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(02/17/08) The big addition this year is Sportvision’s “backboard slideout” graphic effect. Based on the same technologies used for NFL First-and-Ten lines and other Sportvision products viewers were treated to graphics that appeared to slideout of the backboard during free throw shots. Originally appeared in sportsvideo.org By Ken Kerschbaumer TNT's coverage of the NBA All-Star game this year continues to evolve as Sportvision and Orad are stepping up with virtual-based technologies to deliver information to viewers in new ways and help [lower] costs related to set design. The big addition this year is Sportvision's "backboard slideout" graphic effect. Based on the same technologies used for NFL First-and-Ten lines and other Sportvision products viewers were treated to graphics that appeared to slideout of the backboard during free throw shots. "This is a seamless use of the technology within the live coverage rather than confined to replays," says Tom Sahara, Turner Sports, senior director, IT and Remote Operations. The system is tied into the slash camera that is on the opposite side of the court from the free throw attempt. The graphic element then slides out from behind the backboard and can include video elements like replays of the foul or simple statistical info like free throw percentage. Sahara adds that moving statistical information to the virtual backboard will reduce the reliance on lower-third graphics that pull viewers attention away from the action. TNT also made use of virtual set technology from Orad for a virtual set located at the Energy Center. Cameras at the set shot video that was composited with virtual graphics and animations. Sahara says it even incorporated GPS data to accurately place graphics within the city skyline. TNT relied on virtual set technology beginning in the 1990s when it covered NFL games. NBA telecasts have used the technology for the past four years. But this is the first year Orad has stepped to the line. "The hardware is far superior to the previous system we used," explains Sahara. "The Orad system offers near real-time processing and can handle multiple video channels." While the broadcast side of TNT's All-Star game coverage didn't change too much the Internet-side of the broadcast has. This year a new interactive quad-split matrix with different camera angles was available to users beginning on All-Star Saturday Night. "It's more intuitive than past systems, allowing viewers to click on one of the four feeds to go full screen," adds Sahara. © Copyright 2006-2007 sportsvideogroup |