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In modern sport, the quest for accuracy and fairness in decision-making has led to the integration of advanced technologies, particularly high-speed cameras. These cameras play a crucial role in various sports, especially in scenarios where split-second actions, where the human eye cannot capture the details, can significantly affect the outcome of a match. High-speed cameras provide an extra-detailed view of such events, helping referees and officials to make more informed decisions.
Although broadcast cameras capable of capturing high-speed video are widely used in sports, they have some limitations when used for video judging. Their availability is not always guaranteed, as broadcasters may have their own priorities or be unable to provide the footage for VAR purposes.
Camera and server integration
In order to be independent of the broadcasters and to be able to use the high-speed cameras in video refereeing, the user needs a balanced solution, which consists of two main components: the camera and the server. The server must be able to work seamlessly with the camera and vice versa.
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In the rapidly evolving world of e-Sports the demand for high-quality engaging content has never been greater. Fans expect to see not only the action, but also the details that make each game unique.
By definition, e-Sports can be classified as a sport because it involves competitive activity. However, the broadcasting of e-Sports competitions is different from traditional sports.
In traditional team sports, the focus is on the ball or puck and the competition around it. In contrast, e-Sports such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Call of Duty, League of Legends and DotA 2 are multiplayer video game competitions where every player's actions matter. This increases the complexity of broadcasting such competitions.
The broadcast director should be a professional who has to understand and feel the game and its specifics, the teams and individual players.
In most cases during an e-Sports competition, there are many rounds in a single game with short breaks. The director and producer have very little time to show the best moments of each round with commentary and explanations. Therefore, the replays play a more important role in e-Sports broadcasts than in traditional sports.
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Team sports have rules that regulate gameplay and procedural aspects. These rules include keeping score, setting time limits for different parts of the game, and administering penalties. In the past, referees used stopwatches to keep track of the timing of the game. However, this task became quite challenging, especially in situations where multiple players were penalised at different times.
Main concepts of scoreboard control systems
Specialised computers, called scoreboard controllers, were developed to deal with these complexities by managing the timing and scorekeeping aspects of a game. It is particularly important in fast-paced sports such as basketball and ice hockey, where accurate timekeeping and score management are essential for fair play.
Scoreboard controllers consist of several main blocks: a computer with specialised software, a display of current information, a customised keyboard and various interfaces for connecting external devices. The most popular scoreboard controllers combine all these blocks in a compact device with low power consumption, high reliability and protection against accidental data erasure.
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Video refereeing and video broadcasting require active communication between team members to ensure smooth operation.
In video refereeing, effective communication is achieved through the use of an external intercom system that can be installed in a VOR, OB van, or VAR center. The challenge with using external intercoms is that they need to be reliably integrated into the VAR system and the overall communications network in order to function effectively while recording conversations.
Similarly, for TV crews, continuous live communication is an integral part of the workflow, especially in multi-channel productions. The Replay Operator (RO) coordinates with many staff members, including directors, engineers, camera operators, and other ROs. However, standard broadcast intercom solutions typically cannot provide additional functionality in a comprehensive system.
SLS Intercom for VAR
To simplify the communication system and reduce the number of video production system components, SLOMO.TV developed SLS Intercom, a communication subsystem that can be embedded directly into the videoReferee® server.
The benefits of the SLOMO.TV intercom option for VAR systems:
- Fewer external components make the solution more economical. Also, the reliability of the integrated system is increased.
- Any USB or wireless Bluetooth headset is compatible with the system – both specialized professional intercom headsets and much more affordable and widely available basic computer headsets can be used. Moreover, VAR team members can use their own personal headset, which is particularly important in a post-pandemic world, as personal equipment is more hygienic and secure.
- Up to 16 intercom users, both internal and external, can be connected to the SLS Intercom. A configurable, user-controlled intercom matrix allows groups of users to be arranged in a variety of interaction scenarios and switched quickly, just as in other high-end intercom systems.
Broadcasting Challenges and How Professionals Handle Them: The Role of Redundancy in SLOMO.TV System
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Live broadcasting demands professionals to be on their toes and ready for any hitch. They must stay one step ahead and prevent problems before they happen, equipped with the right tools and knowledge to tackle issues swiftly and effectively. Having a robust backup plan in case of equipment failure or internet connection loss, is not an option, but a necessity.
Managing unreliable networks is a frequent issue in live broadcasting. Even in regions with good coverage, there is always a risk that your connection will become unstable. To tackle this, many professionals employ a range of strategies, such as using backup connections and servers.
Professionals often carry a variety of converters and adapters to ensure compatibility between different devices. For instance, they might use SDI-HDMI and SDI-NDI converters to connect cameras to various types of displays, or HDMI cables to link up with other gadgets.
Video engineers always invest in redundant hardware and software solutions to make sure their broadcasts are not interrupted by technical failures. They may use several hard drives for recording, so if one fails, they can still access the footage from another. They also utilize specialized software that can keep functioning even when some parts of their system fail.
A classic example of the importance of redundancy in video production is capturing events or effects that can only happen once. If the camera equipment fails at that critical moment, the footage is lost forever because it is impossible to recreate the entire scene. The cost of such a mistake is incredibly high.
However, if a redundant system is in place, such as a separate camera output connected to a server in the studio, the footage is recorded and preserved. The backup system gives the production team peace of mind and ensures they have a reliable source of footage in the event of a technical problem.
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Dear friends,
As the winter holiday season is approaching, we extend our warmest wishes for a joyful and prosperous 2025!
We hope it will be successful and happy for all your projects and aspirations.
Should you need any assistance with your video production or VAR projects, SLOMO.TV is here for you.
Wishing you the best,
SLOMO.TV Team
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A modern sports arena requires a unified system for managing information within the venue, which is based on IPTV technology and supports multimedia management. The main goals of this system are to provide updates to the audience and to create a community of fans.
In this article, we look at how two subsystems − media surfaces and IPTV − work together to create an information channel that is independent of traditional television. This channel can attract a large audience while providing additional monetization opportunities.
The SLOMO.TV Arena Media Manager system is created to manage media content on large screens in public spaces such as sports arenas. The Arena Media Manager system is based on IPTV technology and operates over a local area network (LAN) or over the internet. It enables easy sharing of various types of information, including videos, throughout the venue. The aim of IPTV visualization systems is to engage visitors and turn them into loyal customers or fans, as well as to enhance media coverage, regardless of the venue type — be it a local club's arena or a multipurpose stadium. Now let's focus on some of the technical features of the system.
Typically, IPTV provides a synchronous video broadcast (a continuous video display focused on a location or event) to multiple receivers (media screens). In addition to standard uses, IPTV allows for a second-screen experience through apps or browsers on personal devices, accessible by scanning QR codes from venue screens. This screen mode can be utilized for purchasing tickets for upcoming events, playing interactive games, ordering food and taking quizzes about the ongoing match or event, all of which are designed to entertain and engage the audience.
The media surfaces of the arena, both indoor and outdoor, are used to display different types of information. External structures, such as media facades and LED pillars, are designed to show video content, which can vary in nature. They can display local news, weather forecasts, temperature readings, traffic reports, as well as live broadcasts or replays of ongoing matches or concerts, and commercial advertisements, thereby boosting the site's income.
The variety of internal media surfaces available in the arena − including LED video cubes, large high-definition screens, video walls and perimeter boards − ensures that every event is engaging and dynamic. Modern technology also allows for the use of massive screens up to 50 x 60 metres, enhancing the visual experience and creating an immersive atmosphere.
The typical arena consists of two main areas: the first one includes the event site (field or stage) and the stands (auditorium), while the second one covers the remaining space, such as food courts, corridors, and lounge zones. Consequently, visitors may enjoy content from different media surfaces throughout the venue.
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In the world of sports, creating engaging content is essential to keep the audience interested and provide professionals with valuable insights. One such type of content is sports highlights, which include key moments from a match or game. In this article, we will explore the different methods of creating sports highlights and their benefits.
Typically, after a match, the recorded video footage is sent to the studio, where editors create highlights for different purposes as requested – compiling dangerous moments for fans, fouls and tactical elements – for coaching analysis, and so on. Here are some of the situations in football that can be shown as highlights: scoring a goal, a goalkeeper's save, a free kick, dribbling, passing, tackling, headers and feints. High-quality highlights enhance fan engagement, especially via social media, while coaching analysis provides a comprehensive view of the match.
There are two general ways of producing sports highlights:
- Manual creation – after the game or match, the recorded material is given to the editor. The editor works with a list of files by hand and it takes time to process them, especially when working with multi-camera setups;
- AI generation – as AI may not be completely accurate and there is always a risk of incorrect moment recognition, each algorithm needs to be customised for a particular sport. The main challenge is that the output still requires human review and correction.
Both methods have their pros and cons, but ultimately, creating highlights manually provides more control over the final product and ensures accuracy in selecting key moments. Meanwhile, using AI can save time and effort, making it a practical solution for teams aiming to swiftly produce highlights for external or internal use.
The SLOMO.TV team offers two effective solutions for creating high-quality sports highlights:
- Dynamic creation of an Edit Decision List (EDL) during the routine Replay Operator control. In this case, the timeline for the Non-Linear Editing (NLE) is generated during the event. This allows the editor to work with the recorded material (using DMR™ technology) both immediately after the match and dynamically during the match. The editor receives a list of recorded files and markers for the most interesting moments from the replay operator. This simplifies the manual compilation process;
- Automatic generation of highlights for each of the replay playlists. With our replay system, the operator can easily categorize replay clips into playlists, with each playlist dedicated to a specific type of event – such as goals, kicks, fouls and so on. Once recording is complete, one or more selected playlists can be exported to a video file. Thanks to the wide range of formats supported, the finished file can be used in an NLE editor for final editing or immediately shared with the audience or posted on social media.
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In TV production, replay servers are often located in the broadcast control room to manage multiple incoming channels and create summaries for multiple independent outputs. As a result, there is a need for simultaneous independent editing of clips and playback.
Standard workflow
Replay operators, who are responsible for markup and summaries during broadcast, typically interact with replay servers in two main output modes: PGM + PVW and Multi-PGM, which are the standard configurations on many platforms such as EVS.
PGM (Program) is an output that represents the main, broadcast-ready video signal that viewers will ultimately see. PVW (Preview) is an output that represents a preview of the video signal that is used to pre-screen or review content before it is actually broadcast or recorded.
PGM + PVW mode allows you to markup and output content, and is a common combination for TV production in general for one output channel. In Multi-PGM mode, you can use the outputs for two different playlists at the same time, for example, for two different output screens with different sports summaries. However, this mode makes it difficult to markup and work with clips, as more channels would have to be loaded for editing.
Our solution
SLOMO.TV replay servers already support both modes, albeit with some limitations for the second playlist in the Multi-PGM mode. However, we are constantly improving our platform and developing new solutions to enhance the quality of our systems.
Now we are introducing a much requested upgraded Multi-PGM option that has been in high demand from our users recently.
We are combining the two output modes, offering the unique ability of using PGM + PVW as well as a separate PGM playlist on one replay server. The solution ensures that all standard features of the SLOMO.TV replay server, such as search on all channels, remain available.
We are developing software that will allow users to create two fully functional PGM outputs and the ability to work with playlists, transitions, editing and markup functions simultaneously on the server interface. Even when the server is playing the PGMs, the operator can continue to work on the clips and summaries. This option empowers replay operators to independently play and manage two playlists and a preview.
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In the modern world of sport, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system has become an integral part of officiating. This technology allows referees to review controversial moments and make informed decisions.
One of the most striking recent examples of the importance of VAR was the men's football opening match between the national teams of Argentina and Morocco at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The match ended 2-1 in favor of Morocco after the VAR disallowed Argentina's final goal. In this historic case, the VAR system helped to fairly assess the situation and make the right decision.
As the VAR technology helps to avoid mistakes and ensure fair results, it is becoming increasingly popular in world football.
More than just hardware
VAR is a complex system that includes an administrative component, technical resources and referees.
The administrative component consists of rules that define the procedure for using the VAR. This is an important element of the system, ensuring its efficiency and transparency.
The technical side includes the equipment required to operate the VAR system.
The most important element of this system, however, are the referees, i.e. the human resource. Referees must be well-trained, highly qualified and constantly improving their skills. Their professional life is one of continuous self-improvement.
Academy
Comprehensive training in VAR technology requires a system that allows judges to master the technology and improve as effectively as possible. SLOMO.TV's Academy system solves this problem. It allows football organizations of all sizes to train new referees, warm up the VAR team before matches and improve the skills of veteran officials.
Academy is a training server for TV and VAR teams and is already used by many sports leagues, federations, TV companies and broadcasters.
While standalone training systems are effective, football organizations still need to optimize their workflow and resources for maximum efficiency. As a result, they tend to look for ways to perform multiple tasks with minimal equipment. If possible, the hardware solution should be able to be used not only as a training system, but also as a VAR system during actual matches.
videoReferee®-FSK
SLOMO.TV offers a comprehensive VAR solution videoReferee®-FSK Football Starter Kit, designed to meet the current demands of modern sports. The videoReferee®-FSK system is ideal for leagues and associations at all levels, providing both a solution to existing needs and new opportunities for growth.
The system is unique in that it combines two functions: it can act both as an 8-channel videoReferee® VAR server and as an Academy training simulator. This solution makes it possible to train in the absence of live signals without the need for an external Academy server. An important feature of videoReferee®-FSK is the ability to warm up the VAR team before the match using the updateable library of training clips.
Built on a compact yet powerful 2U server, the system can also be "field-upgraded" to a 12/16 channel VAR system with the purchase of a temporary or permanent license. The server is equipped with 16 SDI I/Os, which allows it to be upgraded remotely.
