OTTAWA, Canada—Ross Video has announced that NBC Sports Regional Networks will be using its XPression real-time motion graphics system and PIERO sports graphics analysis platform. 

The five RSN’s, which are part of NBCUniversal Local, plan to use the Ross solutions to deliver compelling, visually rich productions while improving workflows. 

The NBC Sports Regional Networks, which are NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports Boston, NBC Sports California, NBC Sports Chicago and NBC Sports Philadelphia, provide live coverage of 12 NBA, NHL and MLB teams, totalling more than 1,500 games annually.

Ross’ XPression, which is widely used by NBCUniversal Local’s NBC and Telemundo-owned stations, will provide the RSNs with one tool to manage all on-screen and studio-wall graphics. Ross Video’s Rocket Surgery Creative Services will convert the RSNs existing graphics packages and rebuild eye-catching graphics within XPression, the companies said. 

“We’re thrilled that NBC Sports Regional Networks is working with our team to boost their workflow operations and to help engage with their audiences through our powerful and flexible graphics and sports-analysis tools,” explained Kevin Cottam, vice president of sports and live events at Ross Video. “Modern sports broadcasters expect these tools to work together seamlessly, and the modern sports fan expects more from their coverage. With the combination of XPression and PIERO, the RSNs now have a best-in-class solution that will present real-time data and cutting-edge graphic analysis to break down the biggest moments of a game.”

In addition, several of the NBC Sports Regional Networks will also be adopting the PIERO sports graphics analysis platform for analysis and telestration. 

PIERO can add industry-leading graphics and effects to more than 20 of the world’s most popular major sports, Ross said. The system combines video-based effects with 3D replays and advanced virtual graphics. PIERO breaks down key moments with graphical analysis, real-time data-driven graphics, and unique shots and perspectives. Additionally, PIERO’s wide range of effects helps producers, presenters, and commentators analyze critical moments of any game more effectively. With PIERO, talent can use large touchscreen displays on studio sets to add telestration to the telecast live on-air, Ross said. 

OTTAWA—Ross has unveiled version 16 of Piero, the sports graphics analysis solution, a system that is used by both broadcasters to engage and entertain audiences and professional sports clubs for coaching and professional development.

Piero v16 adds support for 4K-UHD and HDR workflows over SDI. The platform’s integration with Ross’ Mira replay server has also been enhanced, enabling operators to browse, preview and load clips from Mira directly into Piero Broadcast’s user interface. There is also a new Asset Manager that can insert, mass-import/export and back-up all Piero visual assets.

Updated features for v16 includes the addition of new graphical arrow shapes, as well as a filter effect that can blur or darken part of the playing field to focus attention on a specific area. New magnifier backgrounds also enable specific zones or players to be highlighted, including with monochrome and blur backgrounds. There is also the Range effect for counting up or down a number range and link to an effect with a measurement component, and the Virtual Presenter feature has an easier set up, allowing presenters to be inserted into either a real or virtual scene in Piero.

In addition, Piero v16 also has additional features to support more sports, including a Down and Distance feature for football.

For more information, visit www.rossvideo.com.  

STOCKHOLM—Ericsson’s PIERO real-time sports graphics software is heading to the big leagues, as Ericsson has signed a multi-year contract with MLB Network to provide its graphics service.

PIERO is a sports graphics software that is integrated with major sports data providers to enable data visualization. A range of graphical effects can be added to videos, including markers, counters, heat maps, formations and 3D flyarounds for either live productions or highlight shows. PIERO Augmented Reality is the latest addition to the PIERO product suite and allows broadcasters to go beyond 2D graphics.

MLB Network will utilize the PIERO system across all of its programming as the MLB season heads into the home stretch.