Nowadays, sports TV broadcasters are often required to provide VAR technology for game coverage. They are responsible for the quality of the video signals and the organization of the VAR team workspace. Broadcast engineers need to support the full functionality of the video equipment, including the VAR system.
At the same time, the broadcasters may have limited resources, both in terms of physical space and equipment. Often, all of the technical stuff and video equipment involved simply do not fit into the OB vans and VORs.
For organizers of a sporting event the video production is a significant expense, and with live coverage, there is a lot at stake. It is understandable that many TV companies are looking for a video system configuration able to help streamline the sports video production workflow while saving costs and space.
In response to the demand, SLOMO.TV presents its R-vR – a two-in-one solution that provides instant replay and video refereeing functions in one server. R-vR is a combination of SLOMO.TV instant replay system and FIFA-certified videoReferee®VAR.
Since 2007, SLOMO.TV produces cost-effective server-based solutions for 4K/3G/HD multi-channel recording, instant slow motion replays, live production as well as videoReferee® systems for sports video refereeing. Our extensive experience has led to the development of the fully functional R-vR hybrid solution.
This solution is expected to be of particular interest to football organizations, as the same cameras are typically used for both the TV broadcast and the VAR system during football matches.
The small size and light weight of the R-vR server makes it ideal for on-site broadcasting. The included flight case ensures that the system is portable and quick to set up. Moreover, R-vR consumes less power and is easier to connect and install in the arena than two separate servers.
The R-vR solution provides either 8 or 16 SDI I/O channels, supporting from 7 to 15 cameras. The replay and VAR system components share the same video signals and recording channels.
To optimize the overall workflow, the R-vR includes 2 completely independent workplaces - one for the replay operator and another for the VAR/video referee, each with 1 monitor. If necessary, the Display Extension Option adds 2 more monitors to the system for a total of 4.
Workplace for the replay operator:
In the simplest setup, the workplace is equipped with 1 monitor, Control-ZR control panel connected via USB, mouse and keyboard. The monitor is running the Multiskin function that allows switching between several interfaces on one monitor.
The replay operator can work with the Main Interface, where video clips are edited and marked up, or the Multiviewer, which is mainly used for instant replays. With the Display Extension Option, there can be 2 monitors, so the Main Interface and the Multiviewer are displayed separately.
Workplace of the VAR/video referee:
The basic workplace configuration features 1 monitor, Control-VR control panel, and up to 4 referee buttons to mark events and control communication with on the pitch match officials.
The monitor is fully functional for refereeing tasks, displaying both live and delayed video feeds, and can switch between Referee Out/Main Interface and Main Camera via Multiskin.
If the second monitor is connected, the Main Camera and the Referee Out/Main Interface can be displayed separately.
If required, clips can be quickly exported through the Referee Out/Main Interface at the end of the match.
For football matches, the R-vR solution can include the RRA option, which allows the VAR interface showing the review in progress to be transmitted to the RRA monitor. When the VAR interface is absent, the monitor displays a background image. The RRA also automatically transmits referee decisions data to Venue Information Graphics systems.
To further simplify the video refereeing workflow in many sports (basketball, hockey, handball, wrestling, etc.), the R-vR server can be complemented with a wireless monitor option that transmits the referee’s interface to a tablet. Any iOS or Android tablet can be connected to the R-vR system via Wi-Fi and used as a wireless RRA monitor, saving significant time in the officiating process.
With a range of options to meet the TV production and video judging needs of various sports, the R-vR configuration is an excellent solution for broadcasters, football leagues, and sports organizations that value resource conservation and equipment portability.
