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Virtual Offside Line systems are designed to assist football referees in controversial situations with a possible offside offense. VOL systems help determine the positions of key body points (legs, torso) of the involved football players at the moment of the pass.
Let's take a closer look at some difficulties that arise when the VOL system is used to draw the offside lines.
The dimensions of the football pitch and line markings
For the VOL system to operate accurately, three-dimensional pitch parameters must be carefully considered. Any irregularities can complicate the drawing of lines due to potential distortions, which may affect the final offside decision.
An absolutely perfect football pitch would be hard to find – it's a complex structure and is not always fully flat. In many cases, the pitch’s drainage system, which ensures that water flows towards the edges to prevent stagnation, creates bulges in the center and slopes at the edges.
In real situations, pitch line markings can also be asymmetrical relative to the half-way line. Moreover, the main pitch marking rectangle (touch lines and goal lines) can form a rhombus or a trapezoid instead of an ideal rectangle. Small deviations of 5 to 10 cm in either direction can be significant for offside detection when the VOL system is expected to have high accuracy.
SLOMO.TV pitch measurement suggestion
SLOMO.TV team believes that a sufficiently accurate three-dimensional topological pitch model should be created to ensure VOL system accuracy. Of course, performing full topology scans before each match is costly and impractical. For maximum efficiency within reasonable budgets, we're suggesting making a topological pitch measurement twice during the season, and whenever pitch parameters change significantly. Ideally, the scan should be performed as a grid with a cell size of at least 2×2 m (although 1×1 m yields an even better result).
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On April 9th, 2026, our team successfully conducted a series of tests to record footage from professional Panasonic cameras at ultra-high resolution and high frame rates using our SLOMO.TV replay servers. Two modern 4K cameras were provided by a representative of Panasonic to take part in the testing.
Equipment used in the testing:
- 4K PTZ Camera: Panasonic AW-UE160KEJ
- 4K Studio Camera Panasonic AK-UCX100GSJ
- SLOMO.TV servers: Arrow III and Dominator AT/4K
Test results for the AW-UE160KEJ PTZ camera
1080p100 mode has been successfully tested for the AW-UE160KEJ camera. The signal from the camera was transmitted in two 1080p50 phases using 3G SDI OUT outputs 1 and 2 on the casing. The signal was successfully received by the Arrow III server via its 3G SDI inputs.
Test results for the AK-UCX100GSJ Studio Camera
Testing in 1080p200 and 1080p240 mode: the signal from the camera was transmitted in four phases 1080p50 / 1080p59.94 using UHD/HS/HD SDI OUT outputs 1...4. The signal was successfully received by the Arrow III server via its 3G SDI inputs.
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The global shift to 4K resolution is transforming television and sports broadcasting. As demand for high-quality content grows, broadcasters seek cost-effective solutions that deliver top performance without requiring massive infrastructure. Ideally, the new systems should be integrated into existing workflows as painlessly as possible.
With a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels, 4K/UHD broadcasts deliver four times more detail than Full HD, delivering a picture that looks incredibly sharp and lifelike. The image in 4K is so vivid and engaging in 4K that it makes the viewers feel as though they are attending the captured event in person – which is particularly valuable in major sports events or live concerts. And for filmmakers and producers, 4K offers more freedom in editing: you can reframe shots or zoom in without worrying about losing quality.
Challenges of 4K broadcasting
One of the challenges that 4K broadcasting brings is managing the high data loads required for multiple recording, search, and playback channels. Traditionally, increasing channel capacity meant working with larger, more expensive server systems, and having to create more supporting infrastructure.
It's no secret that the lack of sufficient processing capacity for 4K often forces broadcasters to adopt a workflow, where the 4K signal from cameras is converted to 3G-SDI and recorded at 1920×1080 (50p/60p). Playback follows the same format, and the footage is later upscaled to UHD. Some replay server manufacturers offer this workflow as a built-in feature of their systems.
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In modern sports broadcasting and officiating, VAR teams often operate from a dedicated Video Operation Room. The VOR may be located within the sports arena or at a remote centralized location. Regardless of its position, the VOR staff must maintain reliable, swift, and straightforward communication with multiple parties: on-field referees, the League or Federation organizing the event, and the OB van responsible for the sports broadcasting. Numerous intercom solutions from various manufacturers on the market address this need.
Based on the direct and extensive collaboration with VAR teams for many years, SLOMO.TV has developed a new system specifically designed for small teams and VOR communication: the Bluetooth Intercom. This new device builds on the experience with our existing VAR intercom solution — the SLS Intercom, which is embedded directly into the videoReferee® VAR server.
TheBluetooth Intercom offers a robust set of features that improves coordination and flexibility in a professional sports environment for small teams, all while being cost-effective and easy to implement. The device itself is compact and light, fitting into any VOR environment.
Features offered by the Bluetooth Intercom include:
1. Advanced audio matrixing and routing
The device provides comprehensive capabilities for audio matrixing and user routing, matching the functionality of established intercom platforms. It supports multiple communication modes and enables the creation of custom modes for user groups, ensuring that each team configuration can be tailored to specific operational requirements. The optimized interface makes configuration simple and intuitive.
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It is necessary to have a high level of understanding of complex devices and systems to successfully use them. There are several ways to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills, and the first one is training with an instructor – which SLOMO.TV can provide, both online and offline.
What should the users do when training is not possible? In this case, the users should refer to the documentation and video tutorials.
Our team is introducing a video tutorial section on the SLOMO.TV website. The training videos are designed to help users to quickly and easily master the core functions and operational nuances of our systems, as well as promptly and clearly receive answers to any arising questions.
The video tutorials are accessible via the following link.
All videos are narrated by AI to provide accessible information on each topic. The users can get a more detailed guideline on the topic by scanning the QR code at the end of each video tutorial.
Our team is constantly expanding the SLOMO.TV library of educational content. Our plans include creating and broadening video tutorials to include all essential topics, our main products, frequently asked questions, and new features.
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The rise of SMPTE ST 2110 in sports broadcasting
The SMPTE ST 2110 standard is rapidly conquering the world of sports broadcasting. ST 2110 allows for significant cost savings in both personnel and materials, and it has inherent redundancy capabilities, enabled through "red" and "blue" subnetworks. For top-tier sporting events — where reliability is non-negotiable — ST 2110 emerges as an ideal solution.
Beyond that, ST 2110 offers unparalleled scalability. Broadcast infrastructures built on this standard can effortlessly expand to accommodate new workflows and technologies. This flexibility is especially critical in sports broadcasting, where innovation cycles are rapid and demands for higher resolutions and more complex graphics are ever-increasing.
A natural evolution within ST 2110 ecosystems is to integrate sophisticated sports graphics and overlay systems, which are essential elements of any professional sports production workflow. The ST 2110 framework enables efficient connectivity for graphics systems, supporting up to 32 channels of 3G or 8 channels of 4K over just two optical cables, which translates to streamlined cabling, reduced equipment footprints, and enhanced signal integrity.
SLOMO.TV's rapier.gfx 2110
Staying at the forefront of ST 2110 advancements, SLOMO.TV has developed the rapier.gfx 2110 — a dedicated sports and broadcast graphics system designed specifically for modern broadcast environments. It's one of the first native ST 2110-based solutions focused on sports graphics – and it delivers exceptional cost-effectiveness without compromising performance.
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Multiviewers in video production
No large-scale video production is possible without a multiviewing system. All participants in the process — directors, technical staff, replay operators, producers, sound engineers, as well as personnel and specialists involved in the event management — need to have video feeds from multiple cameras simultaneously to make informed decisions in real time.
A multiviewer receives signals from as many video sources as possible (for example, cameras, software outputs, replay server outputs, graphics workstations, technical cameras) and delivers this information to the end user in a structured, easily interpretable way. Each end user requires their own customised set of video feeds tailored to their specific role and responsibilities.
It is also desirable for the end users to have control over the multiviewer layout: at one moment they may need a certain set of cameras focused on key action points, and at another moment a different set showing backup angles or supplementary feeds. The ability to dynamically reconfigure layouts ensures that every user sees exactly what they need when they need it.
A high-quality multiviewer is a sophisticated device with extensive capabilities — and typically a price to match. However, the investment is justified by the operational efficiencies it brings to complex productions.
MVWPro 2110 Development and Benefits
With the recently increased availability of ST 2110 equipment, SLOMO.TV team has developed cost-effective and reliable multiviewer MVWPro 2110 based on the Arrow-series to fit existing infrastructures while simplifying the workflow.
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Nowadays, scoreboard controllers are a vital component of any modern team sport. Scoreboard controller systems not only directly control and log the game information, but also create a protocol in the form of a file that can be used later for officials and statistics.
One of the most important characteristics of sports equipment is its impact on the game speed and slowdowns. If operations with the equipment — such as reviewing a disputed situation in video refereeing or making scoreboard controller changes — take a long time, it can result in teams losing their focus or advantage.
Scoreboard controller interface
For a scoreboard controller, simplicity and accessibility of the interface are necessary to minimally affect the course of the game. Frequently repeated operations should be performed as simply and intuitively as possible.
Scoreboard controller Control-MC by SLOMO.TV has evolved steadily since its launch in 2023. Our team regularly collects and analyzes feedback from venues and events where our equipment is deployed, using these insights to improve the systems. This iterative process has made our scoreboard controller notably faster and more reliable.
Simplifying complex operations with Control-MC
Let's imagine a frequently occurring situation: at the end of an ice hockey period, at the last minute of the match, an incorrect puck drop is performed. It is necessary to correct the game time, since the countdown has already been started, and start it again.
Typically, the operation on many scoreboard controllers is as follows: the video goal system is used to find out the time when the countdown started, and this time is entered into the scoreboard controller via the time adjustment menu — this process takes 30 to 60 seconds.
On Control-MC, this is done with a single press of the Undo button. The new puck drop can be performed as soon as the referee and players are ready.
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Dear friends,
We wish you a magical holiday season filled with joy, warmth, and special moments shared with loved ones.
Your projects inspire us, and we are always ready to support your video production and VAR needs with dedication and care.
Here's to new milestones and shared achievements in the year ahead!
Warmest seasonal greetings,
The SLOMO.TV Team
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High-speed data transfer: internet technologies and ST 2110
The development of internet technologies and progress in optical communication lines in the recent decade has been phenomenal. It has led to many providers being able to offer long-distance data transfer rates from 10 to 100 gigabits per second with minimal latency.
High-speed media transfer is also becoming available to a broader user pool with the recent developments in the affordability of equipment supporting the ST 2110 standard. Using standard IP technologies and transferring data without compression significantly speeds up the media transfer and saves resources at all stages of video production.
ST 2110 media transfer advantages for sports broadcasting
In sports broadcasting, especially live sports events, high-speed connections are critical for real-time decision-making when using video refereeing systems. Recent progress in telecommunications has made them accessible both economically and technically.
Transferring data with minimal delay is particularly important if the video judging system uses a VAR center setup, i.e. the cameras on the arena are transferring data to a remote location where the video refereeing servers are installed. Thanks to uncompressed signal transmission of ST 2110, the server in the VAR center has a delay of only several tens of milliseconds between an event happening on the arena and the signal being received, ensuring near-instantaneous review capabilities.
Furthermore, the affordability of modern IP equipment that is used by ST 2110 significantly reduces the cost of system implementation. Previously, transmitting a compressed JPEG XS signal required equipment costing 5–10 thousand euros per channel, whereas using ST 2110 and standard communication equipment makes 200 euros per channel sufficient. This cost reduction has democratized access to advanced VAR technology, making it feasible for a wider range of sports organizations. At the same time, network bandwidth has become significantly wider, allowing for multiple simultaneous streams and enhanced data throughput.
