|
TechMedia also uses Scala software to develop other vision solutions for the clubs such as the "clock-n-score" system that overlays the match-time and team scores and the "roar-meters," customized for each club, that measures the loudness of the crowd. Even commercials that are provided by sponsors are encoded and queued in InfoChannel for playback.
"These solutions are provided to the clubs using Scala's InfoChannel and Globecaster, a television switching and broadcasting computer device, because of rapid development time, ability to customize content on the fly, and their low-cost operational overheads," said Norman Cantrell, co-CEO of TechMedia.
"We are thrilled with what we see on the big screens," says Kevin Noone, operations manager, ACT Rugby Union. "The big screen has become a major part of the game, not only for entertaining the crowd and providing game feedback, but also generating revenue through sponsorships and advertising."
While player profiles and 3-D animated stingers have made matches more exciting for the fans, a Video Referee System has made officiating matches even easier. TechMedia developed the Video Referee System utilizing Scala software. "We had such a short time to develop the system and Scala is so rapid for this type of multimedia development, that it was our only choice," said Cantrell.
"We are excited to see that Scala is used for innovative projects like TechMedia's Video Referee and stadium information," said Jeff Porter, CEO of Scala. "The flexibility of Scala's IC200 allows our VARs to design and implement the software for unique venues and installations."
Scala software, used with the Video Referee System, provides feedback to a video referee, a match official responsible for making decisions on questionable plays and calls via videotape playback. The official uses the Video Referee system to review the plays before sending the decision to be animated on air and to the arena's big screen.
Prior to the implementation of the Video Referee system, a number of people were involved in sending a final decision by the referee to the big screen. They would use radio communications between a broadcast vehicle, located outside of the arena, and the in-stadium television control booth to send replays and decision video between the broadcast truck, booth and screen. The Video Referee system eliminated the need for all of these steps.
Since the implementation of this system, the referee views the replays, makes the decision and sends the result to the big screen. "We wanted to implement a simple, robust and cost-effective solution that would allow the video referee, who may never have used a computer before, to make a decision and send it to the stadium screen so that the referee on the ground and the spectators could see the decision," said Norman Cantrell, Managing Director of TechMedia. "Scala was the best software for the job."
In addition, Scala software is now being used in the Australian outback. The NRL is taking rugby to the highways with a 17,000km road trip that brings a unique taste of Australia's professional Rugby League to outlying cities.
The Telstra Premiership Rugby League Road Train is a 25m truck packed with state-of-the art interactive Rugby League experiences, priceless memorabilia and tributes to Rugby League legends. TechMedia created an interactive game, using the Video Referee software that visitors can play while touring the truck.
The game, shown on a large plasma screen, features rugby match footage and the player gets to make the call on the play with Video Referee. Thousands of fans are expected to visit the Rugby Road Train over the 47-day trek across the Australian states.
|
