NESN is making history as the first regional sports network (RSN) in the U.S. to broadcast an entire season of home games in 4K HDR, starting with the Red Sox 2021 home opener. To support this milestone, NESN has launched a 4K HDR-capable studio at its Watertown, MA, headquarters. The redesign reflects NESN’s ambition to remain at the forefront of sports broadcasting, aligning the network’s visuals with its updated logo and branding introduced in 2019.
A Modern Studio with Flexibility and Functionality
The new 360-degree, fully customizable “Studio A” offers a sleek, industrial loft aesthetic with a blend of steel, brick, and wood elements. The space was designed with flexibility in mind, making it easy to transition between Red Sox and Bruins programming, especially important during overlapping seasons.
Rick Booth, Director of Creative Services at NESN, explained:
“We needed a modern studio that could evolve with our brand and easily switch between our Bruins and Red Sox broadcasts. This setup allows us to shoot from multiple angles and create more dynamic content.”
The design partnership involved Jack Morton Worldwide for brand experience, AV Design Services for technology, and Propmasters for scenic fabrication.
Leveraging Technology for Efficiency
NESN’s new studio integrates advanced LED technology, eliminating the need for traditional props and set elements. The space features:
– Six LED monitors, including 20’x7’ and 14’x7’ walls from DesignLED, providing visual backdrops.
– Curved and straight LED walls for enhanced flexibility.
– Robotic cameras and a manned jib to allow dynamic shots without additional manpower.
The modern design replaces old props like Bruins lockers and the Red Sox “Green Monster” wall, reducing the need for manual transitions between sets.
“LED technology streamlines everything,” said Booth. “We no longer need to truck in props. Everything can be updated on-screen in real-time.”
On the technology front, the new studio is 4K HDR-ready. NESN has upgraded its master control systems and shifted to hybrid fiber satellite distribution, ensuring smooth delivery of 4K HDR broadcasts. NESN will begin producing games in 4K HDR for the Red Sox season, becoming the first U.S.-based RSN to do so.
Overcoming Challenges During the Pandemic
NESN initiated the 50×50-foot studio redesign at the onset of 2020, using the sports shutdown as an opportunity to accelerate the renovation.
“The pandemic gave us a unique chance to demo the old space,” Booth explained. “We had time to plan, but supply chain delays complicated things.”
Despite the challenges, NESN completed the project in just three months to meet its 2020 budget deadline. The rapid execution was a collaborative effort involving every department within NESN.
“It was a company-wide effort,” said Jaffe. “From engineering to creative services, operations, and sales—everyone took pride in making this project a reality.”
