Slow-Motion Replay Not Just for Major Productions Anymore

Specific features of the Mira that are tailored to fast and efficient instant replay operations include Active Instant Replay and Live Input Camera Switching.

Todays multi-camera sports productions would be considered lacking without a high-quality instant replay system to help viewers analyze controversial plays during live events. Companies like Abekas and EVS have defined the category, with stellar variable frame rate controllers and server technology. This, of course, is accomplished with high-priced Super SloMo 3X camera systems from Grass Valley and Sony, which capture the action at high frame rates (up to three times real time) and then the scene is slowed down to 30 frames per second to give us sharply focused replays.

As smaller broadcasters and production companies doing regional college and high school sports coverage--with smaller budgets--begin to proliferate, the need has risen for a cost-effective way to produce replay similar in quality and effect to the higher priced systems. To this end, a number of companies have introduced new replay systems that cost a lot less.

It was inevitable that sports production would move downstream to smaller projects and that these customers would need a more affordable way to produce replays and highlight reels, said Scott Carroll, Director of Public Relations for NewTek. Traditional replay and slow-motion systems are expensive, often requiring a six-figure budget just to rent the equipment. And if youre a school, producer, or local broadcaster, its nearly impossible to get in the game.

To be fair, Abekas and EVS do offer a lower-priced server system for smaller productions.

The Abekas Mira Instant Replay system, used by major colleges like the University of Illinois and Ole Miss, is designed to handle the very high bandwidth demands of nonstop recording from multiple cameras, with simultaneous instant replay on one or two output video channels.

Specific features tailored to fast and efficient instant replay operations include: Active Instant Replay into recorded live video streams, which provides quick and simple instant replay without the need to clip off anything; and Live Input Camera Switching on the active replay channel, for instant live switching between recorded camera angles during live replay or during clip playback, which streamlines replay operations.

At Ole Miss, freelance operators are contracted to operate an eight-channel Mira Instant Replay server. Dual Mira Control Surface control panels allow the crew to configure the Mira in ISO5 mode. This lets a single operator control five cameras with one output channel, while a second operator employs two channels to create playlists, interstitials and bumpers. This dramatically increases the number of replays shown to fans over the previous system. Mira also delivers a scoring drive summary, quarter and half-time highlight packages and other promotions throughout the game.

One of the key features of Mira that Ole Miss Sports Productions is using extensively is a streamlined workflow that incorporates its existing nonlinear edit systems (NLE). The ability after games to melt all the clips, together with four-channels of audio, into the NLE allows the editor to start producing highlight packages and their weekly TV show far earlier and eliminates the need to search through hours of content to find the big plays.

As more and more college teams rely on Mira Instant Replay to capture the action on game day, we continue to add functionality to deliver even more value for money, said Junaid Sheikh, CEO of Abekas. Our customers tell us we have struck the right balance of sophisticated, feature-rich functionality with unmatched user-friendly operation.

Both 2X and 3X super slow motion cameras are supported. In the 8-channel server version, two 3X cameras with two replay channels with dissolves is possible.

EVS markets XTnano, which is a HD/SD slow motion replay server designed for live sports productions requiring simple workflows. Natively supporting DVCPRO HD and DVCPRO 50 codecs, XTnano is optimized for multiple applications, such as ingest of audio/video (A/V) files, live feed recording, live slow motion and super motion, clipping and playlist playout control.

The EVS XTnano is a HD/SD slow motion replay server designed for live sports productions requiring simple workflows.

With its proprietary loop recording technology and GigE networking capabilities, A/V files can simultaneously be played and transferred to other EVS servers as well as all standard NLE and archive systems. XTnano can also be configured with four full 3D/1080p video channels (dual link) offering all types of live slow motion replay and highlights editing functions.

NewTek offers a series of 3Play sports production solutions, including the model 425, an entry-level, four-input, two-output professional replay system, priced under $10k and compact enough for television stations, school teams and emerging leagues to produce local games anywhere.

Key features of the 3Play 425 include network-quality replay, slow motion and highlights in native HD and SD, and seamless mixing of live video with assets from media libraries in a compact 2RU design that fits easily in small control rooms and production vehicles of all sizes.

3Play is designed for anyone producing sports who wants to create beautiful network-style, audience-engaging shows on a cost-conscious budget, Carroll said.

NewTek offers a series of 3Play sports production solutions

Billerica, Mass.-based Broadcast Pix offers its ReVue, HD slow motion replay system that works with any Broadcast Pix integrated production system or independently in other production environments. Developed in collaboration with strategic partner EditShare, ReVue is available in two and four-channel configurations. It features SDI connectivity and up to

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