Saltar al contenido

Ucan: How Low Latency Is Transforming Live Streaming

By Jean Augusto, General Director of UCAN

Large events have always been a natural breeding ground for innovation in the media industry. In sports coverage, festivals, government operations, or critical missions, every detail depends on precision, speed, and adaptability.

In recent years, these operations have undergone a profound transformation, driven by the evolution of mobility, the use of hybrid networks, and low-latency technologies that have significantly expanded the reach and efficiency of live productions.

The logic that previously depended on heavy infrastructure, fixed links, and rigid planning has given way to a more agile, flexible, and intelligent ecosystem. Mobile equipment allows access to previously limited areas, while transmission networks that combine different connections ensure stability even in challenging scenarios.

The result is a dynamic production, capable of adapting to the pace of the event and exploring angles and narratives that were previously impossible.

Low latency has become a central element of this process. In high-visibility broadcasts, a few milliseconds can compromise synchronization, audio, editorial dynamics, and even the security of an operation. The ability to deliver video virtually in real time has changed the way directing teams, commentators, and operators work, creating a more fluid experience for both producers and viewers.

Among the most significant transformations I’ve had the privilege of witnessing recently is the evolution of aerial operations, where live helicopter transmission, which previously depended on complex proprietary links, now integrates highly stable mobile streams, allowing for immediate viewing in command centers, newsrooms, and management units.

The same logic extends to motorcycles, news vehicles, drones, and handheld cameras, composing a fully mobile ecosystem that follows the event from start to finish with complete freedom of movement. Mobility also directly impacts the economics of broadcasts, as the replacement of dedicated links with hybrid networks has reduced operational costs, expanded coverage possibilities, and allowed for leaner teams without sacrificing quality.

My perception of this scenario is strongly influenced by practical experiences. In 2016, I was responsible for leading the LiveU equipment supply operation in Brazil for the broadcasts of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. It was one of the most complex coverages ever undertaken by Ucan in the country, involving the import of a significant volume of units, detailed logistics, reverse logistics, individual configuration, full-time support, and service to broadcasters worldwide. Each stage of the operation demanded extreme precision.

Seeing international teams working with stability, mobility, and quality, and witnessing the satisfaction of clients in the face of an event of this magnitude, was a valuable lesson in resilience, planning, and technical excellence in high-pressure environments. I believe that the future of live broadcasting will continue to be built on the combination of mobility, network intelligence, and more flexible processes.

More than equipment, it’s about creating an ecosystem capable of transforming complexity into efficiency and technology into real impact. Major events will continue to showcase this transformation, revealing how innovation, creativity, and technical precision can work together to deliver memorable experiences to the audience.