Pinnacle Systems' Pinnacle Deko real-time broadcast graphics system was selected by the United States Golf Association and all broadcasters associated with the US Open. Deko systems will be delivering the graphics look for the USGA's world feed along with event coverage on NBC, ESPN, TV Asahi, BSkyB and Channel Nine Australia.
"When we spoke with our broadcasters it quickly became apparent that Pinnacle Deko was the overwhelming choice for graphics production," said Kristin Xippolitos, manager of broadcast operations at the United States Golf Association (USGA). "Individually, they pointed to its high productivity, flexibility, and extensive creative palette. From the USGA's perspective, we appreciate the assurance of a consistent look across all of the broadcasters. In addition, Deko meshes seamlessly with our Unisys scoring system to integrate up to the second data into the broadcast."
The US Open, scheduled for June 16-19, is being broadcast to 173 countries. Domestic audiences will see more than 28 hours of live coverage on NBC and ESPN, with all scoring graphics produced and delivered by Pinnacle Deko systems.
"As the Official supplier of computerized golf scoring and information systems to the USGA, Unysis provides scoring data to all broadcasters, the press, the web and spectators,‰ said David Fox, director, sports marketing at Unisys. „The open design and superior data handling capabilities of Pinnacle Deko is enabling broadcasters to connect all of their graphics systems directly to the scoring system. All the information from Unisys is automatically inserted into Deko's graphics templates for a flawless on air information system."
As the host broadcasters, ESPN and NBC designed all graphics for the event. These graphics templates were then provided to the other broadcasters during the final days before the event. Using the powerful file association capabilities of Deko, each of the other broadcasters is able to simply replace individual master file elements with their own logos and other branding elements in order to customize the programming for their respective audiences. At air time, these branding elements are automatically placed into the thousands of pre-made graphics templates, dramatically reducing production time for these other broadcasters. Deko even enables the host broadcasters to make last minute changes. All they need to do is provide the other broadcasters with an updated template - Pinnacle Deko takes care of the customization. As the host coverage switches throughout the event, the broadcasters merely have to point to the set of templates provided by the on-air host. Branding elements and scoring are then automatically inserted by Deko as needed.
