University of Idaho offers sports fans replays from DNF system

The University of Idaho Department of Athletics is using the ST304-DSR1K slow-motion controller from DNF Controls as the heart of a portable replay system for live sports production. The ST304-DSR1K slow-motion controller takes advantage of Sony’s DSR-DR1000 hard-disk technology to give the university's video production staff instant access to video along with simultaneous record and playback functionality. The system is installed at the ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center, home to Idaho Vandals sports (including football and basketball).

Dave Tong, manager and producer for the University of Idaho Video Production Center, said that during a football game, they provide fans with slow-motion replays on the Daktronics big-screen display within the Kibbie Dome. At the same time, they also make four different camera angles available to game officials and referees. The DNF controller, which is operated by students, provides the team with four channels of video through a direct interface.

“Football officials have told us we've got the best replay setup in the conference, and they like that we can provide such good camera coverage and multiple angles in a matter of seconds,” Tong said. “Using the DNF Controls unit, we can give them angle after angle, just like that, so that they can verify or reverse calls made on the field.”

Each of two DNF Controls ST304-DSR1K systems supports a pair of Sony DSR-DR1000 DVCAM hard-disk recorders and is tied directly into the Daktronics big-screen display. The DNF Controls and Sony equipment has been integrated into a flight case production system that is used primarily within the dome's newly created control facility and linked to camera positions throughout the venue. The space-saving design enables the university's production staff to move to the production center studio or to other locations as needed.

Providing slow-motion instant replay from up to 100 cue points per unit, the ST304-DSR1K provides fast, easy, reliable and affordable VTR-like control of Sony's DSR-DR1000. This allows the video production team at the University of Idaho to create, save and recall clips for instant replays. The ST304-DSR1K enables users to mark cue points on the fly and play back video instantly without disrupting the record process.

For more information, visit http://www.dnfcontrols.com/.