When Naomi Baker captured the iconic image of Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles bowing to Brazilian gold medalist Rebeca Andrade during the floor exercise medal ceremony, the photo was swiftly transmitted to an editor in London and then broadcast globally. Getty's state-of-the-art technology made this rapid dissemination possible.
Why It Matters: Getty relies on advanced technology, including private 5G networks, to ensure that its images from the Paris Games are available to media outlets almost immediately.
Zoom In: Getty aims for essential photos to be available within 26 seconds of being taken, requiring a blend of cutting-edge tech and efficient human operation. Over 350,000 pictures have already been uploaded for media use during the games.
Editors worldwide, rather than in Paris, are handling the photo editing. This marks the first time Getty has adopted a fully remote editing setup for the Olympics, with editors positioned in London, Australia, and the U.S. to cover various time zones.
Technological Setup: Getty has established private 5G networks in Paris, supplementing the wired ethernet connections it has traditionally used. For instance, the wireless network at Bercy Arena enabled Baker to move swiftly between different apparatuses during simultaneous gymnastics events. This was the first Olympics where Getty used Starlink satellite modems as a backup network option.
Getty has also enhanced its underwater robots since the Tokyo Olympics and deployed an array of remotely controlled cameras high above tracks and pools in Paris, providing unique perspectives that complement ground-level photography.
What They're Saying: "The robots allow us to get that eye-in-the-sky view," said Michael Heiman, VP of global sport for Getty.
Between the Lines: Paris's ambitious outdoor opening ceremony presented challenges, especially with heavy rain and cellular issues. Despite this, Heiman noted that photos were uploaded faster than expected, even with weather complications. "Outside of losing a few cameras to water, it was pretty fantastic," he said.
What's Next: While AI is not yet used at the Games, Heiman envisions it assisting with tagging and sorting images in the future. Getty has previously used AI to identify athletes' faces in professional sports with known rosters. The company also hopes to eventually replace ethernet cables with wireless transmission entirely, a goal it's had since before the advent of 4G.
"We'll see if we get there," Heiman said.
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