Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

The (video assistant) referee is always right

31/10/2017

Author:

ContributorPublish date:

Aug 17, 2017Social count:

0

0

SHARES

Slow motion replays have become an intrinsic part of live sports broadcasts today, but imagine if the system that captured that footage was of such high resolution and so fast in its replay capabilities that it could be used by officials in the game to help judge incidents? Ten years ago, this was the big dream of Igor Vitiorets, the CTO of Slomo.tv

Working closely with Vladimir Mironov, the chief engineer of Moscow Krylatskoye Ice Arenas, slomo.tv developed the concept of a modern video judging system for ice hockey. The first four-channel sports video judging system, videoReferee, was used at the 2007 World Hockey Championship in Moscow. In this article, Igor Vitiorets charts the course of a system that is found at the heart of many modern sporting events from the Rio games to next year's 2018 FIFA World Cup Finals in Russia.

This story starts with the lightening fast and frequently brutal game of Ice Hockey. In particular the Continental Hockey League (KHL) where referees needed to keep track of goal-line incidents, and other incidents such as icing, offside and fouls. We saw the answer being the use of panoramic cameras to record the action on the ice.

However, back in 2007, it turned out that when a panoramic camera records in standard definition the puck becomes invisible. At resolutions of 720 pixels across a 60m rink, the 8cm puck accounts for just one pixel of the image. So, it became necessary to add an HD SDI video input for Full HD panoramic camera.

At the same time, we needed to develop interfaces between our server systems and scoreboard match controllers. The game information (Time, Score, Penalty Time, etc.) received from the scoreboard computer via a special interface is always synchronised with recorded video of all channels. Having full synchronisation of video cameras with the scoreboard timing is very important because, in accordance with the rules, only goals before the time has been stopped are counted. Slomo.tv equipment is compatible with more than 20 types of Scoreboard Controllers, including Omega- Swiss Timing, Westerstrand, Nautronic and Bodet.

The technology used in video refereeing was evolving fast. And we are proud to have been at the very roots of it. But it is not just the technology or sales that are important: we are passionate about fair play in sports and want everyone to have this opportunity. However, the needs of broadcasters also should be considered. The advantage of our core technology is that it could be easily upgraded and modified to ever changing needs.

In 2011, we developed a system capable of recording up to 11 channels so that they can monitor in-play incidents across the entire field. Since then, forward-thinking hockey clubs that selected 11-channel videoReferee-IIM2 have been rewarded by recent changes in KHL regulations. These clubs did not have to change or upgrade their servers they could remotely upgrade the server software and its settings and very easily install two additional cameras.

The Ice Hockey club AkBars is one of them: its Videoreferee 3G SDI system with 12 cameras working in 1920 1080 50p resolution purchased in 2014 already has a number of unique features: in contrast to standard interlaced Full HD 1920x1080 50i/60i video, 3G works with progressive scan, which doubles the recorded detail and also eliminates "washed" video. Disputed moments can be easily analysed with a much better picture. This system is able to record up to 10 channels in any combination and simultaneously search up to four channels; it also produces video-archive recording in H264 format.

However, the latest Slomo TV Videoreferee 4G system, which will be launched at IBC2017, supports 16 channels of 3G SDI video as well as works simultaneously with 3G/HD/720p signals at any combinations. This is very important if OB vehicles are used. Also, this new system has an additional output for multi-viewer for the referee's assistant. It supports the vR-Keypad , which allows fast creation of event labels and immediate search by designated keys.

The precise time capabilities of the new system is such, that it is capable to 1/10 second accuracy. To comply with the latest requirement of KHL on archiving, SlomoTV has added a batch-export functionality in the H264 XDCAM format. Now, the operators can send all material to archive with just one button push.

Football adopts video referees

In recent years, the concept of the video refereeing has gained appeal in many sports and today it is a hot topic at the world's most popular sport football. In July 2012, the International Football Association Board voted unanimously to amend the Laws of the Game to permit (but not require) goal-line technology. The technology was used at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In April 2016, the Italian league, Serie A, was selected by the IFAB to test video replays for the 2016 17 season.

Then, in May 2016, Slomo.tv's 12-channel videoReferee system was demonstrated by Broadcast Solutions GmbH at the FIFA workshop in Amsterdam, resulting in its acceptance by FIFA. In September 2016, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, was first used in an international friendly between Italy and France for testing with plans for implementation at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Video refereeing in football, unlike cricket or tennis, does not allow appeals from participants. Instead, match footage is constantly reviewed by a VAR, who alerts the on-field officials if they feel a reviewable error has been made. Only the referee can initiate a review, either on the VARs recommendation, or if he feels a mistake has been made.

Slomo.tv is now offering the eighth generation of its sports video judging system videoReferee-V. It was announced at NAB 2017, and now it has been fully tested in the real game envi
LINK: https://www.tvbeurope.com/features-2/video-assistant-referee-always-ri...
See more stories from tvb

Most recent headlines

13/03/2025

FCC Chairman Carr Launches Massive Deregulation Initiative

WASHINGTON FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced that the agency has launched a massive, new deregulatory initiative that could potentially subject virtually all ...

13/03/2025

SDVI Integrates Rally With Spectra Vail

SUNNYVALE, Calif. SDVI has announced that it has integrated its Rally media supply chain management platform with the Spectra Vail multi-cloud data management s...

13/03/2025

FCC Approves Gray's Acquisition of KXLT

ATLANTA Gray Media has announced that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted a waiver of its local ownership rules to permit Gray Media to acqu...

13/03/2025

NAB Show 2025 Exhibitor Insight: Blackmagic Design

TV Tech: What do you anticipate will be the most significant technology trends at the 2025 NAB Show?...

13/03/2025

Watch Student Naomi Soleils Folk Pop Performance on The Voice

Watch Student Naomi Soleils Folk Pop Performance on The Voice The songwriting major sang Stars by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals during the blind auditions. ...

12/03/2025

Como o Impacto Cultural e Financeiro da Indstria Musical Define Seu Sucesso em 2025

O Spotify acaba de lan ar o relat rio Loud & Clear deste ano, uma vis o transpar...

12/03/2025

Cmo el impacto cultural y financiero de la industria musical define su xito en 2025

Spotify acaba de presentar el informe Loud & Clear de este a o, una mirada trans...

12/03/2025

Nourish Mind, Body, and Soul This Ramadan With Spotify

Ramadan, a period of profound spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide, is a time for fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Enrich your experience thi...

12/03/2025

How the Music Industry's Cultural and Financial Impact Define Its Success in 2025

Spotify has just unveiled this year's Loud & Clear report, a transparent loo...

12/03/2025

FAST now transcends back catalog content

More than 70% of FAST programming has been produced since 2010, according to new Gracenote report NEW YORK March 12, 2025 Gracenote, the content data busin...

12/03/2025

Viamedia Adopts ShowSeeker Pilot To Streamline Ad Workflows

GEONA, Nev. Independent digital and linear advertising rep firm Viamedia will adopt cloud-based ShowSeeker Pilot as its primary ad campaign and order management...

12/03/2025

Mediagenix Appoints Wael Yasin as Sales Director Central Europe

BRUSSELS Mediagenix has announced that Wael Yasin has joined the company as sales director Central Europe....

12/03/2025

Omdia: Global Online Consumer Expenditure to Hit $6.6 Trillion by 2029

LONDON A new study highlights opportunities for shoppable TV and the massive impact online consumer spending is having on the economy, with Omdia predicting tha...

12/03/2025

Comcast Technology Solutions Upgrades to Interra Systems BATON Version 9

CUPERTINO, Calif. Interra Systems has announced that Comcast Technology Solutions has integrated recent updates to BATON Version 9 into its operations....

12/03/2025

Nevion announces new 400G addition to its eMerge SDN media fabric offering

Nevion announces new 400G addition to its eMerge SDN media fabric offering Brie Clayton March 12, 2025 0 Comments High-capacity switch enhances existi...

12/03/2025

DaVinci Resolve Studio Delivers Cinematic Sound for Adam Bol

DaVinci Resolve Studio Delivers Cinematic Sound for Adam Bol Brie Clayton March 12, 2025 0 Comments Feature film relies on DaVinci Resolve Studio for ...

12/03/2025

SVT Leverages Ateliere Live to Pioneer 100% Software-Defined Production at Rally Sweden 2025

SVT Leverages Ateliere Live to Pioneer 100% Software-Defined Production at Rally...

12/03/2025

Berklee Awards Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant to Four Organizations

Berklee Awards Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant to Four Organizations A total of $17,000 will be distributed among the Boston-based nonprofits. By Madd...

12/03/2025

Offering a broad umbrella for IP standards

TVBEuropes Jenny Priestley sits down with new SMPTE president Richard Welsh to discuss his aims for the organisation going forward, its efforts to attract a you...

12/03/2025

Warner Bros Belgium takes a new approach to its post production workflows

The new process has significantly enhanced operational efficiencies, with automation freeing up creators to concentrate on higher value tasks By Matthew Corrig...

12/03/2025

Another VFX company suspends operations

Jellyfish Pictures, which has offices in London and Sheffield, said it has been battling hard in the face of strong headwinds over the last 12 months By Jenny ...

12/03/2025

Bitcentral to Showcase AI-Powered Innovations for Smarter...

Visit Booth #W2213 to Experience the Latest in AI-Driven Content Discovery and Workflow Automation Bitcentral, a leader in media workflow solutions, is set to ...

12/03/2025

Jeff Lilly Named WGN-TV Director Of Technology

CHICAGO Jeff Lilly has been named WGN-TV director of technology effective March 17, 2025, according to Ric Harris, WGN-TV vice president and general manager....

12/03/2025

Survey: Consumers Want More Shoppable TV Experiences

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. A new study from LG Ad Solutions indicates that consumers want more features that would allow them to shop for products on the connected T...

12/03/2025

IP Showcase To Focus On IP, Broadcast Tech Convergence at 2025 NAB Show

BOTHELL, Wash. The Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS), Advanced Media Workflow Association (AMWA) and the Video Services Forum (VSF) will once again present...

12/03/2025

Comcast Boosts Internet Speeds for More Than 20 Million Customers

PHILADELPHIA Comcast announced that it has upgraded Xfinity Internet speeds for more than 20 million customers for no additional cost....

12/03/2025

Create with Maxon: Cinema 4D Fundamentals Workshop - March 12-14

Create with Maxon: Cinema 4D Fundamentals Workshop - March 12-14 Brie Clayton March 11, 2025 0 Comments Makin' Waffles with Elly Wade During Marc...

12/03/2025

Ross Video Strengthens Cloud Leadership with Appointment of Aaron Tunnell

Ottawa, Canada - March 12, 2025 - Ross Video is pleased to announce the appointment of Aaron Tunnell as Business Development Director, Cloud Solutions, reinforc...

12/03/2025

VEON to release 4Q 2024 trading update on 20 March 2025

12 Mar 2025 VEON to release 4Q 2024 trading update on 20 March 2025 Dubai, 12 March 2025 - VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ: VEON), a global digital operator, today confirms ...

12/03/2025

Getting Set for the Winter Olympics: Inside SVT's Ongoing Software-Based Production Evolution

Getting set for the Winter Olympics: Inside SVT's ongoing software-based pro...

12/03/2025

Seamless SMPTE 2110: A Discussion on Making the Move to IP Less Painful

Seamless SMPTE 2110: A Discussion on Making the Move to IP Less Painful Leaders from Netflix, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, LinkedI, and Megapixel address ...

12/03/2025

Opening Doors of Perception: Meta's Ajit Ninan on Rethinking AR/MR Perceptual Displays

Opening Doors of Perception: Meta's Ajit Ninan on Rethinking AR/MR Perceptua...

12/03/2025

Sky Sports Unveils Exciting Plans for 2025 Formula 1 Coverage

With the 2025 Formula 1 season set to begin in Melbourne on March 16, Sky Sports is gearing up to deliver its most comprehensive F1 coverage yet. Following a th...

12/03/2025

Unicanal and Trece TV revolutionize Digital TV in Paraguay with Rohde & Schwarz transmission solutions

Unicanal and Trece TV revolutionize Digital TV in Paraguay with Rohde & Schwarz ...

12/03/2025

Honoring Service, Celebrating Sport: Rohde & Schwarz UK Sponsors NavyFit Rugby Double-Header

Honoring Service, Celebrating Sport: Rohde & Schwarz UK Sponsors NavyFit Rugby D...

12/03/2025

FOR-A America Introduces Top of the Line HANABI Series Switcher at NAB 2025 Exhibition

New HVS-Q12 Represents a Quantum Leap in Switcher Design...

12/03/2025

Telespazio and ABS Expand Partnership to Deliver Tailored C-Band Connectivity Solutions for the Brazilian Market

Telespazio and ABS Expand Partnership to Deliver Tailored C-Band Connectivity So...

12/03/2025

Congratulations to all our clients who have achieved TAG certification through our independent validation

ABC conducts independent audits across the TAG programs. In the March 2025 TAG s...

12/03/2025

Moonlight: Thales Alenia Space to develop the space segment of the navigation system orbiting around the Moon

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Moonlight: ESA program to create a satellite con...

12/03/2025

Thales among the world's top 100 most innovative companies for the 12th year, according to Clarivate

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn In 2025, Thales ranks among the top 0.01% of the...

12/03/2025

CCPC sponsored TV series The Complaints Bureau returns to RT One

Consumer show back following hugely successful first series 10 March 2025 Following a hugely successful first series, The Complaints Bureau returns to RT ...

11/03/2025

Give Me the Backstory: Get to Know Amel Guellaty, the Writer-Director of Where the Wind Comes From

By Lucy Spicer One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival...

11/03/2025

Salsa's Rhythmic Revival: A New Generation Discovers the Genre's Timeless Appeal

Salsa is making a comeback, captivating new listeners with its infectious energy...

11/03/2025

Canada's Own Rupi Kaur Curates the Latest Edition of Local Spot, Revealing the Songs and Artists That Shaped Her

For many people, music can serve as a reflection of their roots and upbringing. ...

11/03/2025

ST Engineering iDirect's Public Safety Solution Wins MSUA Satellite Mobile Innovation Award 2025

The solution delivers reliable, scalable and secure connectivity for critical pu...

11/03/2025

Weigel Broadcasting Taps Harmonic for Cloud-Based Playout-to-Delivery

SAN JOSE, Calif. Harmonic has announced that Weigel Broadcasting has deployed Harmonics VOS Media Software, which offers playout-to-delivery capabilities, inclu...

11/03/2025

Wheatstone To Unveil Linux Audio Driver At 2025 NAB Show

NEW BERN, N.C. Wheatstone will introduce a Linux audio driver for its WheatNet IP audio network during the 2025 NAB Show, April 5-9, at the Las Vegas Convention...

11/03/2025

Study: Women's Sports Are a Big Win for Advertisers

NEW YORK A new study finds that as TV viewership for women's sports surged by 131% in 2024, the programming also saw a 56% year-over-year increase in ad im...

11/03/2025

Al Sharqiya prepares for Ultra HD with FOR-A

Powerful switcher for news studio FOR-A, a cutting-edge video broadcast technology company backed by more than 50 years experience, has installed its HVS-1200 ...