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.
High-speed cameras are widely used in sports for many purposes, for example: providing the video refereeing systems and photo finishes with highly accurate footage; assisting training sessions, to better analyze athletes’ movements to improve techniques; and helping to ensure precise coordination assessment in sports that require synchronized movements.
High-speed cameras in football VAR and VOL
In football, standard cameras operating at 50–60 frames per second often fail to provide the necessary precision required for accurate determination of a player's position. These conventional cameras offer position accuracy of approximately 20 centimeters between frames, which can be insufficient considering that athletes can reach speeds of up to 10 meters per second. This can be particularly problematic in complex issues, such as those involving offside decisions.
Increasing the frame rate to 100–120 fps significantly enhances accuracy, reducing the gap between frames to about 10 centimeters. This improved precision is crucial for accurately drawing VOLs (virtual offside lines), determining player positions, and ultimately ensuring fair resolution of controversial moments.
To achieve optimal results in offside detection, cameras must operate at a minimum frame rate of 100 to 120 fps, with the ideal range falling between 200 and 400 fps.
The advantages of using high frame rates are significant:
- Ensuring minimal positional differences between consecutive frames;
- Enabling clear visualization of all movement phases, allowing officials to observe player positions with greater precision;
- Contributing to greater transparency in the decision-making process, which is essential for maintaining fairness and credibility in sports competitions.
Mini-2X-vR-Cam by SLOMO.TV
SLOMO.TV is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation — the mini-2X-vR-Cam. This revolutionary camera system builds upon years of expertise in integrating and operating NDI cameras, featuring a built-in automatic NDI device detection mechanism that ensures seamless operation with external recording devices.
The mini-2X-vR-Cam represents a significant advancement over previous generations of SLOMO.TV's mini-vR-Cams, offering double the processing speed while maintaining the simplicity, flexibility, and reliability that these cameras are known for.
Mini-2X-vR-Cam uses CloudyGenLock® technology, developed by SLOMO.TV, that allows the cameras to synchronize phase and frequency without external signal synchronization — they simply require a connection of the cameras to each other and to the server via Ethernet. CloudyGenLock® allows for precise control and management of camera operations.
Main features of the mini-2X-vR-Cam camera:
- Frame rate: 50/60/100/120 fps;
- Power/Control/Video transmission via Ethernet;
- XLR-RJ45 interface;
- Built-in 18x zoom lens with remote zoom and lens control;
- IP synchronization: proprietary CloudyGenLock® technology
- SLOMO.TV software for control and diagnostics;
- Cost-effectiveness.
The mini-2X-vR-Cam stands out as a highly competitive solution requiring minimal technical expertise for operation. It is compact, which allows for installation anywhere within sports arenas, while its frame rate and economical pricing make it an ideal choice for modern sports broadcasting.
This advanced camera system can replace conventional 50/60 fps cameras used in refereeing. The 100–120 fps recording mode provides enhanced precision for analyzing complex sports situations and it can aid with:
- Offside detection in ice hockey and football;
- Goal-line replays in football and handball;
- Water sports that require photo finishes (swimming, diving, water polo);
- Track and field.
