iFit
Revolutionizing Remote Production
27 live classes daily
1 frame delay
16 hours publish-ready content daily
“There’s a sense of community I feel when shooting these workouts, knowing that iFit members are working out at home with me in that exact moment. Being able to communicate in real time with the iFit members creates an even closer relationship than ever before.”
— John Peel, iFit Trainer
In our collaboration with iFit, we seamlessly transitioned from on-site production to a Remote Integration Model (REMI) during the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a dedicated crew and cutting-edge technology, we successfully produced 27 live shows a day for iFit, catering to their rapidly expanding user base.
Adapting to the New Normal
In March 2020, as the world grappled with the effects of the global pandemic, iFit faced the pressing need to adapt its production model. With social distancing measures in place, on-site production became unfeasible. Understanding the urgency, we swiftly devised a plan to transition iFit's production to a REMI model, ensuring uninterrupted service to their users.
“iFit members increase their effort level and push harder as they participate in friendly competition against other members in real time.”
The Power of Remote Integration Model (REMI)
Syndicate's REMI model allowed us to revolutionize iFit's production by remotely managing the entire process. While iFit's studio in Logan, Utah housed the cameras and fitness talent, our crew operated from our Network Operations Center located at our facility. This remote collaboration enabled us to overcome geographical barriers and work seamlessly with iFit's team, while keeping crew members socially distanced. By having our crews work remotely iFit realized a savings of over $70,000 a month in travel expenses alone.
Efficient Remote Production Workflow
At our Network Operations Center, the dynamic crew consisted of the Director, Technical Director, A1, Graphics Operator, and engineering staff. Working together harmoniously, we produced 16 hours of engaging shows each day, utilizing two control rooms equipped with cutting-edge technology. This economy of scale drove the production cost per live class to under $500.
“Choose from ten times to workout throughout the day, Monday through Saturday, whether you’re an early bird or a night owl.”
Seamless Signal Transmission
The signals from iFit's studio sets were transmitted to our Network Operations Center via Jpeg2000 transmission. This technology provided superior video quality with a minimal delay of just 1 frame. To the operators working the event it was as if they were in the same facility as the rest of the crew. The transmission occurred over a dedicated 10G EPL (Ethernet Private Line), ensuring a reliable connection between the studio and our facility.
Backup Path and Redundancy
Recognizing the importance of redundancy in live productions, we implemented a backup path for signal transmission. In the event of any unforeseen issues with the dedicated 10G EPL, we would switch to a backup path over the public internet, utilizing Haivision SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) technology. This ensured uninterrupted delivery of iFit's shows, guaranteeing a seamless experience for their users.
“I’ve been an iFit member for almost 3 years. I tried my first live studio workout tonight with Danielle Gray! Pretty neat to say I’ve been trained by her while never leaving my home treadmill! It was fun to watch my name on the leaderboard & even get a shoutout on the screen!”
— Malissa Beamer, iFit Member
Efficient Communication and Intercom
Efficient communication is vital for a successful live production. Syndicate leveraged RTS Intercom transmitted over the EPL to Logan, where they interfaced with iFit's Camera Control Units (CCUs) and Clear Comm Free Speak, ensuring clear and instant communication among the crew located at our Network Operations Center and iFit's team at the Logan, Utah studio. Remote Producers viewed the broadcast in low latency from their homes, and were able to join on intercom via their mobile phones.
Expanding the On-Demand Library and Automated Upload
We didn't stop at producing 27 live shows a day for iFit; we also revolutionized their on-demand library. Within just 30 minutes of each live workout's completion, our automated system generated a polished video. This included a line cut of the session, trimmed heads and tails, and added logos. The streamlined process allowed for automatic uploading to iFit's platform, making the content available for on-demand viewing.
By integrating automated post-production into our REMI model, we provided several key benefits for iFit. Users gained immediate access to recorded workouts, increasing convenience and satisfaction. The quick 30-minute turnaround time enhanced engagement and retention. Moreover, the automated workflow significantly reduced the need for manual editing. This process enabled iFit to rapidly expand their library, adding hundreds of videos per week without the need for extensive editing resources.
Our collaboration with iFit showcases our ability to adapt swiftly to challenging circumstances and deliver exceptional results. Despite the obstacles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we successfully transitioned iFit's production to a REMI model. Our dedicated crew, advanced technology, and reliable transmission systems ensured a flawless experience for iFit users at home.
At Syndicate, we pride ourselves on pushing the boundaries of innovation, and we look forward to partnering with new clients to bring their visions to life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can elevate your live television production experience!
