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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.
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Why high-speed cameras must be used in sports
The world of sports is undergoing continuous transformation and development. In order to maintain the highest standards of fairness in competitions, modern technology has become an indispensable ally for judges and referees.
High-speed cameras are recognized as an exceptionally useful asset for the purposes of precise observation and analysis of fast-moving action, as the human eye has perceptual limits.
In such critical circumstances, even the most minuscule movement has the power to dramatically alter the fate of an entire competition. High-speed cameras, acting as the all-seeing eyes, offer referees and sports officials an unparalleled, meticulous view of the events unfolding before them.
High-speed cameras provide not only aesthetic value but also precise technical data. Their primary functions include:
- Enhancing the accuracy of video refereeing systems;
- Determining the exact positions of athletes, equipment, and field markings;
- Capturing beautiful moments and emotional content.
Modern high-speed cameras provide flexible placement options, feature PoE/Ethernet connectivity for convenient management and control, and require minimal technical expertise to operate effectively. They also are compatible with widely available standard equipment and can be easily set up for use during competitions.
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The world of video production is constantly evolving, and one of the latest advancements is the SMPTE ST 2110 suite of standards. It has the potential to transform the way media is transmitted and processed in the whole industry. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages ST 2110 provides and its influence on the industry’s development.
The Evolution of ST 2110
The ST 2110 standard was introduced in 2017. At that time, its implementation was challenging and financially unfeasible for most studios, with the exception of major ones. However, with the advancement of electronics and software, as well as the contributions of companies like Blackmagic Design, ST 2110 is now poised to become a breakthrough in media transmission technology for video production.
The Revolutionary Benefits of ST 2110
The ST 2110 standard addresses the shortcomings of the previous SMPTE standards and introduces a new level of efficiency, reliability and comfort in video production.
One of the primary advantages is the need for considerably fewer connections. Also, instead of point-to-point connections, IP technologies are used, allowing multiple streams to be transmitted over TCP/IP.
Here are some specific benefits of using ST 2110:
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Simplifying complex system management for broadcasting, LED shows, and sports video refereeing
With intricate systems, such as those involving server networks, interface and configuration software play a vital role. These tools are designed to streamline the management and setup of such systems, enhancing accessibility for users who may lack in-depth technical expertise. This is particularly important in environments requiring rapid deployment and efficient operation, such as in broadcasting live events, production of huge LED surface shows and sports video refereeing.
Understanding launcher applications hinges on grasping the concept of their interface. While numerous definitions regarding the ideal interface exist, Igor Vitiorets, CTO at SLOMO.TV, thinks that the most effective interface facilitates the execution of recurring tasks in the simplest, fastest and most intuitive way possible. This is particularly important in complex systems like server networks, intercom networks, OB van configurations, where users require access to a diverse array of functionalities. This approach ensures that any operator can quickly adapt to the system and perform their tasks efficiently, reducing the learning curve and increasing productivity.
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The video refereeing system is an important component of modern sports, providing the opportunity to make correct decisions based on factual circumstances that may not be detected with the naked eye.
Video refereeing systems require extensive management: human resources, technical resources, administrative resources, regulations, interaction between teams and referees, operators of the video systems, and many more.
Challenges associated with different setups of VAR systems
Based on our experience, the current significant challenge is the lack of sufficiently qualified personnel, which affects everything. By utilizing local systems situated at the stadium or match venue, the issue is that the working staff are effectively unavailable for a specific duration, being dedicated solely to one match, which additionally includes travel to and from the event. The complication is that personnel assigned to one match cannot be utilized for other events for a significant time.
