Live From the College World Series: ESPN Deploys MLB-Level Tech With 4D Replay, UmpCam, Surround Coverage
25/06/2019
Monday, June 24, 2019 - 5:58 pm
Print This Story
Story Highlights
The 2019 College World Series is a tale of two seasons. A team with multiple trips to Omaha, NE, the Vanderbilt Commodores are coming off a season that included multiple top-10 nods in the national rankings and an SEC Championship. The University of Michigan Wolverines, for their part, clawed their way to the school's first three-game championship series by way of an at-large bid. To tell this modern-day David-vs.-Goliath story, ESPN is deploying technology usually reserved for MLB telecasts, including a 4D Replay system, a POV camera on the mask of the home-plate umpire, and all-encompassing surround coverage on ESPN3.
A, B, C, and D units of NEP's ND7 will be in use for the championship series.
The goal is to serve the baseball fan. A large amount of them are accustomed to watching Major League Baseball, so they are accustomed to technologies that are typically available only at that level, says Chris Swihart, remote operations producer, ESPN. Our production approach has changed a little bit this year. The overarching production support and production management are being overseen by a group of folks who also do [those] Major League Baseball games. We're trying to bring that feel to some of our bigger college events as well.
4D Replay Makes Its Production Debut
The Michigan Wolverines' first appearance in the ultimate series is not the only first occurring in Omaha. Having been used for marquee games on the MLB schedule, such as the 2018 MLB All-Star Game, the 4D Replay is appearing on the college-baseball scene for the first time. Viewers at home will be able to witness all angles and details of every bang-bang play with a 180-degree display. The system comprises 100 cameras (two sets of 50) that will originate from the elevated section behind home plate and run from the first-base side to the third-base side.
The 4D Replay system will deploy 100 cameras to provide 180-degree coverage of close plays.
The cameras will basically calibrate one set to focus on home plate and one set to focus on the pitcher's mound. Those are the two most likely areas for a big play, Swihart says. [During Louisville's 4-3 win over Mississippi State on Thursday, June 20], we had a run-scoring play where the [4D Replay] was able to capture that the catcher didn't quite hold onto the ball. With the little spin-o-rama effect, you were able to slide around the catcher and the umpire and see that [the runner] was able to touch the plate, avoiding the tag and getting in safely.
Besides compiling angles, the 4D Replay system can zero in on a specific aspect of the play and zoom in without sacrificing visual clarity. Although it is used primarily to tell the cinematic story of a play, the broadcaster is leveraging the technology as a teaching tool as well.
We have a couple of analysts on our crew that are former pitchers, Swihart explains. It really helps to break down [the pitcher's mindset] because you're able to freeze pitchers in the act. You can look at that drop and drive and how they get the power from their legs. There are all sorts of things that you can break down from a pitching standpoint, and you can kind of do the same with a hitter in the box.
Step Into the Box: Live Looks and Replays With UmpCam
The 4D Replay may be covering the entire playing field with replays generally seen only in videogames, but fans can see a 95-mph fastball paint the black with a view from the position of the home-plate umpire. In its second-year behind the dish at TD Ameritrade Park, the UmpCam affixed to the umpire's mask will continue to give an inside look into what the batter, catcher, and umpire see at field level.
3G Wireless developed this year's UmpCam, which combines a lightweight camera with durable/weatherproof protection.
The ESPN team had an extensive check-list of concerns when constructing the device.
[The camera] can't be too heavy, too bulky, or out of balance. With three-plus-hour baseball games, we don't want it to wear on them any more than having to wear a mask normally would, says Swihart. We also need something with decent battery life. [And] we have to get out there and wipe off the lens to keep it clean so that the images that we get back are worth airing.
To accomplish this feat, the network recruited 3G Wireless to develop a rugged design that could withstand a high-impact foul ball while also being lightweight.
With cooperation and coordination with the NCAA and their umpires, he says, 3G has been able to develop something that we've struggled with throughout the years. There were a lot of things that we and the developers needed to take into account, but 3G has done a great job.
The device has the ability to adapt on a nightly basis. With a number of umpires controlling the strike zone, the UmpCam is catered to whoever is holding the post that night.
We've been able to develop a system that is a little bit more versatile, so you can use it with different masks. It doesn't have to be the same [mask], Swihart says. At one point [in the past], it was a Wilson model and they had to use that exact model or else it didn't fit. In the initial incarnations of UmpCam, it was basically a glorified Marshall camera. [Now, 3G] basically went down to bare component parts to kind of build the best and brightest from several different camera systems.
A look from the UmpCam during an elimination game between Texas Tech and Florida State.
In addition, the home-plate umpire will be miked, which will allow a peek into t
LINK: | https://www.sportsvideo.org/2019/06/24/live-from-the-college-world-ser... |
See more stories from svg |
North America Stories
28/03/2024
Give Me the Backstory: Get to Know 8 Women Filmmakers With Shorts at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival
A still from Jasmin Baumgartner's Bye Bye, Bowser, which screened as part ...
28/03/2024
The Best Shared Storage For Video Production
alt= class=wp-image-12214 data-lazy-src=/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Best-Shared-Storage-EVO-logo-960x540-1.jpg/> Embarking on a cinematic journey or crafting a ...
28/03/2024
Future-Proofing the B-52
L3Harris is upgrading critical electronic warfare systems to ensure the iconic aircrafts spectrum superiority for decades to come....
28/03/2024
Supporting the RCAF for more than 25 Years with L3Harris' WESCAM MX-Series
L3Harris' WESCAM MX-Series EO/IR systems have supported the RCAF for more than 25 years....
28/03/2024
ENCO to Add AI News Anchor to Qimera Virtual Production Set
NOVI, Mich. During the 2024 NAB Show, ENCO will be showcasing an AI-driven virtual anchor delivering live news from a realistic 3D virtual news set....
28/03/2024
Johan de Nysschen Named President and CEO of ARRI Americas
MUNICH ARRI has announced that Johan de Nysschen has been put in charge of the ARRI Americas team as president and CEO ARRI Americas Inc....
28/03/2024
Fubo Inks Carriage Deal with YES Network
NEW YORK The YES Network and FuboTV have reached a multi-year carriage agreement that will allow Fubo to launch YES in its Pro base channel plan in time for YES...
28/03/2024
Dalet to Demo AI-Enabled Production, Automation and Monetization at NAB 2024
PARIS Dalet has announced that during its 2024 NAB showcase (booth #W1713), attendees can experience firsthand Dalet's collaborative, AI-enabled workflows t...
28/03/2024
Blackmagic Design Used on 2024 Oscar Nominated Films
Blackmagic Design Used on 2024 Oscar Nominated Films Brie Clayton March 28, 2024 0 Comments Blackmagic Design congratulates the many film professional...
28/03/2024
Arkona to Introduce BLADE//master Control and Orchestration Service at NAB 2024
Arkona to Introduce BLADE//master Control and Orchestration Service at NAB 2024 Brie Clayton March 28, 2024 0 Comments New option for BLADE//runner ke...
28/03/2024
Join Maxon for NAB 2024
Join Maxon for NAB 2024 Brie Clayton March 28, 2024 0 Comments Maxon returns to NAB with presentations by artists from around the world and demos of t...
28/03/2024
Boston Conservatory to Present Center Stage Production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at The Huntington
Boston Conservatory to Present Center Stage Production of A Midsummer Night'...
28/03/2024
2024 Big Night In Raises $145k to Support Triangle Arts Councils
Capitol Broadcasting and WRAL-TV once again proudly supported our local arts community with the broadcast of Big Night in for the Arts Thursday, March 7, 2024. ...
28/03/2024
JIC, MRC Announce Accord On Roles In Judging Measurement Companies
With more companies offering different approaches to measuring television viewing and campaign effectiveness, two of the groups that evaluate potential media bu...
28/03/2024
Hulu Added to Disney Plus App for Bundle Subscribers
The Walt Disney Co. said that it launched Hulu on Disney Plus, which makes Hulu programming available via the Disney Plus app....
28/03/2024
GroupM To Double Ad Spending On Women's Sports Programming
Giant media buyer GroupM said it plans to double its media spending on women's sports....
28/03/2024
Scripps Renews State Farm As Sponsor of Friday Night WNBA on Ion
Scripps Sports said that State Farm has signed a new multi-year agreement to continue as the title sponsor of Ion's Friday night WNBA telecasts....
28/03/2024
Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington Sign On for Imperfect Women' on Apple TV Plus
Elisabeth Moss and Kerry Washington will star in, and executive produce, Imperfe...
28/03/2024
Telemundo Station Group Addresses Climate Change With Month-Long Initiative
Telemundo Station Group launches the month-long climate change initiative Our Planet Thursday, March 28. The multiplatform campaign ends on Earth Day, April 22,...
28/03/2024
Circle City Broadcasting Renews Nielsen Ratings Deal
Nielsen said that Circle City Broadcasting, owner of WISH-TV in Indianapolis, has renewed its local TV measurement deal....
28/03/2024
Lionsgate Extends Deal With Seth Rogen's Point Grey Pictures
Lionsgate Television said it extended its deal with Point Grey Pictures, the production company led by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver....
28/03/2024
Ariana DeBose Back as Tonys Host
Ariana DeBose returns as host of the Tony Awards Sunday, June 16, on CBS and Paramount Plus. It is her third consecutive time hosting, and it will be the 77th T...
28/03/2024
The Steve Wilkos Show' Renewed for Season 18
The Steve Wilkos Show has been renewed for its 18th season in national syndication, Tracie Wilson, executive VP, NBCUniversal Syndication Studios & E! News, sai...
28/03/2024
Sinclair Selects Embrace as Its Media Orchestration Engine
PARIS Embrace, a developer of advanced automation and orchestration software solutions, has announced that Sinclair Broadcast Group has selected Embrace's P...
28/03/2024
Nielsen and Circle City Broadcasting Renew Local TV Measurement Deal
NEW YORK Nielsen has a multi-year renewal with Circle City Broadcasting, Indianas only locally owned and operated broadcast and digital news media network, for ...
28/03/2024
JVC to Demo Its First Ever 40x Zoom PTZ Camera Series at 2024 NAB Show
LAS VEGAS JVC Professional Video has announced that it will debut its new KY-PZ540 Series PTZ Cameras with 40x zoom at 2024 NAB Show (Booth C4720)....
28/03/2024
Brightcove Launches Cloud Playout 2.0
BOSTON Brightcove has announced the launch of Cloud Playout 2.0, a platform that the company said will offer customers new ways to create linear channels, monet...
28/03/2024
NBC Sports Chicago to Air First-Ever Animated Real-Time Local Sports Telecast
The Chicago Blackhawks and NBC Sports Chicago have announced a collaboration with the NHL to bring fans the first-ever local animated real-time sports telecast....
28/03/2024
The Best News Coverage is Real, Live, Balanced, Professional
The Best News Coverage is Real, Live, Balanced, Professional Andy Marken March 28, 2024 0 Comments Hero image source News of the World, Perfect Wo...
28/03/2024
TNT Sports Gets Its College Game On for March Madness Audio
TNT Sports Gets Its College Game On for March Madness Audio Marching bands, crowds make up for lack of court FX and wired players By Dan Daley, Audio Editor ...
28/03/2024
Cosm/ESPN Deal Will Bring NBA, NHL, Tennis, College Football, and More to Shared Reality' Venues
Cosm/ESPN Deal Will Bring NBA, NHL, Tennis, College Football, and More to Share...
28/03/2024
MLB 2024: The Famous Group, Miami Marlins Team Up for AI-Powered Intro for All 2024 Home Games
MLB 2024: The Famous Group, Miami Marlins Team Up for AI-Powered Intro for All 2...
28/03/2024
MLB 2024: MLB Network Showcase Opts for Secaucus-Based Remote Production
MLB 2024: MLB Network Showcase Opts for Secaucus-Based Remote Production The league's production arm marks 15th-anniversary season with packed schedule By ...
28/03/2024
MLB Opening Day: ESPN Brings Sunday Night Baseball Into Analytic Age With Volumetric Replays, Win Probability' in Scorebug
MLB Opening Day: ESPN Brings Sunday Night Baseball Into Analytic Age With Volume...
28/03/2024
MLB 2024: FOX Sports Steps Up to the Plate With Big Audio Plans
MLB 2024: FOX Sports Steps Up to the Plate With Big Audio Plans More player and field sound will be on tap By Dan Daley, Audio Editor Thursday, March 28, 202...
28/03/2024
Netflix Announces Agatha Christie Series 'The Seven Dials Mystery' by 'Broadchurch' Writer Chris Chibnall
Back to All News Netflix Announces Agatha Christie Series The Seven Dials Myste...
28/03/2024
Haivision Showcases World-Leading Live Video Contribution Ecosystem at the 2024 NAB Show
Makito X4 video encoders, Haivision Pro mobile transmitters, StreamHub receiver,...
28/03/2024
FOR-A shows production flexibility for entertainment and sports at CABSAT
Compressed and uncompressed IP solutions alongside SDI...
28/03/2024
Greater Scope: Doctors Get Inside Look at Gut Health With AI-Powered Endoscopy
From humble beginnings as a university spinoff to an acquisition by the leading global medtech company in its field, Odin Vision has been on an accelerated jour...
28/03/2024
Get Cozy With Palia' on GeForce NOW
Ease into spring with the warm, cozy vibes of Palia, coming to the cloud this GFN Thursday. It's part of six new titles joining the GeForce NOW library of ...
27/03/2024
Inside the Archives: It's Lights, Curtains, Action When Sundance Films Become Stage Productions
By Jen Scott It's time to unwrap those noisy candies and put your phone on ...
27/03/2024
Sencore and Showfer Announce Collaboration at NAB 2024, With a Brand-New Content Management and Distribution Solution
Las Vegas, NV, April 14-17, Booth W2401 Sencore, a leading provider of profess...
27/03/2024
I Am L3Harris - Sam Bonelli
I'm proud to be a woman in aerospace making an impact on our world and among my peers, team and future generations of women in STEM....
27/03/2024
Bitmovin to Show Live Encoder Running on Akamai Cloud at NAB Show
DENVER Bitmovin has launched its Live Encoder running on the Akamai Cloud Computing, optimizing live streaming and reducing total streaming costs by up to 90%, ...
27/03/2024
Hulu Launches on Disney+
BURBANK, Calif. The Walt Disney Company has officially launched Hulu on Disney+ in the U.S. in a move that brings together the extensive Disney+ and Hulu librar...
27/03/2024
WJLA Studio A Revamp Features Brightline Lighting
WASHINGTON D.C. WJLA, Sinclair Broadcast Group's flagship TV station in the nation's capital, has revamped its Studio A news studio with lighting soluti...
27/03/2024
NCAA: March Madness Sees Strong Audience Growth
The NCAA has released figures showing that the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship and the Division 1 Women's Basketball Championship both saw...
27/03/2024
Mediahaus GmbH Brings SRT Live Streaming to the Mountain Attack with 5G and URSA Broadcast G2
Mediahaus GmbH Brings SRT Live Streaming to the Mountain Attack with 5G and URSA...
27/03/2024
Instant Latte: NVIDIA Gen AI Research Brews 3D Shapes in Under a Second
Instant Latte: NVIDIA Gen AI Research Brews 3D Shapes in Under a Second Isha Salian March 27, 2024 0 Comments The LATTE3D model rapidly transforms tex...
27/03/2024
NAB Show Exhibitor Insight Matrox Video
TV TECH: What do you anticipate will be the most significant technology trends at the 2024 NAB Show? TVT: What will be your most important product news? TVT: Ho...