Archive for the ‘Sports’ Category

Fox Sports moves from Chyron to Vizrt

Along with debuting a new graphics package for its preseason NFL coverage, Fox also debuted a new work flow with Vizrt.

“Viewers can expect to see a much more colorful 3D look overall,” says Zac Fields, Fox Sports’ manager of remote graphics. “Yet at the same time, our production process will be much more streamlined; making life simpler for the artists and operators who create and play our graphics.”

To make this happen, Fox Sports has migrated to Vizrt’s graphics platform, including: Viz Artist, Viz Engine and Viz Trio. Previously, Fox relied on Cinema 4D, 3D Studio Max and Adobe Suite to create graphics, then importing to Chyron Duet software.

“One of the Trios is used for our ‘FOX BOX’ scoring banner,” said Fields. “The second Viz Trio is used for our 3D graphics. Although much of its content is preproduced, it is possible for us to create new 3D animations on the fly.”

Fox Sports plans to roll out the Viz 3D system to its other sports properties early next year, including its NASCAR coverage in February.

Read More on TV Technology.

Fox Sports rolls out new graphics for NFL coverage

Foxx Sports has rolled out new graphics for its coverage of the NFL.

The new graphics are a vast improvement and look very polished. One interesting note, FOX is now broadcasting the games letterboxed to SD viewers. With that said, many of the graphics still seem safe zone oriented with only a few taking advantage of the extra wings.

View more screen grabs after the jump.

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CBC’s Fifa World Cup set added to SetStudio

We’ve added photos of CBC’s 2010 Fifa World Cup set to SetStudio.

The set was designed by AKA Creative Group, a Toronto based company that has designed many sets for Canadian news and sports programs.

“This set covered this summer’s 2010 FIFA world cup for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Sports Division. Designing for both French and English boradcasts and using the latest in video technology, the sets designed by AKA helped deliver unprecedented coverage of the tournament to more Canadians than ever before,” said AKA Creative Group.

First Look: ESPN World Cup studio

Here’s a first look at ESPN’s setup for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Located inside the International Broadcast Center, ESPN’s  studio includes four distinct areas - an anchor desk overlooking Soccer City Stadium; a side set for interviews; a 16-foot by nine-foot LED wall for stand-ups; and an outside patio.

The studio measures approximately 40 feet by 40 feet with the base 25 feet in the air. Actual photos after the jump.

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Getting anchors involved in the story doesn’t always come off well

Watch this video, where Australian TV hosts try their hand at some participatory journalism by taking the Wii Fit Olympics game for a spin, to see what we mean.

Olympics designer posts images, video

Lead Designer David Barton has posted samples of the 2010 Winter Olympics graphics package he and his team developed for NBC’s coverage.

More commentary and a link to the site after the jump.

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‘Today’ floor crew member marches along to music

Just a little thing we spotted in one of the “Today” 360 interviews: One of the floor staffers gets into the Olympic spirit by marching along to the Olympics music.

The video clip is above, but you can see the full clip here. You’ll need to pan over to the right a bit and look just under the large light hanging from the ceiling.

‘Today’ provides 360-degree interview from Vancouver

Via Webnewser: NBC’s “Today Show” has posted an interesting 360-degree video of Matt Lauer’s interview with Wayne Gretzky. While it’s a bit of a strange use for recording an interview segment, it does provide a nice view of the show’s temporary digs.

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ESPN buys technology company Vistas Unlimited

Broadcasting & Cable is reporting that ESPN has reached a deal to acquire Vistas Unlimited, a Texas-based development firm.

Vistas Unlimited has created “virtual insertion technology” to add ads or graphic elements to live sports coverage.

“This acquisition represents ESPN’s dedication to staying at the forefront of innovation and technology development,” said ESPN EVP of technology Chuck Pagano in a statement. “The team that is joining ESPN brings a wealth of knowledge on developing cutting-edge virtual components that enhance the fan’s enjoyment of a game telecast.”

Vistas Unlimited won a Sports Emmy in 2008 for its AimPoint system, which the Golf Channel uses to analyze putting by showing a blue line of the ball’s “optimal” path compared to the actual path it took.

For more about Vistas Unlimited, including video demonstrations of its products, visit its Web site.

Apprently this Chyron op didn’t major in ‘cummunication’

A tipster sent us this screen grab from Fox Sports’ Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

ESPN to launch 3D network

You’ve heard the phrase “going HD.” Is “going 3D” going to be next big thing?

ESPN seems to think so. The network has announced plans to launch a 3D network that will carry 85 live events a year.

The network faces many challenges for entering: namely the fact that a special television and 3D glasses are required to view the 3D video feeds.

ESPN to build massive facility for World Cup coverage

ESPN has announced plans to build a 12,700 international broadcast center in South Africa for its coverage of next July’s FIFA World Cup.

Previously ESPN relied mainly on partner feeds, according to Broadcasting & Cable, but the network’s new emphasis on building an international footprint has made the matches the No. 1 priority for  executives back in Bristol, Conn.

The ESPN facility will include the technical backbone needed to provide multi-platform live and taped coverage of the games, including segments on SportsCenter and pre- and post-game coverage and halftime shows. There is also a live nightly program planned devoted to coverage of the day’s matches.

Never before has ESPN produced World Cup coverage from the field. In fact, this effort is second only to the ESPN-X Games in terms of staffers needed to make it possible — 300 in South Africa in comparison to the 500 needed for the X Games.

ESPN plans to build two sets in the Johannesburg area and have nine ENG crews scattered about the region’s various venues.