WATCHOUT and NDI at new esports arena

Welcome to ESpot, the new gamer’s paradise in Paris with its own broadcast studio, control room, viewing arena, and a giant LED wall where Twitch streams can be followed by spectators on-site and online. Behind the scenes: Dataton WATCHOUT for video, NDI for live broadcast and Zendeo for show control.

What is ESpot?

Opened on June 1, 2021, ESpot is an entertainment centre with a gaming and esports theme. The venue boasts a 150-seat arena, 100 PCs for networked esports competitions and 40 game consoles. A fully equipped TV studio (including robotic cameras) means events can be broadcast live simultaneously on a giant LED wall for ESpot visitors and on Twitch, as well as other social networks for online viewers.

WATCHOUT and 100+ NDI streams

Dataton premium partner, Videmus, worked closely with system integrator CVS on the technical solution at ESpot. The huge LED wall at the heart of the facility shows video and live streams from multiple gamers. Newtek’s NDI was chosen as the optimum, most cost-effective solution for the 100+ incoming streams from gamers. NDI is teamed with WATCHOUT for managing and delivering smooth on-screen playback.

The 4 x 4K WATCHOUT media server, a Videmus-built unit, connects to the optical fibre network via dual 10Gbit links to play the multiple streams. Most of the NDI streams come via Magewell Pro Converter encoders but also from Panasonic PTZ cameras. A Sienna router feeds the streams across multiple networks.

“The biggest challenge was managing the 10GbE core network with numerous NDI streams,” explains Benoît Dauvergne, President at Videmus. “Fortunately, the flexibility of NDI with WATCHOUT means we can handle that directly in IP, ensuring an efficient workflow.”

Smart control and automation

A Zendeo system provides automation and different levels of show control at the venue. Everyday operation – powering on/off, adjusting volumes etc – is performed by staff from a tablet with a cleancut user interface. For private events that call for bespoke tech setups, specialists can access more functionality.

Alongside pro-gamers, ESpot aims to attract a broader audience, doubling up as a fun, hi-tech party venue for birthday parties, groups who want to play retro games and esports competitions. The location has already proved a popular haunt for influencers and businessmen alike. With live video gaming one of the fastest-growing spectator sports worldwide, the creators also envisage expanding the ESpot concept into other major European cities such as London and Madrid.