Live From Super Bowl LIX: Augmented-Reality Graphics Play Starring Role in FOX Sports' Broadcast LiDAR technology and a partnership with AE Live power networks AR efforts By Brandon Costa, Director of Digital
Sunday, February 9, 2025 - 11:33 am
Print This Story | Subscribe
Story Highlights
FOX Sports is taking its Super Bowl LIX coverage to new heights with a sophisticated integration of augmented-reality (AR) graphics, leveraging an advanced tracking system that enhances the viewer experience like never before.
Seven cameras (among them the low SkyCam, the all-22, and two 24-ft. techno jibs positioned on the field) across the broadcast are calibrated to display AR graphics. With work from FOX Sports' internal graphics team and partner AE Live, the broadcaster is planning to use these dynamic graphics substantially, including with a big opening graphic at the top of the game broadcast and during a big AR-starring moment that viewers should be on the lookout for at approximately 6:12 p.m. ET.
FOX Sports has a control room in the production compound dedicated to its AR-graphic efforts.
A key advance in this year's AR execution is FOX Sports' partnership with Kudan, a software-based company that specializes in LIDAR tracking.
We started working with them prior to the season on a LiDAR system, says Zac Fields, SVP, graphic technology and integration, FOX Sports. The goal was to create a more robust tracking system in an open stadium environment. Unlike last year's RF-based beacon system, which had limitations in long-term sustainability, the LiDAR approach scans the stadium before the game, creating a detailed 3D model. The LiDAR essentially recognizes where it is in space relative to that 3D map, providing more-stable tracking.
This LiDAR technology is particularly beneficial for maintaining the accuracy of AR graphics, even when the SkyCam experiences unexpected movement.
FOX Sports has built an AR/XR booth, where talent appears as if they are in an extended virtual environment.
One of the challenges with SkyCam is the slack in the lines and how wind gusts can impact stability, said Fields. The LiDAR system ensures that AR elements remain locked in place, preventing the swimming' effect that can occur when tracking isn't perfectly synced.
Beyond the game itself, AR graphics will also be heavily featured during FOX Sports' pregame coverage, including its set on Bourbon Street. The crew has built an AR/XR booth, where talent appears as if they are in an extended virtual environment. Says Fields, This effect, achieved through set-extension technology, seamlessly blends real and virtual elements to create a more dynamic broadcast.
The ambitious AR presentation at Super Bowl LIX is the culmination of months of development and rigorous testing at various NFL stadiums throughout the season. We began building this system well before the season started, Fields notes. Our approach was to develop a complete AR package that integrates seamlessly with the animation and graphics used across the entire FOX Sports broadcast.
North America Stories
15/07/2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a big deal for DAZN, which has distribution rights in three markets: Italy, Spain, and Japan. Each requires a different editorial app...
15/07/2026
As sports-media organizations manage rapidly growing content libraries and incre...
15/07/2026
HBS director of digital Johannes Franken talks SVG Europe through the operation built to serve FIFA World Cup 2026 rights holders remotely from Stratford, east ...
15/07/2026
IBC has unveiled the conference program for IBC2026, with this year's event ...
15/07/2026
Software-defined wideband RF platform supports 96-kHz monitoring, streamlined fr...
15/07/2026
New AI-powered module enables broadcasters and content owners to extract dialogu...
15/07/2026
Weeklong gathering at EBU headquarters will test new IPMX capabilities and expand certified product ecosystem...
15/07/2026
Force Tech has announced the appointment of Bryan Adams, CTS, as Vice President of Integration. Adams will oversee AV and broadcast integration project delivery...
15/07/2026
USA Sports has announced an exclusive English-language agreement with the Bundes...
15/07/2026
ITV Sport's FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage has been produced from one of the m...
15/07/2026
Program will provide professional camera kits, training, and technical support to participating local newsrooms...
15/07/2026
San Francisco church becomes first U.S. deployment of the 2 M/E production switcher...
15/07/2026
Former ESPN and NFL Network executive to advise startup league on media, distribution, technology, and fan engagement...
15/07/2026
The Houston-based RSN is the live-game home of the Astros and Rockets...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
GigaCloud, a leading Ukrainian cloud service provider, and Cubbit, the first geo-distributed cloud storage enabler, today announced a new Business Alliance Part...
15/07/2026
SMPTE, the global society for media professionals, technologists, and engineers, has announced the launch of the SMPTE 110th Anniversary Campaign, a fundraising...
15/07/2026
Studio Technologies, a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio, video, and fiber-optic solutions, unveils the new StudioComm Model 762 Stereo Level Control, ...
15/07/2026
COW Jobs: Producer, Virtual Events - Hybrid, Full Time, Salaried
Brie Clayton July 15, 2026
0 Comments
Producer, Virtual Events (Hybrid | Full-time | ...
15/07/2026
Brazilian media organization builds nationwide CDN with Broadpeak's high-performance software for low-latency streaming and new content distribution service...
15/07/2026
DHD announces a new utility designed to increase the efficiency of its audio mixing systems during initial installation and subsequent configuration.
Anyone w...
15/07/2026
BCNEXXT Brings Next-Generation Vipe to IBC2026, Breaking the 1:1 Channel-to-Server Ratio New innovations liberate broadcasters from legacy playout infrastructur...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
Home to leading manufacturers, robotics pioneers, infrastructure builders and gaming, of course, Japan is one of the world's centers of AI - building across...
14/07/2026
South end zone videoboard, cloud-based control system will be ready for 2026 football season...
14/07/2026
Redesigned website, enhanced mobile app unify content, ticketing, and personalized fan engagement...
14/07/2026
Agreement spans sponsorship sales, digital monetization, radio production, and new practice facility naming rights...
14/07/2026
Independent league adds 14 regional sports network affiliates, growing distribut...
14/07/2026
New strategy aims to unify competitions, content, fan engagement, and commercial...
14/07/2026
ESPN and Disney+ become exclusive home of PFL events in key international MMA market...
14/07/2026
Gill will oversee engineering, technology, and sports operations across the company's 64 local television stations...
14/07/2026
Submitted by North American Broadcasters Association (NABA)
As broadcasters con...
14/07/2026
Modernized mobile unit combines HOME Apps, mc 56 console, and IP infrastructure ...
14/07/2026
Every match of the 32-team tournament will air across ION and Scripps Sports platforms in English and Spanish...
14/07/2026
FloHockey to stream every game of the annual international tournament under four...
14/07/2026
Victory+ telecasts to be simulcast on TEGNA-owned station, expanding free local distribution...
14/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/07/2026
IBC2026 has unveiled a powerful Conference programme bringing together global media leaders, technology innovators, creators, sports organisations, broadcasters...
14/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/07/2026
Broadcast Solutions, a leading systems integrator and provider of innovative solutions for the broadcast media industry, has delivered two highly capable outsid...
14/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
14/07/2026
Telos Alliance Adds AudioShake Source Separation to Minnetonka Audio AudioToo...
Live From Super Bowl LIX: Augmented-Reality Graphics Play Starring Role in FOX Sports' Broadcast LiDAR technology and a partnership with AE Live power networks AR efforts By Brandon Costa, Director of Digital 
