RCS Scores Big for SBS Discovery with Integrated Graphics Workflow

(08/10/2014) When Scandinavian media group SBS Discovery acquired broadcast rights for all of the UEFA Euro 2016 football qualifiers and European qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, it enlisted broadcast graphics technology developer Reality Check Systems (RCS) and sports production company Fotball Media to reimagine its on-air image.

Collaborating with Fotball Media, RCS overhauled SBSs studio with an integrated graphics workflow that includes two visually striking video walls powered by VizRT solutions and an intuitive, interactive touchscreen solution for match analysis. A seven-person RCS crew, including two on-site team members, completed the studio configuration and setup of systems provided by SBS within ten days.

After purchasing the rights, we knew wed need an innovative technology partner that could build us a graphics workflow to differentiate our coverage with a stylized aesthetic. RCS has worked with ESPN and NFL, so we knew wed be in good hands, and they were the perfect fit, said Jan-Erik Aalbu, head of sport, SBS Discovery. Were constantly brainstorming ways to stay ahead of the curve, and both RCS and Fotball Media have proven instrumental in helping us move in the right direction.

Fotball Media first enlisted RCSs creative team to present designs and ideas to enhance the look and feel of supplemental production elements beyond the core studio graphics package provided by UEFA to all broadcasters, including the two video walls that form SBSs dynamic studio backdrop. RCSs crew devised a streamlined workflow that allows one graphics operator to distribute traditional graphics while simultaneously providing additional graphics and video content to both a main LED video wall and a smaller, standalone screen built into the desk on-set. The visually and editorially compelling video wall graphics portfolio includes several 3D animations, live video inputs, national flags and a countdown to kick-off clock.

Reality Check Systems provides amazing tools that allow us to combine data and video to tell stories in a whole new and flexible way. This has really elevated the look of our programming, said Eskil Andreassen, Executive Producer, Fotball Media. This is my third collaboration with RCS, and working with them is always great.

RCS also designed an in-studio touchscreen solution for SBS to allow on-air talent to complete match analysis, video telestration and more, drawing on stats provided by sports data vendor Opta. To ensure on-air talent was comfortable using the solution, RCS not only provided comprehensive on-site training, but also supplied SBS presenters with a laptop-based test station for practice at home. Since implementing the solution, SBSs presentation team has deployed the touchscreen to transition from one match to the next, analyze key game highlights and controversies and to showcase detailed match analysis graphics.

Working with SBS Discovery and Fotball Media was a fantastic experience. They gave us an incredible amount of creative freedom to bring the set to life, said David Peacock, project manager, RCS. Together we were able to build a studio that not only facilitates more visually compelling broadcasts, but one that also gives on-air talent the ability to engage viewers with statistics about the game, their favorite teams and players.

About Reality Check Systems

Reality Check Systems (RCS) ignites on-air viewing experiences for some of the most-watched sporting, eSports and entertainment events on television. With offices in Burbank, CA and London, RCS has partnered with the worlds leading sports leagues, federations, networks and social media giants since 1997 to fuel audience engagement through a customized fusion of dynamic graphics, real-time data and social media. To give shape to each clients unique vision, RCS develops sophisticated graphics and production systems that can be seamlessly deployed in a wide array of professional environments.

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