Intel Enhances Olympics Coverage with AI-Powered 8K Livestreaming

As the Official Worldwide AI Platform Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, Intel is making significant strides in broadcasting technology. The company is introducing AI-optimized broadcast servers to encode and compress 8K live signals, which will be delivered by the Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) to selected media rights holders across the internet.

The servers utilize the latest 5th Gen Intel® Xeon® processors, including Emerald Rapids and Sapphire Rapids, which feature Intel® AI accelerator (AMX) and Deep Learning Boost technology. These innovations enable Intel to compress live raw feeds, measuring 48 gigabits per second (Gbps), into a VVC-enabled livestream of 40 to 60 megabits per second (Mbps). This remarkable compression ratio of 1,000 times is achieved in under 400 milliseconds. The 8K broadcast will be accessible worldwide on 8K TVs connected to Intel-enabled PCs.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will showcase the world’s first live demonstration of an end-to-end 8K VVC livestreaming experience. Intel’s 5th Gen Xeon CPUs are used for encoding, while Intel-based client CPUs and Arc GPUs handle the decoding process. This development represents a significant leap forward in low-latency, broadcast-grade 8K livestreaming over the internet.

To deliver this advanced broadcasting experience, Intel’s technology will capture high-definition 8K content at 60 frames per second with a 48 Gbps bitrate and 32 audio channels. The “broadcast in a box” encoder, powered by Intel’s latest Xeon CPUs, processes the raw content in less than 400 milliseconds. The content is then distributed globally, where Intel® Core™ i9 processor-based PCs with Intel® Arc™ GPUs and Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 processor-based laptops decode the video feed in real-time.

Intel’s innovations, including the Xeon® Scalable processors with Intel® Advanced Matrix Extensions (Intel® AMX) and Deep Learning Boost (Intel® DL Boost), are crucial in advancing 8K display technology. This initiative at the Paris 2024 Olympics marks a pivotal moment for the future of 8K broadcasting, offering viewers an unprecedented viewing experience.

ASBIS is the official distributor for Intel products, ensuring the availability of these cutting-edge technologies. This partnership exemplifies Intel’s commitment to enhancing global broadcasting standards and bringing next-generation viewing experiences to audiences worldwide.