MLB will work with The Video Call Center to improve production quality of live digital video chats. (Photo courtesy of VCC)
Major League Baseball is stepping up its live video chat capabilities through a partnership with The Video Call Center (VCC). The multi-year support relationship integrates VCC’s digital cloud and video call system into MLB Network’s operating headquarters in Secaucus, NJ to produce live, digital programs featuring guests and fans calling from video apps on their mobile devices.
Here’s what you need to know:
-With VCC, MLB will be able to connect with callers from anywhere in the world. MLB can use video calling apps like FaceTime, Web-RTC and Skype to support multiple callers at once.
-VCC offers MLB its trademarked ‘Caller Queue’, which assists in the pre-air screening process by ensuring that each participant signs all necessary releases and other paperwork and is ready to go in front of a national audience.
-VCC will help MLB producers manage callers from any location, whether in the office, home or even in the car.
SportTechie Takeaway:
This deal is interesting from both a fan engagement perspective and an internal video production perspective. Along with many other leagues, MLB recognizes the need to reach fans where they are at all times: often on their mobile devices. Couple that with the desire to interact with fans and offer more than the game itself, and you can see why MLB might might find value in well-produced digital video chats.
Suggested further reading (and listening):
The SportTechie Podcast featuring MLB EVP Chris Marinak
Statcast, Sign Stealing, Replay Among Top Tech Storylines for 2018 MLB Season
