Watch the Rugby World Cup with 5G: Enjoy multi-angle video on your handheld device
NTT Docomo, a tournament supplier for the Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan, held a public viewing event for the opening match between Japan and Russia on September 20th at Bellesalle Shiodome in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. The event, titled "The More You Understand, The More Passionate You Become. 0 distance 5G LIVE SPORTS," utilized fifth-generation mobile communication (5G) lines. Approximately 300 rugby fans, selected by lottery to cheer on the Japanese national team in their opening match, gathered at the venue and enjoyed the game through immersive, high-quality video.
Match footage from Tokyo Stadium was transmitted via the 5G network and displayed on large screens. The center screen showed the international feed, while the left and right screens displayed live and replay footage of key moments highlighted by commentators. Leveraging 5G's capabilities for high-capacity, low-latency data transmission, the event delivered the intense atmosphere of the match to the remote venue.
Additionally, cameras positioned at various angles within the stadium enabled the provision of multi-angle footage. Foldable 5G terminals were provided at the public viewing venue, allowing attendees to simultaneously watch the main broadcast on the large screen while switching between footage captured by multiple cameras on their handheld 5G devices according to their preferences.
Concurrently, a proof-of-concept test was conducted to rapidly upload press photos taken by stadium photographers via 5G lines. These uploaded photos were sent to the public viewing venue, where a dedicated viewing area was set up for free access. The company is collaborating with the Yomiuri Shimbun's "Rugby World Cup Digital Press Photo Exhibition" and stated it will continue working to enhance the freedom and immediacy of news reporting.
At a press conference held before the public viewing began, Kenichi Mori, Managing Executive Officer and Head of the Smart Life Business Division, stated: "The Rugby World Cup Japan tournament is finally kicking off. Before the commercial service launch next spring, we aim to refine the new sports experience enabled by 5G by gathering and considering feedback from various sources. We hope you experience the excitement of rugby through these incredibly powerful screens."
The company will also provide a pre-service for multi-angle viewing via 5G devices at eight Rugby World Cup Japan matches. This allows spectators to enjoy powerful visuals on their devices while watching the game.
Additionally, at the "Fan Zone," booths will offer VR viewing and multi-angle viewing experiences using footage from Japan's national team matches. Ahead of the commercial service launch next spring, the company is rolling out initiatives across various locations to enable fans to enjoy this rugby festival—the first time Asia hosts the event, bringing together top players from around the world—using 5G.
At the public viewing venue, sports commentator Tetsuya Sato, former Japan national rugby players Tatsuhiko Otao and Yuki Yatomi made appearances, providing unique commentary and analysis. Before and after the matches, the four of them, including the host, held talks introducing key points and players.
In that day's match against Russia, Japan fell behind in the first half but staged a comeback to secure the win. Attendees cheered loudly, creating a highly charged atmosphere.
Docomo Official Site: https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/special_contents/rwc2019/
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