Sony Professional Demonstrates its Leadership in Sports Entertainment

New technology demonstration of Data Augmented Video and its applications in football and tennis environments

At IBC this year, Sony Professional was showcasing its commitment to groundbreaking innovation in sports entertainment with a new technology demonstration of Data Augmented Video and its applications in football and tennis environments.

This follows a momentous year for Sony Professional in its delivery of major live sports events in 3D. Since July 2010, Sony has delivered the FIFA World Cup and Ryder Cup, supported the first host broadcast in both 2D and 3D of UEFA Champions League final and the inaugural 3D Wimbledon production. These events have seen a series of broadcast production worldwide firsts, including the first use of SR-R1000 recording, 3D Super slow motion replays, live use of picture stitching and the Hawkeye official line call system in 3D.

Sony Professional’s latest innovation in sports production technology, launched at IBC this year, is Data Augmented Video. This solution combines picture stitching with live statistical analysis. Three camera feeds, positioned close to each other on the pitch but recording separate spaces, are "sewn" together forming a wide HD view of the pitch. Video content is enhanced by graphical information sourced from sports data tools, enabling production and coaches to use this information to highlight specific events or characteristics of a game. This leads ultimately to an improved fan experience by adding on a layer of context and background to any game.

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Until recently this type of enhanced match analysis has only been possible for match highlights or reviews. However, Sony’s new platform enables this to be achieved live with the inclusion of data enhanced video clips within an event replay sequence.

Mark Grinyer, Head of Professional Development – 3D and Sports, Sony Professional, says, “Sony Professional is committed to continuous innovation and works in collaboration with customers to deliver solutions that open up new and exciting possibilities. Data Augmented Video is the next step, not only for broadcasters to improve the viewer experience, but also for coaches to analyse and assess their team's performance as the action takes place. It is also a fantastic tool for allowing fans to greater understand exactly what is happening on the pitch.”

Moving forward, Sony Professional is dedicated to keeping sports entertainment a priority. Drawing on the success of events like the FIFA World Cup and Wimbledon, Sony Professional is continuing to create innovative solutions from live production to security, digital signage and the OB truck build.

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“All of our innovations in the sports industry come from close integration with customers who feed us their ideas and requirements. This way we know that the solutions we deliver add real value and differentiation to the production workflow, and in doing so create more engaging content for viewers at home,” adds Mark Grinyer.