Fox Sports 1 is using the video caller-based production platform from The Video Call Center (VCC) to extend its ability to bring key sports personalities and guests on the air.

Using the VCC platform, FS1 can bring guests live to air for two-way conversations using only the smartphone or other convenient devices available to the guest from anywhere in the world. Currently, the VCC platform is used throughout the week in the production of The Herd with Colin Cowherd.

The best technologies make a show better for the audience and the production team and the VCC does that remarkably well, said Fox Sports Senior Vice President of Production Whit Albohm. The video quality is excellent and the flexibility means we can put the best names in sports on-air any time with minimal preparation to talk about the most current topics of the day. Our producers and our talent appreciate the flexibility and ease of the VCC platform and that the VCC team members feel like part of our family.

The collaboration began when Colin Cowherds producers went looking for a more reliable two-way live video remote solution that would enhance, rather than impede, the show. With its ultra-low-latency, high quality, two-way video call connections, easy video call setup, and experienced video call production team, the VCC solution enables Cowherd to engage his guests in the lively back-and-forth banter that is the staple of the Herd style.

Flexibility and efficiency are the hallmarks of the VCC platform, providing FS1 with an effortless means of initiating live interviews with coaches and athletes, as well as Fox Sports correspondents. Remote participants only need a smartphone with standard mobile data or WiFi connection to appear on camera. Producers can establish first video in as little as 24 seconds via a text sent to the guest from VCCs StageDoor system. They never have to download software either, as the VCC uses standard native video calling capabilities built into all smartphones including Apple FaceTime and WebRTC-based Gruveo and Jitsi, as well as popular video call apps like Skype.

The Herd originates in LA, but during a given sports season producers need access to players and commentators spread all over the country with highly variable schedules.

The VCC service for FS1 combines VCCs expert production staff with patented technologies that together ensure long duration, stable connections with no lag that make natural, effortless conversation possible between host and guests. Monitors on the set at FS1 let the show host see their guest, while the VCCs exclusive instant return video makes sure that guests can also view the hosts on their phone, all in real-time.

We are thrilled to be supporting FS1 in creating some of the premier sports talk on the air today, said VCC CEO Larry Thaler. We think that the keys to the best live television are having access to the most relevant, recognizable voices and making it easy for them to have sustained, effortless, face-to-face conversation anytime, from anywhere. We look forward to supporting FS1 as it continues to innovate sports television.

Viewers can see VCC remotes on FS1 most weekdays, with the Herd airing as many as three live, VCC remote guest segments per show.

View post:

Fox Sports 1 Utilized Video Call Center to Extend Reach of Shows Like The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Sports Video Group