Envivio-Powered Mobile Kangaroo TV Used in Formula 1, NASCAR, NFL and Golf Events On Display at Mobile World Congress

Envivio Inc. will showcase the Kangaroo handheld TV at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain February 11 to 14. Envivio 4Caster MPEG-4 encoders are used by Kangaroo TV to deliver broadcast video feeds at sports events such as Formula 1, NASCAR, NFL and international professional golf tournaments.

Responding to sports fans’ demands for more value at events, Kangaroo TV developed the innovative, compact audio-video entertainment device which provides multiple live video feeds including replays, highlights, and in-car camera views. The wireless handset is part of a unique mobile video application which allows spectators to interact with and access exclusive content such as real-time information and statistics. In essence, Kangaroo TV places each fan in the driver’s seat of their own interactive live-action experience with high quality video delivered to the palm of their hand. With thousands of units available for rent to the public internationally and for purchase in the USA, Kangaroo TV, powered by Envivio, is changing the way people experience live sports.

“Sports content, like racing, is notoriously difficult to encode. Our broadcasts require low bandwidth and low latency. The picture resolution must be the best quality and delivered consistently with almost no delay. This is why we selected the 4Caster encoders from Envivio,” said Jean Arseneau, Executive Vice President Technology, and CTO at Kangaroo Media Inc.

Though spectators enjoy the live action and excitement of being at a sporting event, they were previously limited to the view available from their seat versus the views attained from watching the event on television. Television viewers at home must rely on the programming provided and it’s estimated that over 80% of footage captured for any event isn’t broadcasted. Kangaroo TV provides the best of both worlds, allowing spectators to experience the thrill of being at the live event with even more viewing advantages than a broadcast television audience.

Kangaroo TV is available at every Formula 1 and NASCAR event around the world. The 4Caster encoders travel with Kangaroo TV for each of its broadcasts and their rugged, truck-mounted configuration is perfect for the road. Compatible with the most devices and formats on the market today, the Envivio encoders work seamlessly with the Kangaroo TV handsets.

Using Formula 1 races as an example, the handsets provide trackside spectators access to all the available footage, with pits-to-car audio and exclusive data which includes timing, statistics and real-time analysis features. Each spectator becomes their own director at the event, choosing what turn on the track to watch, which driver to “ride with” or what information to review and when.

“Kangaroo TV represents a true paradigm shift in the way sports enthusiasts can follow and experience live events. Life enhancing video services, like this unique mobile application, can now be offered anytime and anywhere. At Envivio, our encoders help make this a reality,” said Julien Signès, President and CEO of Envivio Inc.

Depending on the type of event, location, and licensing, the Kangaroo TV devices may be either purchased or rented by spectators. The devices have proven to be an incomparable medium for targeted advertising, merchandising, market surveying, and branding. With them, Kangaroo TV provides professional league owners, team owners, sponsors and promoters powerful new ways of reaching their target audiences and maximizing returns.

The Envivio 4Caster encoders selected by Kangaroo TV provide high quality, full resolution video using a variety of bit rate options. Increased bandwidth efficiency, combined with exceptional picture quality at lower bit rates, allows service providers to expand video offerings throughout their distribution networks. Kangaroo TV’s handset is one of the many mobile video devices supported by the awarding winning Envivio encoders. The encoders deliver the most complete implementation of MPEG-4 compression techniques available and are ideal for mobile TV, IPTV, Internet TV, and broadcast services.