University of Staffordshire Panasonic KAIROS Case Study
By Jennifer P
In this article from Panasonic Connect, the University of Staffordshire’s efforts to revitalize its eSports broadcasting course with cutting-edge technology and professional-grade facilities are highlighted. A trailblazer in eSports education, the university partnered with Panasonic and Digital Garage as part of a £2.7 million expansion at its Stoke-on-Trent campus. The goal was to create an industry-leading program that equips students with practical skills and real-world experience, reaffirming the university’s position as a leader in the rapidly evolving eSports broadcasting field.
As the first UK institution to offer an eSports degree in 2018, the University of Staffordshire faced growing competition from similar programs at other universities. To stay ahead, it sought to expand its curriculum and facilities, delivering a course designed to prepare the next generation of sportscasters. Central to this vision was the creation of a state-of-the-art 61-seat eSports arena and broadcasting hub, which includes two dedicated gallery spaces for the arena and studio. These spaces can operate independently or in tandem for large-scale events, offering unparalleled versatility for both students and professional use.
Panasonic’s KAIROS live production platform became a cornerstone of the project. Its advanced CPU/GPU architecture and compatibility with SMPTE ST 2110 IP-transmission standards made it an ideal choice for delivering low-latency, high-quality production capabilities. The arena was further equipped with Panasonic’s AW-UE100 4K PTZ cameras and AK-HC3900 HDR studio cameras, creating a professional broadcasting environment that mirrors real-world industry settings. This setup provides students with hands-on experience using the same tools employed in commercial eSports production.
Digital Garage played a pivotal role in the project, managing every aspect from design and construction to budgeting and installation. The team addressed unique challenges, such as integrating advanced broadcasting systems into existing university infrastructure and ensuring compliance with building regulations. Innovations included reconfiguring layouts for functionality, improving accessibility, and redesigning workflows to meet industry standards. Live tests of the KAIROS platform were conducted at Digital Garage’s demo facility, ensuring a smooth installation process and minimizing disruptions.
To support the transition to advanced technology, Panasonic and Digital Garage provided extensive training for the university’s IT and academic staff. These sessions covered the KAIROS platform and ST 2110 standards, empowering the internal teams to manage and support the facilities without relying on dedicated broadcast engineers. This collaboration ensured that students could benefit from cutting-edge resources while enabling university staff to maintain the system effectively.
The fully operational eSports arena and broadcasting course launched in Spring 2024, delivering a comprehensive educational experience that bridges the gap between academia and the professional world. By combining state-of-the-art facilities, innovative technology, and a forward-thinking curriculum, the University of Staffordshire positions its graduates for success in the competitive eSports broadcasting industry. This partnership with Panasonic and Digital Garage not only redefines academic eSports education but also establishes the university as a hub for eSports innovation and excellence.
Read the full Case Study from Panasonic Connect HERE
Learn more about Panasonic Connect KAIROS HERE
Learn more about Panasonic Connect HERE