Dual-Purpose Production: How College Sports Are Redefining Broadcast Technology
In the evolving world of college athletics, the expectations for video production are growing fast — and the smartest programs aren’t just live streaming anymore. They’re building dual-purpose systems that serve both broadcast audiences and team operations with a single, streamlined infrastructure.
At West Chester University, a powerful new sports video model is taking shape — one that could easily become the blueprint for college and high school programs nationwide.
The Challenge: Serving Two Critical Audiences
Traditionally, sports video teams have focused on delivering clean live streams to fans — parents, alumni, and student bodies eager to stay connected to their teams.
Today, however, athletic departments are also investing heavily in instant replay systems for coaching and officiating purposes.
And typically, those have been separate systems — one for the broadcast, one for the sidelines.
At WCU, the goal was clear:
Build one system that does both.
The Solution: Integrated Broadcast and Instant Replay Workflows
West Chester University’s new system — designed with support from local manufacturer PTZOptics — combines professional live streaming with wireless instant replay, all using the same cameras.
Here’s how it works:
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PTZOptics Move SE cameras capture multiple angles of gameplay, including a wireless end-zone view mounted 20 feet above the field.
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YoloLive YoloBox hardware encodes and streams the live production to fans around the world.
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Simultaneously, three of the cameras deliver HDMI feeds to SkyCoach — a specialized instant replay platform that streams footage wirelessly to iPads used by coaches and referees on the sidelines.
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The entire multi-camera system is remotely controlled through PTZOptics Hive, a cloud-based platform allowing operators to manage focus, exposure, pan, tilt, zoom, and presets from the press box — or even from across campus.
One capture. Two critical outputs. No redundant equipment needed.
The Impact: Efficiency, Flexibility, and Competitive Advantage
By embracing a dual-purpose production model, WCU is achieving several advantages:
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Lower equipment and staffing costs — one camera system supports multiple needs.
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Real-time coaching and officiating support — wireless replay access empowers teams and referees during games.
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Improved fan engagement — professional-grade live streams keep the broader community connected.
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Remote operations scalability — PTZOptics Hive enables broader coverage across multiple sports without massive production crews.
“This is where broadcast technology is headed for college and high school sports,” says Paul Richards, Chief Revenue Officer at PTZOptics, headquartered in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.
“We’re seeing programs move away from single-use systems and toward smarter, dual-purpose designs that deliver both live productions and internal team value. Schools like West Chester are leading the way.“
PTZOptics, with more than 75 employees, continues to design live streaming camera solutions for the growing global sports video market, but remains strongly committed to helping local institutions innovate.
A Sign of Things to Come
With alumni engagement, fan expectations, and athlete development all increasingly tied to video, dual-purpose production workflows are poised to become the norm — not the exception — in collegiate and youth sports.
The takeaway for the industry?
The next great sports production system isn’t just about what’s broadcast to fans.
It’s about what’s delivered behind the scenes too.
Expect to see more schools investing in systems that can stream, coach, analyze, and empower — all at once.
West Chester University’s example shows that the future of sports video is flexible, efficient, and dual-purposed — and it’s already here.
- How College Sports Are Redefining Broadcast Technology - April 27, 2025
- PTZOptics Hive Launches at NAB 2025, Wins Best Remote Production Software Award - April 10, 2025
- New Book Sports Video: Recording, Analysis, and Live Streaming – Spo - January 27, 2025
