News – information about our products, projects and achievements - Slomo.tv

Broadcasters today face a staggering lack of resources – financial, equipment and human. Even large companies are struggling, and for smaller TV productions, participating in the market today is even more daunting. Many different constraints arise from resource scarcity.

For example, for a broadcaster using a standard OB van it is sometimes impossible to provide dedicated workstations for two or three replay operators. Renting or outfitting a larger OB van with enough workstations requires a significant investment.

Another common situation is that a replay operator usually needs to travel to a distant broadcast location, so it's impossible to get the same operator to cover different events in different areas on the same day. As a result, the TV company has to employ more operators and fund their business trips to the production sites every time there is an event to be broadcast, which is quite costly.

To provide a solution to many of the challenges posed by scarce resources, SLOMO.TV offers a new remote production option that allows operators to work over the Internet while being physically distant from the server. The new feature is available on all modern systems and only requires an internet connection.

For replay, video refereeing and VAR systems, it is critical that the remote interface ensures low latency and fast response. Software developed by SLOMO.TV provides a delay of just 0.1 sec for remote production over long distances without the need for external devices or third-party software. The software itself is a thin client that runs on any average modern PC.

There are a lot of possible applications for remote production:

1. Separation of the equipped OB van from the staff – the server can be installed in the OB van and the production crew's workplaces can be in a nearby room, event venue, or their own homes, as long as there is a stable internet connection.
   Running the workflow over the internet means there is no need to spend extra money on a larger OB van or staff travel. With remote production, fewer operators are needed, as a single specialist can cover multiple events at different venues on the same day.
   As the most compact systems in the world, SLOMO.TV servers also free up space in the OB van for other equipment, allowing the use of smaller vehicles.
2. Hybrid VAR solution. The hybrid solution allows the Video Operation Room (VOR) and VAR team workstations to be set up outside the competition venue, wherever a stable broadband internet connection is available, while the server remains in place.
   The VAR team can use the control panel, the referee buttons, the keyboard and the mouse to manage the system from the remote VOR or from the VAR center. If there are additional monitors available, the server can transmit not only the operator interface, but also a Multiviewer and the Main Camera, making the remote VOR fully functional.
3. Sports league supervisors can now work independently of the arena and VAR center staff with the user interface connected to their office computer, PC or laptop.
   The supervisor's PC becomes the 2nd/3rd/4th remote workplace running on the SLOMO.TV video server installed at the competition venue. League supervisors can interact with the video feed like any other fully functional user, without interfering with the work of the arena and VOR staff.
4. The possibility of remote Academy training.
   Today, due to a lack of educational resources, there is a shortage of broadcasting professionals. Academy is our system-based solution for the development and growth of your broadcast team.
   Trainees can connect to our Academy server, which provides training and educational materials necessary to master the competencies of a TV production or VAR team member. SLOMO.TV instructors are available online to help you learn how to operate our systems. All you need to use the Academy at home or in the office is the control panel and a PC connected to the internet.
5. There is no need to travel to the SLOMO.TV office to get a demo of our systems anymore. An online demonstration option allows the customer to test our key system features while being guided by our specialists.

The rapid evolution of remote workflows has been underway for several years, and the pandemic unexpectedly helped to accelerate the creation of the necessary infrastructure in various industries, including TV production. The use of remote production for both TV broadcasting and video refereeing is a cost-effective solution without sacrificing quality or operational speed.

SLOMO.TV, an international provider of affordable and powerful broadcast-grade multi-channel recording and replay servers, took part in the recent AVITENG Tech Days 2023 exhibition held in Turkey with a demonstration of the Arrow III server and Dream Chip AtomOne SSM500 camera integration at the company’s stand.

Just a few years ago, super slow-motion cameras weren't as common as they are today. Nowadays, the presence of Super Slow Motion cameras is moving from desirable to mandatory for broadcasting not only sports competitions, but also any other major events.

It usually requires a substantial investment to acquire SSM cameras and compatible servers. SLOMO.TV has proven that SSM can be truly accessible: the Arrow III server integrated with the Dream Chip AtomOne SSM500 camera provides a 2x, 3x, 4x Super Slow Motion budget solution for broadcasting that can handle both basic and complex tasks.

The self-contained powerful 2U replay server Arrow III is compact, mobile and affordable for most broadcast companies. It is suitable for broadcasting live events, sports video-refereeing (football, hockey, basketball, water polo, handball, wrestling, canoe slalom, etc.) and recording for NLE of TV programs.

The Arrow series servers are seamlessly integrated with SSM cameras from most manufacturers, providing support for 2x, 3x, 4x SuperMo, as well as Xtra Motion 6x and HyperMotion cameras. The number of required SDI inputs depends on the shooting speed of the camera.

The AtomOne SSM500 camera by Dream Chip has an excellent image quality, converges with other television cameras in all image transmission parameters, and has a continuous recording feature, which greatly benefits the broadcast workflow. The SSM500 is available with either a C-Mount or a B4-Mount. Due to the small size of the Dream Chip AtomOne SSM500 camera (190mm x 60mm x 60mm), it can be installed where it is impossible to use a standard television camera, including on small cranes.

Extensive experience with Super Slow Motion cameras has allowed SLOMO.TV specialists to implement an intuitive user-native interface designed specifically for the setup and management of such cameras, including smooth speed adjustment. All the main parameters of the SSM500, such as color correction, white balance, exposure, can be configured via the SLOMO.TV server interface. It is also possible to connect an additional RCP (Remote Control Panel) for special fine-tuning.

Networking support with the ability to share clips and playlists between servers, included in the basic package of all SLOMO.TV solutions, makes it easy to expand the hardware complex and increase the number of channels for both standard and super slow-motion cameras used for broadcasting.

The Arrow III server integration with the AtomOne SSM500 camera is an exemplary illustration of the optimal cost-effective solution for the companies that would like to enter the Super Slow Motion market without compromising quality.

The SLOMO.TV team attended the international exhibition AVITENG Tech Days 2023 that took place on 13-14 December 2023 at DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul Topkapi, Turkey.

AVITENG Technology Days is Turkey's most comprehensive and best-attended event for broadcast, film and professional content production. The exposition was a great opportunity to come together, discuss & share ideas and experience the most innovative technology solutions from the world’s leading media, broadcast and content production companies.

Turkey in general has a huge volume of video production, with many different TV companies. SLOMO.TV's flexible and affordable servers can meet the demand for modern video production workflow solutions.

On the 13th of December, Nadezhda Gretskaya, Global Sales Manager of SLOMO.TV, gave a detailed presentation at the conference area on the key features and benefits of our solutions for replays, multi-channel recording and video-refereeing.

Our team at the stand demonstrated the self-contained powerful 2U replay server Arrow III, suitable for broadcasting live events, sports video-refereeing (football, hockey, basketball, water polo, handball, wrestling, canoe slalom, etc.) and recording for NLE of TV programs. Arrow III is a broadcast-grade slow-motion and multichannel recording server with exceptional versatility and the world's fastest user-native interface, yet it is compact, mobile and affordable for most broadcast companies.

SLOMO.TV also showed the integration of Arrow III with Dream Chip AtomOne SSM500 camera in continued recording mode with 200 fps, 1080p50 4x. This Arrow III-based budget solution for serious SSM tasks with required replays caught the attention of sports production representatives.

Furthermore, the visitors were able to experience the Academy – SLOMO.TV's training simulator for TV specialists, replay operators (ROs), and VARs/AVARs in various sports. The Academy system provides synchronous video signals, allowing trainees to immerse themselves into "live" working conditions as closely as possible.

The exhibition was very exciting and rewarding, and on behalf of the entire SLOMO.TV team, we would like to express gratitude to Burak Devecel, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of AVITENG, for the invitation and perfect organization of the event. AVITENG Tech Days 2023 provided a unique platform for us to showcase our solutions to the Turkish professional community. We had a fantastic time and look forward to participating again next year!

Being both the most compact and the most affordable – 29,950 EUR – 4K Replay server on the market, slomo.tv's new 1U Simple R 4K server provides enough performance for broadcasters who specialize in mid-level 4K sports broadcasts: 3 recording channels in 4K Replay mode.

For IBC 2023, the time-tested series of compact 1U Simple R servers gets a new 4K model – the world's most compact and affordable broadcast-grade 4K Replay server.

With the availability of new cost-effective 4K broadcast cameras, such as Blackmagic URSA Broadcast, professional-quality 4K TV is now within the reach of many budgets. Besides various shows, concerts and events the small production companies could now be part of an important TV business – Sports Production, with its mandatory requirement of instant replays.

Responding to customers' requests for a low-cost 4K replay solution and especially for users of BMD URSA Broadcast, slomo.tv developed a new powerful and cost-effective 4K replay server Simple R 4K, making it possible to easily break into 4K sports broadcasting.

Eleven years after the debut of the Simple R replay servers, the 331 model has been reborn with expanded functionality, adding UHD to the standard support of 3G and HD SDI video production. The new Simple R 4K server in replay mode provides 3 recording channels, 3 search channels and 2 playback channels with FX in a single 1U unit.

The Simple R 4K expands the potential of the budget OB Vans to the next level, adding instant slow motion replay production in 4K, allowing them to be competitive with more powerful and expensive OB Vans on the market.

The new server is an excellent alternative to large 4U/6U servers due to its small size and affordable price. The Simple R 4K would be of interest to owners of budget 4K OB Vans, for example, based on BMD URSA Broadcast cameras, as it gives an opportunity to successfully compete with other companies involved in 4K video production.

After working in Replay mode, the recorded 4K video can be exported directly to native files of NLE systems.

The new Simple R is equipped with 12G-SDI interfaces. It has all the distinctive features of slomo.tv servers, including the world's fastest User Native Interface: simultaneous search of all channels, automatic creation of clips and playlists and slomo.tv’s specialized control panel.

The server's low weight of 5.1 kg / 6 kg (with redundant power supply) not only makes it easy to transport, but also allows it to be carried in hand luggage. This makes the Simple R 4K a great choice for mobile portabile solutions.

The SSD-based disk subsystem provides high performance and resistance to mechanical impact: shock and heavy vibration.

The Simple R 4K system comes with a specialized control panel – Control-ZR, equipped with 51 illuminated RGB buttons, Jog/Shuttle and T-Bar for playback speed control. The controller is connected via Ethernet, USB, RS-232 or RS-422.

Based on its extensive experience integrating and working with various scoreboard controllers, slomo.tv has developed Control-MC, a multi-functional timing and event registration system.

The main idea was to increase the usefulness and functionality of the device, as well as to simplify its operation and make it more responsive to different scoreboard controller data (SCD) needs of various sports.

The multi-functional Control-MC timing and event registration system stands out for its accuracy, reliability and important additional features that are not available in other solutions. The Control-MC supports a variety of sports, including ice hockey, basketball, water polo and handball.

The heart of the solution, the Control-MC scoreboard controller itself, combines a specialized hardware device responsible for timing and transferring data to all SCD users, with an interface that enables easy and convenient data entry and correction, configuration, start-up and stoppage of the system.

The new Control-MC device in the size of a compact referee control panel has:

• 22 large tactile RGB broadcast push-buttons with functional contextual backlighting
• 7" color TFT touchscreen interface for displaying game information and working with non-operational menus
• Multiple interfaces for connecting to the infrastructure
• Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery for up to 6.5 hours of continuous operation

Flexible connectivity

The Control-MC is equipped with multiple ports for connecting to consumers of SCD, as well as numerous external devices.

There are three serial interfaces RS-422/232/485 on the rear panel of the system, supporting various data protocols. The system is flexible: each interface can be assigned a different physical interface and scoreboard controller data protocol. The scoreboard controller data can be connected to various consumers, such as arena scoreboards, VAR systems, time-boards in dressing rooms, venue information graphics systems or TV graphics systems.

On the rear panel there are also three Smart I/O connectors for remote controls and various external devices. This can range from simple LED buttons (up to 2 buttons per connector) with "start", "stop", "24 seconds" and other functions, to slomo.tv devices that connect via serial protocol and include various multi-button specialized interfaces.

There are also two Ethernet connectors for transferring SCD to devices that do not require high accuracy and data synchronization, and for connecting various control or information devices via HTTP / WebSocket protocol. Users can connect their own devices (phones, tablets) with configured information management applications.

In addition, Control-MC has an integrated interface for a wireless mouse or keyboard and a software-controlled USB interface.

More than a scoreboard controller – unique features and options of Control-MC

The Control-MC offers the innovative wireless Smart Whistle function: the time on the scoreboard controller starts and stops by the referee's whistle.

Up to 3 whistles can be connected. The system logs whose whistle is used to stop/start time. This function is seamlessly integrated and does not require the connection of external devices.

For TV broadcasters who produce on-air graphics from a broadcasting center there is a SCDO option. The option includes two additional multifunctional devices. The device on the arena has an SDI input and, using the proprietary slomo.tv technology, embeds scoreboard controller data into the video signal sent to the broadcaster via any communication channel. Several embedding methods can be used: watermark, AUX Data and audio. The response device installed in the TV center retrieves the data. When the SCDO is connected via USB to the graphics system, the broadcaster gets a time reference for each frame and the ability to overlay the graphics with maximum accuracy.

Another useful function of the SCDO is to monitor and diagnose the flow of data coming from the scoreboard controller (SCDD). It helps to set up and adjust the systems in large arenas. This option can also serve as a scoreboard controller test data generator. By selecting the interface and protocol, the user can connect to the existing infrastructure in the arena to test its functionality.

Unlike other solutions on the market, Control-MC has a dedicated controller board for time calculation and SCD transfer. The entire interface is provided by an external device based on a 4-core ARM CPU. This ensures that the time is always accurate and its calculation does not depend on the functioning of the main interface.

In order to cover a wide range of possible needs, an additional Smart box device has been developed for the Control-MC. The device connects to the Control-MC via standard Ethernet/IP and displays the selected game information on a standard HDMI™ display, enabling an information board to be organized in any place of the arena in accordance with league and federation regulations.

The importance of the replay server’s control interface cannot be underestimated, as it is the interface that at the end determines the system performance (the number of replays that the operator can produce in a limited time).

The main features of the "right" interface are simplicity and speed of work, as well as the intuitiveness of operations. Slomo.tv originally designed the interface of its replay systems based on these principles. The server interface allows the operator to show up to 6 replays within a broadcast or an in-game pause, usually determined by the dynamics of the event or regulations. For example, in volleyball these are the pauses between serves, in hockey - between the referee's whistles. The college-grade and semi-professional systems do not offer such performance and allow showing 1-2 video clips at best.

In addition to instant replays, it is the operator's task to create playlists from aired or separately marked and created clips. In the vast majority of cases, during breaks between parts of the competition (halves, periods, etc.) and at the end of the broadcast, the operator is expected to create and play the Highlights/Summary. The replay servers by many other manufacturers usually require involvement of a separate dedicated operator in creating the Highlights/Summary playlists.

Thanks to the automatic creation of clips and playlists in Instant Replay mode and the ability to quickly add them to the Highlights/Summary playlist by pressing a button, the performance of slomo.tv replay operators is significantly higher than with any other system on the market. The slomo.tv operator can show high-quality instant replays and create Summary simultaneously.

Playlist 98 – An alternative playlist

The broadcast directors often ask the replay operators to create separate playlists, dedicated to specific moments, such as dangerous actions in football, or to a favorite player. On systems with a standard architecture, this is usually done by an additional operator.

Slomo.tv has added the possibility for its users to work with 2 playlists in parallel, without constantly switching between them and other additional actions. Thanks to the high performance of the servers and the automatic creation of clips from the aired replays, one operator can comfortably create not only the Highlights/Summary playlist, but also an additional alternative playlist.

The alternate playlist is numbered 98 and can be accessed by the hotkey combination. When creating an alternate playlist, add the ALT modifier key to the standard commands used to create clips or to commands for adding already created clips/autoplaylists to a playlist. This interface feature significantly increases the operator's productivity and expands his/her capabilities.

For comparison, to place an aired clip into a dedicated playlist on a standard replay system, you need to find it, mark it (set Mark In/Out), save it, load an alternative playlist, add the clip to it, and then load the main playlist again, where, for example, the Summary is formed.

The slomo.tv systems solve this task with the automatic clip/playlist creation function and a simple ALT+ADD key combination. This makes the slomo.tv replay interface the fastest in the world. A large scope of work in airing instant replays, creating Summary and an alternative playlist is done by a single operator, whereas on other systems two or three people are required.

Playlist 99 – Playback of the playlist on Preview output

Due to the architecture and well-designed interface of slomo.tv servers, only one SDI output is used for almost all types of work. In some cases, the server can be configured to use a dedicated SDI output for Preview.

The functionality of such a configured replay server allows the user to play a playlist on the Preview output in addition to playing clips and playlists on the main output (PGM). Playlist number 99 is used for this purpose.The playback on the Preview output provides the ability to start/stop and switch between clips. Loop playback is also available. The workflow of the replay operator is as usual, with the only exception that the Preview is monitored using a video window in the main interface or in the Multiviewer.

An example could be the output of a quickly created playlist during an event to the screens in the studio or to a video wall. The ability to play an additional video stream makes slomo.tv servers even more attractive for compact and small studios, as it allows saving on additional equipment.

In this configuration even the smallest Arrow-III server can simultaneously record 6 video channels, playback one playlist with FX between clips on the Preview output (the clips attributes can be assigned individually), and work in the Instant Replay mode performing simultaneous search of all channels and playback of the clips or playlists on the PGM output.

Playlist 99 can contain both clips created from the current recording and imported clips, which is convenient for playing intros, splash screens and other video content.

The Tajikistan Football Federation selected the FIFA-certified videoReferee^®, slomo.tv VAR system, and began implementation of the VAR technology.

Nowadays, it is hard to imagine football without VAR technology, which makes the game cleaner and fairer. For this reason more and more national leagues and federations are implementing VAR in their football championships and cups.

The VAR is not just about servers and cameras. It is a whole system that includes equipment, personnel, administrative procedures, and special methods. And it is very important to implement all of these components as quickly as possible.

For the Tajikistan Football Federation, one of the reasons for choosing slomo.tv equipment as the basis of its VAR system was that the company has extensive experience in VAR implementation in national football championships, based on its unique Academy training platform.

As part of the VAR implementation, a technical training seminar for video referees (VARs), assistant referees (AVARs) and replay operators (ROs) was held in Dushanbe. The slomo.tv's workshop was attended by referees who work at the Tajikistan championship matches, as well as representatives of TV channels. The participants moved from theory to practice: they learned how to work the system, performed tasks at different VAR positions and practiced procedures for various controversial game moments.

Slomo.tv’s videoReferee^®-8F, an 8-camera VAR server that the referees will work with in the future, and the Academy training simulator were used during the seminar. The Academy is a unique combination of specialized hardware and software developed by slomo.tv for intensive training. Using a prepared library of clips with controversial moments it allows to emulate "live" signals from cameras. Together with the videoReferee^® server, it immerses the trainees in a working process that is as close to the actual workflow as possible.

The Academy opens up the possibility of creating a "quality loop". Leagues and federations can form their own library of clips with controversial moments, which can be used in the "Academy" to improve the skills of the referees, train new personnel or analyze the individual actions of each member of the VAR team.

The Tajikistan Football Federation purchased a videoReferee^®-8F VAR set to equip a VAR Van which will be used at the matches of the Tajikistan Higher League. The system records the signals from up to 8 cameras, provides the video referees with all the necessary tools to quickly analyze the moment and output the referee interface to the Referee Review Area (RRA), and is integrated with the referee intercom system.

To date, the theoretical training and technical intensive on the system have been successfully completed. Next, VARs, AVARs and replay operators will use the Academy to practice their skills, automate procedures and work through as many different types of controversial moments as possible. The Academy will also be used in training and certification stages, outlined in the Implementation Assistance and Approval Program (IAAP).

The Tajikistan Football Federation and slomo.tv still have a lot of work ahead, but everyone is optimistic. The VAR system in Tajikistan is scheduled to be fully implemented by the second half of the Tajikistan Higher League season.

Slomo.tv, producer of FIFA-cetified videoReferee^® VAR systems, took part in the SVG Europe Football Summit 2023 - the event dedicated to the hottest topics in football production and broadcasting.

Slomo.tv presents its affordable and reliable VAR solutions with a wide range of features and installation options.

The videoReferee^® VAR systems cover all the tasks you may have, such as up to 32 recording channels, independent workplaces, video output to Referee Review Area and TV broadcaster, integration of Referees Intercom, venue information subsystem and VAR graphics, scoreboard-controller, Smart Whistle and a lot more.

Check out our short video presentation below for more information.