Case Study
LiveU - Live Sports Broadcasting
Starlink Mini & V4
LiveU - Sports Broadcasting
Live broadcasting is essential for capturing real-time moments — from major sporting events to cultural festivals and breaking news. But delivering high-quality coverage from remote or infrastructure-poor locations remains a major challenge.
LiveU, a global leader in portable live video solutions, enables broadcasters to go live from virtually anywhere using lightweight, bonded technology. When paired with Starlink satellite connectivity, deployed and managed by Clarus Networks, this solution becomes a powerful tool for agile, high-quality broadcasting in even the most remote settings.
This case study explores how Clarus and LiveU successfully trialled this integrated setup at Nairn Golf Club — proving that professional-grade live transmission is now possible wherever the story takes you.
Key Statistics
lower cost than ob setups*
1
%
carbon reduction due to low power draw *
0
%
Faster setup (15 minutes v 4-6 hours)*
1
%
coverage in remote locations*
0
%
The Challenge
Live broadcast teams face significant challenges when covering events in remote or environmentally sensitive locations such as golf courses. These venues often suffer from limited terrestrial or cellular connectivity, requiring extensive infrastructure—fibre, mobile towers, generators, and long cable runs—to ensure reliable video transmission.
Not only are these traditional setups logistically complex and time-consuming, but they also risk damaging the natural landscape, increasing the carbon footprint of live event production. The industry needed a more agile, sustainable solution to meet the growing demand for high-quality, live content from locations previously considered unreachable.
The Solution
Clarus Networks collaborated with LiveU to deliver a next-generation, portable broadcasting solution at Nairn Golf Club, a scenic and remote coastal course in the north of Scotland. Leveraging Starlink Mini and Starlink V4 terminals, the team enabled seamless, high-definition live video transmission from the fairway—without the need for fibre connectivity, mobile masts, or heavy infrastructure.
The compact Starlink Mini terminal was ideal for rapid deployment in tight or uneven terrain, while the more powerful V4 terminal ensured additional bandwidth and reliability for multi-camera or higher bitrate needs. Combined with LiveU’s bonded video transmission unit, this setup formed a fully mobile, field-ready broadcast kit.
Deployment Highlights
Portable Satellite Connectivity:
- Starlink Mini offered a lightweight, ultra-portable option with minimal power draw.
- Starlink V4 provided enhanced throughput for more complex production demands.
- Both options can be used in motion with Clarus’ custom magnetic vehicle mounts
Seamless Integration with LiveU Technology:
- Enabled uninterrupted live HD broadcasting, overcoming terrestrial limitations.
- Reduced latency and ensured stable connections throughout the live feed.
Sustainable Setup:
- Eliminated the need for fuel-powered generators or long cable runs.
- Preserved the integrity of the course and reduced environmental disruption.
The Results
The trial demonstrated that high-quality, resilient live broadcasts are entirely achievable from remote and infrastructure-poor locations. At Nairn Golf Club, the Clarus–LiveU setup delivered high-definition video with upload speeds exceeding 200 Mbps and low latency suitable for real-time production — all without relying on fibre, cellular towers, or OB trucks.
Setup was completed in under 15 minutes, with a compact, battery-powered kit that reduced environmental impact and required no ground disruption. This approach enables production teams to go live from locations that were previously inaccessible or cost-prohibitive.
It opens new possibilities for:
- Live sports coverage in remote or protected areas
- Festival and music event broadcasting in rural or coastal sites
- Emergency or time-sensitive productions in hard-to-reach environments
This solution gives broadcasters the flexibility to respond faster, produce more creatively, and operate more sustainably — wherever the story unfolds.
Benefits
- Professional-grade broadcasts from remote or rural locations with speeds of 220 Mbps download / 40Mbps upload (Starlink V4) and 100Mbps download / 10Mbps upload (Starlink Mini) on a single user terminal
- Multiple Starlink connections can be bonded to create high throughput, gigabit-capable connectivity
- Highly portable (can be carried on the person and in a suitcase) and rapid deployment in under 15 minutes, even by a single operator
- Minimal environmental disruption, with as little as 25W power draw (Starlink Mini), enabling solar and battery operation, and no need for cabling or generators
- Global reach via satellite — no reliance on local telecom infrastructure
- Creative freedom for production teams to explore new locations and formats
- Cost-effective alternative to OB trucks, fibre digs, and temporary towers
Using Starlink for Live Broadcasting
This trial marks a significant step forward in the evolution of live broadcast capabilities. By combining the agility and global reach of Starlink’s low-earth orbit satellite network with the proven performance of LiveU’s portable transmission technology, Clarus Networks has demonstrated that professional-grade live broadcasting is no longer limited by geography, infrastructure, or setup constraints.
What was once a complex, resource-heavy operation requiring broadcast trucks, generators, and extensive planning can now be achieved with a lightweight, mobile solution deployable by a single operator — without sacrificing quality, reliability, or compliance with environmental standards.
This technology is a game-changer for media production teams, especially those covering remote sports, outdoor events, or rural news stories. It enables broadcasters to respond quickly, adapt to changing conditions, and reduce both operational costs and environmental impact.
As content demands continue to grow and audiences expect real-time coverage from everywhere, Clarus’ portable satellite solution empowers production teams to stay ahead — delivering immersive, real-time content from any location, no matter how remote or challenging.
With Clarus, broadcasters are no longer tethered to infrastructure. They’re free to focus on what matters most: capturing the moment and telling the story — live, anywhere, and without compromise.
*Sources:
– https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352550923000994?
– https://www.ceragon.com/blog/the-true-costs-of-fiber-in-the-u.s#:~:text=higher%20than%20wireless,a%20fraction%20of%20this%20cost
– https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn07069/#:~:text=The%20Government%20will%20invest%20up,Office%E2%80%99s%20new%20Emergency%20Services%20Network
– https://www.liveu.tv/resources/blog/liveu-and-starlink-when-ip-meets-satellite#:~:text=Other%20users%20have%20used%20Starlink,with%20no%20other%20available%20connectivity
– https://www.newscaststudio.com/2025/01/17/remote-production-gains-ground-as-broadcasters-seek-lower-costs-less-on-site-crew/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CRemote%20production%20of%20live%20content,%E2%80%9D
