CUPERTINO, Calif.—TVU Networks is reporting that Big Ten Network (BTN) has deployed the TVU Remote Production System (RPS) platform to bring super slow-motion replay to a broader range of collegiate sports—extending the capability beyond football and basketball to events like baseball, soccer, and volleyball.

BTN has also expanded the role of TVU RPS Link encoders in its field production trucks, using them as a hot backup to fiber-based workflows and as an early access network that provides connectivity before venue fiber is even activated.

"The primary hurdle for moving our super slo-mo workflows to a remote model has always been the synchronization drift over the open internet," said Nick Smith, VP of Engineering, Big Ten Network. "TVU has allowed us to take super slo-mo replay where it wasn't previously possible."

BTN's football and basketball productions already rely on established, high-end replay workflows. But fans increasingly expect the same caliber of 3x, 4x, and 6x super slo-mo replays from a collegiate wrestling match or soccer game. Until now, the synchronization demands of high-speed replay cameras made that impractical for events without dedicated fiber infrastructure, or having replay hardware on site, which isn't practical for all events. The TVU RPS platform now gives BTN a new option to extend super slo-mo to more sports and more venues—complementing its existing production model rather than replacing it.

TVU RPS units at each venue encode multiple super slo-mo camera feeds and transport them over standard internet, 5G, or Starlink connections to BTN's central production hub, where they arrive perfectly synchronized with zero drift. The hub's Evertz DreamCatcher replay servers then create the super slo-mo content viewers see on air. TVU's synchronization has proven stable over multi-day continuous operation—a level of precision that competing transport solutions have been unable to match, often drifting or requiring manual resets that disrupt live coverage.

For these additional sports, the system also gives BTN full remote control of cameras in the field. From the central studio, operators can adjust cameras, manage tally and intercom, and produce shows across different venues without anyone traveling—allowing BTN to extend its production quality to more events without scaling up on-site crews.

Separately, BTN has also integrated TVU RPS Link units into its regional field trucks as a hot backup for its existing fiber-based productions at major events. If the primary fiber connection fails, the TVU system seamlessly takes over, maintaining the synchronized super slo-mo feeds. The units also run TVU Router, which provides immediate high-speed connectivity to production trucks before venue fiber is activated—giving crews operational access from the moment they arrive on site.

"Big Ten Network's implementation is a brilliant example of total network orchestration," said Matt McEwen, VP of Product Management, TVU Networks. "They saw an opportunity to use TVU RPS to bring super slo-mo to more sports and more venues, while also adding resilience and flexibility to their existing fiber-based productions. It's a smart, layered approach, and we're proud to support their vision for expanding what's possible in collegiate sports production."

To learn more download the white paper: Super Slo-Mo Anywhere: The Democratization of Elite Sports Production via TVU's Bonded RPS REMI Ecosystem.

WAYNE, N.J.―JVC Professional Video has unveiled the new RM-LP450G Slow-Motion Controller for its vMix Studio Switchers.

Created specifically for sports broadcasting, the new controller is designed to increase the speed of a live playback workflow. With a modern appearance and simple control layout, the RM-LP450G offers 38 backlit keys to help quickly identify important functions and reduce the chance of errors. 

To streamline replays, the controller is also equipped with quick-action Playback Search Disks and Control T-bar for speed control of the video playback. Up to eight video inputs can be instantly accessed to capture the action from multiple camera angles and tailor playback for analysis and programming. 

“This winning combination of eight video sources and instant replay offers in-house stadium and arena production teams a simple, cost-effective way to output video directly to a scoreboard,” says Joseph D’Amico, vice president, JVC Professional Video. “We are excited to deliver this new controller and look forward to seeing what our customers in the sports and live events industries accomplish with the solution.”

In addition to the Control T-bar, which provides increasing or decreasing playback speeds with a simple fingertip control, the RM-LP450G comes complete with several other buttons and functions. Among these are the inner and outer Playback Search Disks for endless forward and reverse search of recorded video. With search capabilities varying from frame-by-frame to 16x real-time, the controller can be set to different speeds according to the needs of the operator. 

The available Playback MARK Area function enables users to indicate the IN and OUT point of the camera playback for marking the start and end points of a particular play in a game to use during in-game replays, slow-motion reviews or post-game highlight reels. Additionally, a CAMERA Selection Area function for the replay input enables users to set a slow-motion playback either for live programming or to be previewed prior to live broadcast. 

The RM-LP450G is designed for use with JVC’s multi-award-winning CONNECTED CAM™ vMix-Powered Studio Switchers, including the KM-IP8 and KM-IP8S4, to which it can be connected via a simple USB interface. The KM-IP8 and KM-IP8S4 can each manage up to eight NDI® HX inputs and feature four 3G-SDI inputs with bi-directional connectors and mini-SDI-to-SDI cables. Both devices offer several output options, including one 3G-SDI, one HDMI and four DisplayPorts; as well as a Gigabit Ethernet network port. Additionally, the KM-IP8 and KM-IP8S4 are optimized for switching live programming in SD up to full HD 1080 60P.  

 For more information, visit  jvc.com/usa/pro/professional-video/.  

LOS ANGELES—A new approach to super slow-motion replay deployed to great effect during Fox Sports’ production of the Daytona 500 in February promises to bring this staple of high-end sports coverage within reach for more productions.

Changing the economic equation of super slow-motion replays is virtualization of the process in the cloud where the high number of frames required is created by interpolating between frames of video shot by conventional cameras at normal rates.

The technique, called “Xtramotion,” is the product of a collaboration between Fox Sports and slow-motion replay specialist EVS. 

“EVS had this in their back room for quite some time,” says Michael Davies, Fox Sports senior vice president, Field Operations. “When we saw EVS was actually interested in doing this, we partnered up and collaborated to make it a product.”

What’s game-changing about Xtramotion is that it enables producers to generate super slow-motion replays from video shot with any camera—not simply high-frame models. For Fox Sports, that means leveraging this innovation using a variety of cameras that never before would have sourced super slow-motion footage, such as in-car cameras for Daytona and pylon-cams and referee cams for football.

For producers covering smaller events with slimmer budgets, Xtramotion can make super slow-motion replay a reality without its typical expense. 

“Combined with replay, super slow-motion is one of the most compelling storytelling aspects of our generation watching live sports,” says Dave Pinkel, vice president, Key Accounts, at EVS. “Today, the value of Xtramotion is in augmenting and adding details to big events. But tomorrow, it could be the tier two and three market where the value [of Xtramotion] could be interesting.” 

“For less than $1,000 a game, you can have this type of technology available to operators,” he adds.

SLOW-MOTION FROM THE CLOUD  

The interpolation to create Xtramotion frames is done in the cloud where multiple CPUs and GPUs can be assigned to run the AI/Machine Learning-powered process. The ability to scale processing power in the cloud makes interpolating frames fly.

“It’s just a matter of how many resources that you want to get from whatever cloud service you end up using—and really it can be any of them,” says Davies. “That’s something you actually have control over.”

More difficult is dealing with the time to transfer video to the cloud for processing and then back for integration into a production. During a NASCAR race like the Daytona 500, there are breaks in the action, such as an accident and a yellow flag, that offer a pause during which Xtramotion processing and transport can occur and footage can be integrated into the production in a natural manner, says Davies.

However, there may be a technology solution on the horizon that could reduce transport time, making it easier to add Xtramotion clips to other sports. “One of the things we’re thinking about is MEC multi-edge computing. Companies are experimenting with this concept of putting the cloud—like a mini data center—closer to consumers to reduce latency,” says Davies.

Davies envisions spinning up Xtramotion in MEC data centers within relatively close geographical proximity to a sports venue to reduce video transport time and ultimately make integrating the synthetic slow-motion into game production easier and timelier.

BETTER WITH AGE 

Applying machine learning to Xtramotion means that interpolation of frames should get better over time as the AI algorithms gain experience creating frames. 

“Think about baseball, for instance. I’m particularly interested in giving this a good go in baseball with some of the POV cameras that aren’t typically super slow-motion,” says Davies.

“The computer is going to be getting better at making the ball crisper in super slow-motion replays over time. That’s the machine learning supplying the artificial intelligence with more information to make a better product.”

While Xtramotion continues to gain experience interpolating frames over the next few years, Davies sees AI beginning to pop up elsewhere in sports production. For example, artificial intelligence could be used to suggest various statistical graphics to a coordinator, who ultimately would decide whether or not to use them.

AI also could assist with analysis of plays and other game action, such as of baseball pitches, to generate new graphical looks. “I know AI can definitely start learning how to be a relevant supplier of contextual information that can then be turned into graphics,” he says.

But for now, Davies looks forward to leveraging Xtramotion to create striking new looks for game coverage. Already, he’s run archived footage from college football referee cams through Xtramotion and likes what he’s seen. 

“Xtramotion makes that video look amazing. I think you’re going to see quite a lot of it this fall.”

Cypress, CA, April 23, 2019 – Social media and sports go hand in hand. So much so that when it came time for the professional video production team at Western Michigan University (WMU) to add a second replay system, they wanted something easy to learn as well as a system that would provide social media branding and video playout – all in one system.

WMU already had one Envivo Replay, a sports and live event replay solution from Variant Systems, which is used to capture slow motion footage of the school’s Division I football team for in-stadium replays and for streaming coverage to ESPN and ESPN+. As part of the school’s video production unit, Bronco Productions, students are responsible for the school’s sports programming feeds to ESPN and ESPN+. Based on its simple to learn user interface and the system’s built-in branding and social media playout integration, the school purchased its second Envivo Replay system. The goal in mind with the second Envivo Replay is the creation of more live content for WMU’s social media platforms and for scoreboard playout at the stadium.

“We want to get great looks in the arena and then get that content out to social media instantly,” said Thomas Delves, Director, Bronco Productions. “We envision this new unit being used very much for social media content creation and promotion and to get more video out in-game. Being able to brand and playout all in one system is a huge plus for us. It also gives us an opportunity to train our students before they start providing replay feeds to our ESPN shows. Another benefit is that we’re able to teach students on technology similar to what broadcasters use.”

Delves credits the support he’s received from Variant Systems as another factor in the decision to go with a second Envivo Replay system: “Having that support is one of the main reasons we want to continue to work with Envivo. Olaf Bahr [Vice President of Marketing, Variant Systems] has been an amazing resource. They’re always looking at making it better with updates and tweaks. Just all-around incredible service.”

Variant Systems’ Envivo Replay is sold all over the world, and exclusively by FOR-A in North, Central and South America. Envivo Replay is a complete replay solution with an intuitive user interface that offers support for high-speed slow-motion cameras, as well as playlists for highlights playback, built-in branding capabilities, and direct publishing to social media platforms. It allows for multiple camera inputs and multiple controlled outputs.

Envivo Replay is part of a complete live event workflow with FOR-A’s HANABI series of video switchers, ClassX 3D graphics, and video writer telestrators.

About FOR-A

FOR-A, a worldwide, industry-leading manufacturer, offers a wide range of broadcast and production products with a focus on cutting-edge technologies, including: HD, 4K and IP products. FOR-A continues to offer future-ready, cost effective, advanced technology solutions. Products include: video switchers, routing switchers, multi-viewers, full 4K high-speed cameras, IP encoders/decoders, multi-channel signal processors, 8K/4K/HD test signal generators, color correctors, frame synchronizers, file-based products, character generators, video servers and much more.

For a full range of HD and 4K production and processing solutions, as well as IP-based products, visit our web site at www.for-a.com.

# # #

FOR-A CORPORATION OF AMERICA, 11155 Knott Ave., Suite G&H, Cypress, CA 90630 Phone: 714-894-3311, Fax 714-894-5399 Web site: www.for-a.com 

Western Michigan University’s (WMU) Division I Broncos football program has a storied history at the Kalamazoo-based school. As the 2015 Bahama Bowl winner, 2016 Mid-American Conference (MAC) champions, and participants in the 2017 Cotton Bowl, the popular team requires production technology that keeps pace with its sports program.

Video production professionals at the school determined that the slow-motion replay system used for in-arena replays and for live ESPN and ESPN+ feeds from home football, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s basketball games was not providing a true broadcast look or an optimum training ground for students. As part of the school’s video production unit, Bronco Productions, students are responsible for the school’s sports programming feeds for ESPN and ESPN+.

WMU turned to the Envivo Replay, sports and live event replay solution from Variant Systems, which is sold all over the world, and exclusively by FOR-A in North, Central and South America. Envivo Replay is a complete replay solution with an intuitive user interface that offers support for high-speed slow-motion cameras, as well as playlists for highlights playback, built-in branding capabilities, and direct publishing to social media platforms. It allows for multiple camera inputs and multiple controlled outputs.

As of this fall, Envivo Replay is used to capture slow motion footage for Broncos’ in-stadium replays and for its streaming coverage to ESPN and ESPN+.

“We needed a slow-motion system in our truck that was more broadcast ready,” says Devon Doxey, Assistant Director, Bronco Productions. “We were looking for a replay system with the same look and feel as a professional system that was also easy to learn. The students absolutely love to use the touchscreen. I was a little worried about it at first, but it’s impressive how easy it is to use. It makes doing replays fun. I see our students use it all the time. We rely on them. Envivo Replay gives us state-of-the-art tools that lets them produce broadcast-quality video.

“Plus, we’re able to teach students on technology that’s similar to other systems used by broadcasters,” Doxey continues. “Being able to get them broadcast-ready for replay gigs in the future is something we couldn’t do before.”

Doxey cites having a dual playlist mode as another benefit: “Access to more content has made our production quality even better.”

He adds Variant’s game-day support and the system’s pricing as other factors that contributed to the switch. “With Envivo, we don’t call a technical support line to talk to someone who may or may not know what we’re talking about. We have the guy who created the system as our tech support. That’s incredible.”

Doxey serves as the Director and Producer for all ESPN streams at Western Michigan University, as well as leading all video production for scoreboard and social media content.

Envivo Replay is part of a complete live event workflow with FOR-A’s HANABI series of video switchers, ClassX 3D graphics, and video writer telestrators. 

TORRANCE, Calif. — Slomo.tv, which produces high-performance SSD-based video record and replay systems, will launch a multifunctional 4K server at IBC2018 that the company says is aggressively priced.

Dominator AT/12G provides advanced slow motion and instant replay capabilities and direct recording for editing on site. In 4K mode it supports the 662 configuration — six-channel recording, search on six channels and two channels replay (6 Record + 6 Search + 2 Play); in 3G/HD replay mode it supports 10 channels recording, search on all channels and four channels replay (10 Record + 10 Search + 4 Play). Mode switching is achieved with one button push and does not require any reconfiguration of the system.

“Since many manufacturers use 12G SDI interfaces for 4K [UHD] operation, the new server is equipped with 12 universal 12G/3G/HD/SD video interfaces,” explained Slomo.tv CEO Michael Gilman. “This allocates one [BNC] connector for all standards, which perfectly fits modern cameras and mixers and significantly reduces the number of connecting cables.”

The Dominator AT/12G offers enhanced replay capabilities with two operators working simultaneously on the same unit. With four independent graphics outputs each operator can work with separate monitors using the main GUI and multiviewer. The GUI built-in multiviewer has five basic configurations, displaying video windows of different or equal size, for input video, search channels and video outputs. Suitable in compact OB environments, an optional MultiSkin function allows the user to display several different interfaces on one monitor.

Slomo.tv will be in Stand 8.B40. The IBC2018 show is Sept. 13–18, in Amsterdam. For more information or to register, visit www.ibc.org.

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NEW YORK—IO Industries is preparing its 4K MAX slow motion mini camera system for the Big Apple as part of its display for NAB Show New York.

The 4K Max camera is comprised of a 4K camera head that connects to a high-speed, solid-state recorder via 75 ohm coaxial cable. The recorder is the DVR Express Core 2 MAX, which is capable of playing slow-motion imagery from 3G-SDI outputs at usual broadcast rates. The camera can record 10-bit 4K up to 210 fps, 2K/HD up to 830 fps and 720p up to 1200 fps.

NAB Show New York is taking place at the Javits Center from Nov. 9-10. IO Industries will be located at booth 1345.

WAYNE, N.J.—Owners of JVC’s GY-LS300 4KCAM will be able to receive a $1,000 rebate and slow motion recording upgrade, the company announced on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

The $1,000 rebate is only valid with new GY-LS300 camcorders that are purchased through an authorized JVC Professional Video Products dealer through March 31, 2016. The GY-LS300 is also eligible for a three-year extended parts and labor warranty.

The slo-mo upgrade will allow the GY-LS300 to record HD footage at up to 120 frames per second. It will be made available through a free firmware upgrade set to be released in April.