German football club, 1. FSV Mainz 05, is using Ferncast’s fernReport for the live coverage and commentating of matches. The sports coverage is streamed online.
fernReport is a portable audio codec device with touchscreen controls. Powered by Ferncast’s aixtream software, it has been tuned specifically for responsive touch controls with widgets designed to facilitate effortless input.
The club began using fernReport in 2019. According to Ferncast, the organization was first drawn to system because it supported online streaming and SIP phone calls simultaneously. In 2020, the club asked Ferncast to develop a widget to allow them to control the active input and output directly on the system’s dashboard. One of the goals was to be able to switch between pre-recorded intro jingles and microphone input with a single click.
The new widget also allows interacting with the fans during the live stream. This way the commentators can discuss the game in real time. The widget makes it possible to handle the streaming as well as calls with players, coaches and fans at the same time. In addition, it can record the audio.
“Until now we had to use various pieces of equipment for our requirements,” explained Udo Botzenhardt, head of Content and Club Media for 1. FSV Mainz 05. “Thanks to Ferncast and the fernReport, we can now integrate experts and our fans into the program using a small and simple-to-use device, and so enhance our live reporting on 05ER.fm.”
