Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

2018 MLB Preview: Fox Sports RSNs Roll Out New Graphics Package, Statcast

01/04/2018

Other highlights include AR in Atlanta, new robotic cameras in St. Louis, and a new studio in Cincinnati.

The following is an excerpt of the original article by SVG.

With a wholly revamped graphics package and increased use of MLBAM's Statcast and Pitchcast systems, Fox Sports' regional networks are poised to offer fans a whole new look this baseball season. In addition, Fox is adding augmented reality in Atlanta, box robos behind home plate in St. Louis, a new studio in Cincinnati, and a new IP transmission network connecting all 22 of its RSNs. In total, Fox RSNs will produce more than 2,250 MLB games this season, and more of these telecasts than ever will be picked up by FS1 as national broadcasts.

I think last year was our best year ever in covering baseball, and we're looking to build on that this year, says Mike Connelly, SVP/executive producer, Fox Sports Networks. It's always been our goal to build these RSN broadcasts into something special, because we're in our home buildings 81 times a season. The philosophy is to create this great home-broadcast experience, and then our visitor shows can just feed off of that. We've gotten to the point now where you have these very big productions that truly look like a network show and feel right at home on FS1.

Fox Embraces Its Inner Vizrt With New Graphics PackageDuring the MLB Postseason and World Series last fall, Fox Sports debuted an MLB graphics package built natively for Vizrt graphics systems (which Fox migrated to prior to the 2017 season). This season, Fox is rolling out this Vizrt-centric look across all its RSNs.

It's a really slick new look, especially the new animations package, says Connelly. Last year, we switched over to Vizrt [graphics systems] in all of our trucks and studios, and this is the evolution of that [migration]. This graphics package was built specifically for Vizrt rather than being converted. You'll see a lot of movement now and video-generated graphics coming out of the Vizrt. That's going to be the biggest upgrade to the look of our broadcasts.

As Statcast Arrives for RSNs, It's All About PersonalizationAll Fox RSNs will also have access to MLBAM's Statcast player-tracking and analysis system this year, with at least one Statcast element integrated into every MLB broadcast. Although Statcast has become standard on all national MLB broadcasts, Connelly sees it as an even more valuable tool for RSNs, which cover a single team throughout the season.

[Statcast] has been around for quite a few years now, but we want to make sure that our [announcers] can explain it and customize it for their team, because the worst thing we could do is show a brilliant stat that has no real context to the team, he explains. We want our [RSNs] to build their data specifically to their team. [For example], the Yankees are going be a power-hitting team this year, so [YES Network] is going to focus on home runs and exit velocity off the bat. Another team may focus on spin rate for pitching. We really want them to build their data according to their team.

In addition, Fox is moving its Pitchcast virtual-strike-zone graphic over the plate this year, as it did for national postseason broadcasts last year.

Statcast and Pitchcast systems, along with an operator for each, will be located inside the home RSN's truck in most cities.

Technically, it's been a big undertaking, notes Connelly. Not just installing the equipment but finding room for two more operators inside a truck is never easy.

Fox Sports South, Southeast Hop Aboard the AR Bandwagon

Fox Sports South/Southeast will be the first Fox Sports RSN to use AR on its MLB coverage.

This year, Fox Sports South and Fox Sports Southeast will become the first Fox RSNs to deploy augmented reality for MLB coverage, having integrated the technology into their studio in December. The technology will be used within the network's studio and primarily as part of pre/postgame coverage to provide a dynamic look at statistical graphics and game information.

[AR] will primarily serve as a new way of presenting graphic information, says Randy Stephens, executive producer, Fox Sports South and Fox Sports Southeast. AR is large and impactful, which creates a wow factor but also adds a degree of emphasis to statistical storylines. As we become more advanced with our use of AR, we will be able to create environments that our studio talent can interact with to both enhance demonstrations and provide new forms of sponsorship integration.

The AR graphics are created through the Vizrt graphics system, which is integrated with a Mo-Sys Star Tracker camera-tracking system. The workflow requires a combined effort of the main Fox Sports graphic-design team in Charlotte, NC, and Fox Sports South/Southeast operators in Atlanta. The designers create the elements, and the operators are responsible for positioning and sizing them.

Turnaround time depends on the complexity of the element, notes Stephens. For example, 3D images take longer than 2D images. Player-cutout graphics take some time to prepare, but, once they exist, they can be inserted into multiple elements instantly. In addition, text information can be updated like other on-screen graphics.

These AR elements will join Fox Sports South/Southeast's Vizrt touchscreen and new robotic-camera system at SunTrust Park to provide impactful information and analysis to the viewer, he adds.

Read the rest of the article from SVG.

Related articles

Vizrt brings immersive football analysis to the studio with the new Viz Libero AR

NBC Sports Group partners with Vizrt for 3D sports analysis

Fox Sports Preparing for Augmented Reality SkyCam with Vizrt

Related articles

Vizrt brings immersive football analysis to the studio with the new Viz Libero AR

NBC Sport
LINK: http://www.vizrt.com/news/newsgrid/54701/2018_MLB_Preview_Fox_Sports_R...
See more stories from vizrt

Most recent headlines

28/11/2025

Brides Asks for Compassion for Our Youths

Nadia Fall attends the 2025 Sundance Film Festival premiere of Brides at the Egyptian Theatre on January 24, 2025, in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Donyale West/...

28/11/2025

4 Reasons Why Keeping Your Spotify App Updated Matters and What You Might Be Missing

It's easy to ignore those little red update available badges. But when it ...

28/11/2025

FCC to Vote on LPTV Rules at Dec. Public Meeting

WASHINGTON Federal Communications Commission has released a tentative agenda for the December Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2025 ...

28/11/2025

Professional Fighters League Packs a Domestic, International MMA Punch (TV Sportsplay)

The Professional Fighters League is looking to super-serve fans of mixed martial...

28/11/2025

Fubo Launches Multiview Beta on Roku

Fubo has released in beta on select Roku devices a new feature that lets users display up to four simultaneous streams at once....

28/11/2025

WNBA Playoffs Continue: What's On This Weekend in TV Sports (Sept. 28-29)

The WNBA playoffs and Week 4 of the NFL regular season highlight the list of live sports events airing on television this weekend....

28/11/2025

Freeze Frame: B+C Hall of Fame 2024

The 32nd class of honorees to the B+C Hall of Fame took to the stage at New York's Ziegfeld Ballroom on September 26 for a gala induction event. Click below...

28/11/2025

Next Text: As DirecTV and Dish Try to Seize the Remains of the Day, Does It Even Matter?

We hold in our hands the very last Next Text for Next TV, the weekly back-and-fo...

28/11/2025

DirecTV Acquires Dish, Unifying Struggling Satellite Business

DirecTV said it made a deal with EchoStar to buy EchoStar's video businesses, including satellite-TV provider Dish TV and virtual MVPD Sling TV, for $1 plus...

28/11/2025

B+C Hall of Fame Announces Its Class of 2025

The Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame, the premier industry event paying tribute to the influencers, innovators and shining lights of broadcast, cable and streami...

28/11/2025

Sky Sports x Slawn drop limited-edition football jersey that unlocks a month of free content from the home of sport

Friday 28 November 2025 Sky Sports x Slawn drop limited-edition football jersey...

28/11/2025

Rohde & Schwarz shows resilience in a challenging environment, revenue exceeds three billion euros for the first time

Rohde & Schwarz shows resilience in a challenging environment, revenue exceeds t...

28/11/2025

Changing children's lives for good: Donations for the RT Toy Show Appeal 2025 open tonight

Unwrapped: The Toy Show Appeal - airing this Sunday on RT One and RT Player- s...

27/11/2025

Vizrt Launches Viz One 8.1 With AI-Powered Features

LONDON Vizrt has added several AI-driven advanced features offering improved speed, intelligence and accuracy in the newest version of its media asset managemen...

27/11/2025

Prime Video Debuts AI-Powered Video Recaps

Prime Video has launched AI-powered video season recaps in a beta version for select English-language Prime Original series in the U.S., a move Amazon is callin...

27/11/2025

Netflix's 'Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders' Marks a Grand World Premiere at IFFI Ahead of Its Global Release on 19th December

Back to All News Netflix's Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders Marks a Grand...

27/11/2025

Sky unveils first look image from high-stakes action thriller Prisoner, coming 2026

Tahar Rahim and Izuka Hoyle star in the gripping six-part Sky Original from Acad...

27/11/2025

Sky Arts Reveals the Nations Greatest Basslines and Queen Reign Supreme

Thursday 27 November 2025 Sky Arts Reveals the Nation's Greatest Basslines - and Queen Reign Supreme The UK's most iconic basslines have been revealed...

27/11/2025

Stranger Things 5': Prepare for One Last Adventure With Our Final Season Coverage Guide

Back to All News Stranger Things 5': Prepare for One Last Adventure With O...

27/11/2025

Elastic Compute for a Sustainable Media Industry

The media industry has a paradox at its core. It's an industry built on light, color and imagination, yet behind the scenes, it's powered by one of the ...

27/11/2025

Arqiva Achieves Five-Star GRESB Rating

Rating reflects rating progress across areas including policies, diversity & inclusion, health & safety and Net Zero leadership Winchester, UK, 27 November 202...

27/11/2025

Retail Media Audits Explained: What Networks Need to Know

What are the industry standards for Retail Media? Kathryn explains that certification is based on the IAB Europe Retail Media Measurement Standards and the IAB ...

27/11/2025

Katie Taylor, Rachael Blackmore and Arthur Gourounlian among the guests on this week's Late Late Show

World champion boxer and Irish sporting icon Katie Taylor will be in studio this...

27/11/2025

Tonight on RT Prime Time, serious child protection concerns emerge over online gaming platform, Roblox

Roblox, one of the world's most popular online gaming platforms for primary ...

27/11/2025

The Ultimate Black Friday Deal Is Here

Black Friday is leveling up. Get ready to score one of the biggest deals of the season - 50% off the first three months of a new GeForce NOW Ultimate membership...

26/11/2025

SVG Sit-Down: Prime Video EP Mike Muriano Previews Massive Black Friday Slate Featuring NFL, NBA, and Golf

SVG Sit-Down: Prime Video EP Mike Muriano Previews Massive Black Friday Slate Fe...

26/11/2025

Inside the Archives: Winter Is in the Air and in Our Festival Films

A cinematic snow sculpture at the 1995 Sundance Film Festival. Photo by Randall Michelson...

26/11/2025

10 Book Podcasts You Can't Miss

Book podcasts are booming. On Spotify, you'll find everything from celebrity book clubs to deep dives with bestselling authors. And in markets where audiobo...

26/11/2025

JioStar and Nielsen Unveil Breakthrough Cross-Screen MeasurementStudy, Redefining Advertising Effectiveness in Live Sports

Mumbai, November 24, 2025: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, JioStar, in collab...

26/11/2025

ITN Deploys IP-Based Production Control Room

LONDON Factual content producer ITN Productions has launched a new low-latency IP gallery for news bulletins....

26/11/2025

YouTube TV, TelevisaUnivision End Lengthy Blackout

MIAMI TelevisaUnivision said it struck a new multiyear distribution agreement with YouTube TV that includes distribution of TelevisaUnivision's U.S. network...

26/11/2025

OpenDrives Bridges the Gap Between IT and Creatives with...

OpenDrives, Inc., a leader in software-defined data storage and data services, today announced the launch of the Atlas Corporate Creative Solution. This new Atl...

26/11/2025

Disguise to Showcase Future of Event Visuals at LDI 2025

Disguise, the industry-leading company powering the world's biggest live performances, is partnering with pioneering LED wall manufacturer DVS to give atten...

26/11/2025

HighField AI Expands Global Channel Partner Network to Ac...

HighField AI, the pioneer in agentic and multimodal automation for broadcast and media production, today announced the expansion of its global channel partner n...

26/11/2025

Mono Streaming selects PlayBox Neo to manage English Prem...

As high-stakes Premier League fixtures approach and additional premium content launches, with MONO positioning themselves to dominate Thailand's sports stre...

26/11/2025

Bell Centre arena in Montreal elevates fan experience wit...

Hosting a wide variety of events from high-intensity NHL games to complex live music concerts and major entertainment productions, Montreal's 21,000 capacit...

26/11/2025

Vizrt launches AI-powered advances for speed and accuracy...

Vizrt, the leader in live production technology revolutionizing viewer engagement and experience, releases AI-driven advances focusing on speed, intelligence, a...

26/11/2025

ITN Launches Low-Latency IP Control Room Powered by Teche...

ITN Productions, an award-winning factual content producer, today launched a new low-latency IP gallery for news bulletins. Responsible for delivering a leading...

26/11/2025

Ikegami Maintains Initiative in Broadcast Systems Develop...

Ikegami reports ongoing advances throughout 2025 in developing and delivering coordinated television production solutions that maximize quality, versatility and...

26/11/2025

Fubo, NBCUniversal Trade Barbs in Carriage Dispute

Following the Nov. 21 blackout of NBCUniversal channels on Fubo, the two sides have traded barbs about their inability to reach a new carriage deal....

26/11/2025

Global Sports Rights Spending to Top $78 Billion in 2030

LONDON As TV sports rights become increasingly important for both broadcasters and streamers, Ampere Analysis predicts global investment in the genre will surpa...

26/11/2025

Vubiquity Earns AWS Media & Entertainment Competency Status

LOS ANGELES Vubiquity said it has achieved the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Media & Entertainment Competency as part of the AWS Partner Network (APN). This designa...

26/11/2025

Comcast Pays $1.5 Million to Settle FCC Data Breach Probe

WASHINGTON The Federal Communications Commission's Enforcement Bureau said it has entered into a consent decree with Comcast calling for the cable company t...

26/11/2025

Berklee Named to the Hollywood Reporters Top Music Schools List

Berklee Named to the Hollywood Reporters Top Music Schools List The publication highlights the college's screen scoring program, industry partnerships, and ...

26/11/2025

Animated Series Love Through a Prism' Casts New Light on Romance Between Aristocrat and Exchange Student in London

Back to All News Animated Series Love Through a Prism' Casts New Light on ...

26/11/2025

NALIP Unveils Fifth Cohort of Director Incubator

Back to All News NALIP Unveils Fifth Cohort of Director Incubator Social Impact 26 November 2025 United States Link copied to clipboard The National Assoc...

26/11/2025

YouView Achieves Greenly Gold Certification for Sustainability

YouView Achieves Greenly Gold Certification for SustainabilityNov 26, 2025 YouView is proud to announce a Gold Certification award from Greenly for our perform...