delay time. To solve these problems, high-efficiency video codec technology, adaptive bitrate streaming technology according to network conditions, and utilization of 5G networks will be required. In this paper, we will introduce the core elements of these mobile sports streaming technologies and examine their future development directions.

Codec Technology for Mobile Streaming

Sports streaming in a mobile environment faces problems such as network instability and limited bandwidth. High-efficiency video codec technology is essential to solve these challenges. Next-generation codecs, H.265/HEVC and AV1, can provide low latency and energy efficiency by greatly improving data compression efficiency compared to existing codecs.

H.265/HEVC reduces data usage by about 50% compared to H.264, and can transmit video at a lower bitrate with the same picture quality. This allows for a seamless streaming experience in mobile environments. In addition, AV1 boasts 10-20% more efficient compression performance than H.265/HEVC, and is free from patent issues, drawing attention as a codec more suitable for mobile devices.

In this way, high-efficiency video codecs can contribute to reducing data usage and minimizing delay time in mobile streaming environments. In the future, with the development of such codec technologies, the real-time sports viewing experience on mobile devices is expected to improve significantly.

Adaptive Bitrate Streaming

Adaptive bitrate streaming technology can provide users with an optimal streaming experience by adjusting video quality in real time according to network conditions. To achieve this, real-time measurement and monitoring of network bandwidth, delay time, etc. are required.

Representative adaptive bitrate streaming technologies include MPEG-DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) and HLS (HTTP Live Streaming). These technologies provide the same content encoded in multiple resolutions and bitrates, allowing the client to select the appropriate quality stream according to the network conditions. This minimizes video interruptions due to network conditions.

Recently, more efficient bitrate optimization has become possible by utilizing AI technology. AI algorithms can analyze various factors such as the user's device performance, network conditions, and viewing environment to determine the optimal bitrate in real time. This allows users to receive high-quality streaming services without interruption.

In this way, adaptive bitrate streaming technology will make sports streaming in mobile environments more stable and enjoyable. It is expected that the user experience will continue to improve through the convergence of these technologies and AI in the future.

Utilization of 5G networks

5G networks are expected to bring about significant changes in mobile sports streaming technology. First of all, the low latency characteristics of 5G are very important for real-time sports broadcasting. Compared to existing 4G networks, latency is drastically reduced, allowing users to enjoy the game scene in real time. In addition, the improved bandwidth of 5G will enable high-definition video streaming, which will greatly improve the user experience.

In particular, 5G networks can provide streaming services to many users simultaneously by supporting multicast and broadcast modes. This will enable stable and uninterrupted streaming during large-scale sports event broadcasts. Furthermore, the edge computing function of 5G networks can minimize the delay time of streaming services. This will provide users with a more real-time sports broadcasting experience.

In this way, 5G networks are expected to play a key role in the development of mobile sports streaming technology. The technical features of 5G, such as low latency, bandwidth enhancement, multicast/broadcast support, and edge computing, will provide users with an upgraded mobile sports viewing experience. It is expected that mobile sports streaming services will develop significantly in the future along with the popularization of 5G networks.

Conclusion

Mobile sports streaming technology enables real-time sports broadcasting to numerous people around the world, providing an opportunity to enjoy sports games anytime, anywhere. To achieve this, various core technologies such as high-efficiency video codecs, adaptive bitrate streaming, and 5G networks are required.

High-efficiency codec technology reduces data usage and minimizes delay time, providing a stable streaming experience. Adaptive bitrate streaming monitors network conditions in real time and adjusts to the optimal quality to realize uninterrupted service. In addition, low latency, bandwidth improvement, and multicast functions of 5G networks are leading the innovation of mobile sports broadcasting.

In this way, mobile sports streaming technology will continue to develop and provide better experiences to users. In the future, it is expected that more intelligent and optimized streaming services will be possible through convergence with artificial intelligence technology. In addition, a new era of mobile sports broadcasting will open with the popularization of 5G networks. Through this, viewers around the world will be able to enjoy sports games in real time, anytime, anywhere. Sports Broadcast TV