Overview
When Paul Richards and the StreamGeeks team set out to reinvent grassroots ice-hockey broadcasts, they needed a network capable of juggling multiple 4K/60 fps camera feeds, instant-replay tablets for coaches and simultaneous cloud streaming—all with zero tolerance for downtime. NETGEAR’s purpose-built M4250 AV Line switches proved the missing puzzle piece, delivering the rock-solid, low-latency backbone the production demanded.
Challenge
- Multi-camera 4K capture: Up to eight PTZOptics 4K/60 cameras had to remain perfectly in sync while tracking fast-moving players.
- Real-time coaching tools: Wireless tablets running SkyCoach needed instant replays without buffering—any lag would undermine strategic decisions mid-game.
- Complex workflow, simple control: Operators wanted to re-route bandwidth on the fly between vMix recorders, ATOMOS Shogun Ultra units and a YoloBox encoder, yet avoid diving into CLI commands during a live match.
Solution
Richards built a ring of NETGEAR M4250-series switches, each loaded with the brand-new AVoIP multicast profile:
| Key Components | Role in the Workflow |
|---|---|
| NETGEAR M4250 switches | Pre-configured multicast, silent mode for rink-side audio, 1 Gb/10 Gb uplinks for future expansion. |
| PTZOptics 4K/60 cameras & SuperJoy controllers | Broadcast-grade capture and smooth operator control. |
| vMix & ATOMOS recorders | Parallel ISO-recording and programme feeds in 4K HDR. |
| YoloLiv YoloBox | One-touch streaming to YouTube & Facebook. |
| SkyCoach tablets | Sideline instant replay via Wi-Fi, powered by the same multicast backbone. |
Results
- Broadcast-grade quality – Viewers enjoyed stutter-free 4K streams, while coaches reviewed replays within seconds.
- Operational headroom – The intuitive NETGEAR Engage GUI let crews flip between practice and match-day presets in under a minute.
- Built-in scalability – With spare 10 Gb ports and profile-based VLAN templates, future cameras or analytics engines can be added without redesigning the network.
Partner with Confidence
As an authorised NETGEAR distributor, Audio Visual Distributors (AVD) stocks the full Pro AV switch range—backed by local technical support, quick shipping across Australia & New Zealand and hands-on training for integrators. Whether you are livestreaming sport, deploying digital signage or upgrading a lecture theatre, AVD can help you replicate (or surpass) the StreamGeeks workflow with assured performance and minimal set-up time.
Ready to elevate your next AVoIP project? Speak to the AVD team on +61 7 5561 7530 (AU); +64 9 222 1010 (NZ) or email [email protected] for pricing, design assistance and dealer resources.
