Vizrt’s HD graphic software was an integral part of CBS Sports’ coverage of Super Bowl XLI when an estimated 100 million people worldwide tuned in on February 4th. When the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts took the field at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, CBS Sports deployed Vizrt’s HD nonlinear editing (NLE) plug-in for its Viz|Trio CG system during the live broadcast.
With the NLE plug-in, graphics templates from a Viz|Trio system were used within an NLE system without modification. All standard Viz|Trio controls and features which allow the user to change text, images, 3D objects, scaling, and positioning were available within the NLE.
“In addition to streamlining workflow, our HD NLE plug-in shortens production time for editors to have highlights ready for halftime shows,” explained Isaac Hersly, president, Vizrt Americas. “Viz|Trio allows editors to create HD graphics on the fly. Given the fast-paced nature of live sports, the nimble nature of the system adds value for broadcasters. They make it, save it, and production can view it immediately.”
The HD NLE plug-in supports Avid’s editing software using AVX (Avid Visual Extensions). The plug-in also features Vizrt’s “Look Ahead” transition logic. Users can stack arbitrary pages and automatically create seamless transitions, using just one video output channel.
The NFL Network also purchased several Vizrt HD graphics systems for broadcasts from its Los Angeles studio throughout Super Bowl week. The NFL Network is the first 24-hour, seven-day-a-week cable and satellite network dedicated solely to National Football League coverage.
Viz|Trio supports all HD formats, including 720p and 1080i—the most popular formats in the U.S.
