After crafting IPTV perfection for Chanel’s Autumn-Winter 2025 show in Paris, our encoders and decoders did it again, this time in New York for Chanel’s prestigious Métiers d’Art show at the Bowery subway station.
Renowned for its commitment to excellence, Chanel set high demands for this event. Unlike traditional IPTV setups, which are typically located in one place, this project required coordination across multiple locations, as the video feeds were transported from the subway station to surrounding buildings over the internet up to two blocks away for use by VIP guests, models, show operations, and security.
Our partner, Octal, expertly managed the on-site setup, using our encoders and decoders to ensure that every moment of this luxurious event was captured and shared seamlessly.
Technical Requirements
Meeting Chanel’s stringent requirements involved addressing several key challenges:
- Quality: Visual integrity was paramount, with zero tolerance for artifacts and a focus on intricate details such as textures and colours;
- Reliability: The system needed to function reliably with minimal intervention, as the installed equipment would be inaccessible once the VIPs arrived.
- Low Latency: The video was also used to coordinate professionals across multiple locations – for example, the models two blocks away relied on the video for their cues to go on stage;
- Flexibility: With last-minute changes expected, the solution had to be adaptable. The software-defined nature of the encoders and decoders allowed for quick adjustments (unlike fixed function hardware products).
Implementation Architecture
To meet these demanding requirements, Octal deployed an IP-based architecture that included:
- Our low-latency, high-density encoders placed in the production vehicle to encode feeds for the various buildings
- High bitrate 22Mbps 4:2:2 encoding and decoding (something not possible with consumer grade IPTV)
- Zixi and Amazon Web Services (AWS) MediaConnect to power the video transport over the internet
- Eight NUCs running our decoders to decode the incoming streams and deliver them to 16 screens in different buildings, including a Multiview screen for monitoring purposes.
Seamless Precision
The IPTV implementation delivered exceptional performance throughout the Chanel Métiers d’Art show. The system operated flawlessly, providing VIP guests with synchronised video of the runway with delays of less than 500 ms. The robust IP-based architecture maintained high aesthetic standards, delivering video quality that met Chanel’s high expectations. Moreover, the software-defined encoders and decoders easily accommodated last-minute changes in architecture choices (e.g. on-premises versus Cloud-based). As with the Paris fashion show, the system ran without human intervention once it was installed.
Beyond Fashion: IPTV Solutions for Every Industry
Open Broadcast Systems implemented a state-of-the-art IPTV infrastructure tailored for Chanel, ensuring an exceptional experience for VIP guests. Our IPTV solutions extend far beyond the fashion industry, supporting broadcast productions and enabling teams to access feeds both on-site and remotely. Open Broadcast Systems is dedicated to meeting the highest standards across all markets, consistently delivering low latency and superior quality with a diverse range of form factors.
