- Details
As part of the loyalty program, Lithuanian TV company ZoomTV has upgraded its first-generation server, Simple R 331, which has been actively used for slow motion replays at various sporting events and shows since 2013. Now ZoomTV has the second-generation Simple R II system with support for 6 recording channels, 6 search channels and 2 playback channels when working with 3G-SDI signals.
Slomo.tv values its customers and tries to ensure the most cost-effective and "painless" transition to more complex equipment for meeting new tasks facing TV companies. The "Your server grows with you!" ideology is embedded in the architecture of our replay and recording servers - the capabilities of most systems can be extended remotely by purchasing a software license.
More than 5 years ago for users of our very first Simple R Series servers a loyalty program was developed, offering to upgrade on the very favorable terms (6.000 euros) the 331 system (3 Rec + 3 Search + 1 playback) to the Simple R II 442 model (4 Rec + 4 Search + 2 Playback +FX) with possibility to further remotely upgrade it In the future to the 662 model with 3G-SDI support.
Although the program was terminated a long time ago, Slomo.tv was happy to meet the needs of ZoomTV, which has been actively using its Simple R server for slow-motion replays at various sporting events and shows since 2013.
ZoomTV was faced with the task of upgrading from 3 HD-SDI recording channels to 6 3G-SDI recording channels. Slomo.tv has upgraded the server to the second-generation Simple R II model with a 662 configuration in 3G mode: 6 Rec + 6 Search + 2 Playback channels with transition effect (FX). As a bonus, ZoomTV received the 772 configuration for HD resolution with the Preview on the Multiviewer’s HDMI output.
The new server is equipped with 8 bidirectional SDI I/O and has a 1GbE network interface. Also, the new system was delivered with an increased capacity of the built-in SSD array - up to 8 TB.
Now the ZoomTV still has the world's most powerful server in the compact class, which successfully competes with 4U/6U servers from other manufacturers in replay mode.
We would like to thank ZoomTV for their trust and many years of fruitful cooperation.
- Details
Igor Vitiorets, CTO at slomo.tv, explains the difference in approaches to broadcasting classic and eSport team competitions and the role of slow motion replays as the main tool for spectacular and logical coverage of eSports tournaments.
High density of events across the map, the need to support a large number of 3G-SDI recording channels and the lack of time for replay operators coordination... In these conditions, the traditional workflow using low channel density servers and multiple operators is no longer working properly and it is not suitable for eSports.
It becomes important to provide to the replay operator a tool that allows, while working with 12-15 3G-SDI recording channels, quickly finding the right moments on any camera and instantly replaying them.
What should the ideal replay server for eSports be like and what technical requirements should be taken into account when choosing a server?
The details.
- Details
Slomo.tv, producer of server-based SloMo replay solutions, took part in the SVG Europe Esports Uncovered - the event dedicated to broadcasting eSports competitions. Nadezhda Gretskaya, Global Sales manager at slomo.tv, discussed the main technical aspects of broadcasting eSports explaining why the setup with low channel density several does not work well for team video games.
Highlighted was the Dominator AT/3G server, which allows to cover the whole competition with one server supporting 15 recording channels in 3G mode.
This server was used at major eSports tournaments and became a great tool for slow motion replays.
- Details
The videoReferee®-SR system was installed at a match of the European Rugby Championship between Russia and Georgia in Kaliningrad. Kёnig.TV, the TV company which covered the match for the Russian national sports channel Match.TV, also used the Arrow server for replays of the most exciting game moments.
At the European Rugby Championship match between Russia and Georgia in Kaliningrad on March 20, 2021, the compact mobile video-refereeing system videoReferee®-SR was deployed. With its small size, suitable for standard carry-on luggage, videoReferee®-SR is a full-featured refereeing solution for 8 3G/HD cameras.
With vast experience in video-refereeing of different sports, slomo.tv has adapted videoReferee® systems to work at Rugby Union, Rugby League and other rugby competitions. The system's high-performance interface is designed to quickly prepare video material for a review and replay from any camera with adjustable playback speed.
The communication between the on-field referee and the video referee is via a specialized secure radio communication system. videoReferee® systems can be integrated with a referee intercom to activate the radio channel and record the conversation therefore ensuring transparency of the decision-making process.
The broadcast of the match with replays of the best game moments was made by the professional team of Kёnig.TV, which used the slomo.tv's Arrow server to broadcast video from 6 cameras and quickly prepare a playlist with the highlights of the game.
Rugby is one of the first sports to implement the video-refereeing technology to help the referee on the field with complex game moments. Rugby is incredibly combative and full of physical confrontations. On top of that, there are 30 players on the field at the same time. For these reasons, refereeing in rugby is considerably more difficult compared to other team sports.
Video-refereeing in rugby is similar to VAR technology in football. Should a difficult-to-judge game moment occur, the on-field referee gives his decision, after which he can request the video referee for advice and a review of the moment to ensure that the decision is correct. The main moments where the video-referee is involved are try and kick at goal. As in football, the video-referee does not make the final decision, but informs the referee what happened on the field, and may initiate a review of the moment.
- Details
Our Global sales manager Nadezhda Gretskaya participated in the panel discussion at the SVG Europe Winter Sports Summit.
The panel discussed main challenges facing sports productions during the pandemic.
The discussion focused on the remote production technologies that can increase the spectacularity of broadcasts, as well as the benefits of using Super Slow Motion cameras.
Nadezhda presented affordable and compact solutions (servers and cameras) that prove the affordability of the upgrading to Super Slow Motion.
Special mention was made of slomo.tv's experience in developing and implementing video-refereeing systems in various sports.
The panel discussion can be seen here.
- Details
Integrating a gesture-based interface into all of our VAR systems for football (soccer), opened up the possibility to make the refereeing process faster and more comfortable.
Thanks to the gesture-based interface, the VAR referee can quickly perform all necessary actions - camera selection, search, zoom, playback speed control - using simple and intuitive gestures.
That allows the VAR/AVAR to directly control the system, reducing voice communication with replay operators (ROs) during analysis of controversial moments.
The gesture-based interface in VAR systems has many advantages: simplification of system operation and greater involvement of VAR/AVAR in the workflow, which leads to faster decision-making and, consequently, to shortening the in-game pauses.
Here is a quick tutorial on how to use the gesture interface of slomo.tv VAR system.
- Details
EventsMedia, slomo.tv's dealer in Poland, has successfully completed the Spodek Ice Arena project equipping the home arena of the hockey club GKS Katowice with the video replays system.
The basic slomo.tv's videoReferee® system (videogoal), which complies with the current IIHF regulations, was installed in the Arena. This system could be remotely upgraded for working with up to 8 Full HD cameras.
The server was supplied with a new ergonomic Control-VR panel. The panel has a simple intuitive interface with color lighted hints for the operator and significantly speeds up the review and analysis of controversial moments.
Experts and engineers of eventsMedia ran the project from negotiations and testing stage to delivery, installation and setup of the system, as well as provided training for the referees on how to work with the video-goal.
Slomo.tv has been working with international leagues and federations on implementation of video-refereeing in various sports for more than 12 years. All technologies and components of video-refereeing solutions - servers, controller consoles and cameras - are designed and manufactured by slomo.tv.
The configuration of Video goal systems depends on the current technical requirements of the league. The system supports up to 32 3G/HD channels, several independent workplaces, gesture control, and can include specialized 3G/HD in-goal wireless and standard video-refereeing cameras.
- Details
Our Global sales manager Nadezhda Gretskaya will join the panel discussion about new remote production technologies and main challenges facing winter sports productions because of the pandemic.
Nadezhda will highlight the benefits of using Super Slow Motion cameras for replays at live events and for sport video-refereeing, and present affordable SSM solutions that open wide possibilities for broadcasters.
You are welcome to join SVG Europe Winter Sports Summit on February 11.
For information and registration visit: https://www.svgeurope.org/winter-sports-summit-2021/
- Details
Slomo.tv has released the new mini-II cameras for video-refereeing systems with inter-camera synchronization technology. The camera appearance has also been changed – it includes new markings.
The process of development, production and refinement never ends. This applies not only to technical features, but also to all aspects of product manufacture, including appearance and usability.
At the end of 2020, the new mini-II compact cameras for video-refereeing systems were announced. While preserving the housing size, slomo.tv has seriously reworked and improved the cameras themselves and the internal software.
The main and most important change is that the mini-II cameras are now synchronous.
When used with a videoReferee® server, the cameras using CloudyGenLock® technology synchronize with each other by both phase and frequency. Camera setup can be done either through the server or by using an external remote controller with a joystick and a set of buttons connected via USB.
The scoreboard controller's data is now recorded in every video frame.
The analog audio input allows the use of external microphones to record sounds, including the referee's whistle. The audio level can be displayed on the video output for easy adjustment.
The final touch of the mini-II cameras is its new appearance. Now the main technical features of the camera are visible on its housing - support for Full HD progressive 50/59.98 modes, CloudyGenLock® synchronization, audio input, 3G SDI, Power over Ethernet. Sports, for which the camera is suitable, are also depicted on the camera housing - Hockey, Foosball, Basketball, Handball, Speed skating, Fencing, Wrestling, Canoe slalom, etc.
The mini-II series includes wide-angle panoramic cameras (mini-II-vR-Cam-zoom-Wide) and 10x zoom cameras (mini-II-vR-Cam-zoom).
Users of the first slomo.tv model mini cameras can upgrade to the mini-II at a big discount.
- Details
Starting at €50.000, the new Fulcrum AT/12G has 12 bi-directional SDI I/O. For 3G/HD it provides 11Rec+2Play+FX+11Search and for 4K/12G - 4Rec+2Play+FX+4Search.
The server significantly boosted performance when working with 3G/HD video.
Its flexible architecture, large number of channels and affordable price make Fulcrum AT/12G very attractive in the current economic situation.
In its basic configuration the SSD-based system has four graphics ports, two 10GbE and 12G SAS ports, 4 toolless/trayless DMR™ Racks for 3.5" SATA drives and includes options for transferring clips and playlists between servers as well as the Telestrator.
Fulcrum AT/12G provides:
- Replay mode: 11Rec+2Play+11Search+FX.
- Recording for NLE: Up to 12 HD channels.
Support of 4K (10K Euro) can be installed remotely when needed. The license opens a 4 Rec + 2 Play + 4 Search + FX configuration in Replay mode and up to 6 recording channels for NLE.
The DMR™ technology of direct recording of NLE native video files is the strong point of all slomo.tv servers. In this mode, the Fulcrum AT/12G records the incoming video simultaneously on internal SSD storage in reliable proprietary format and in NLE native files with the selected codec on standard 3.5" SATA hard drives or to a NAS. This achievs the highest safety, maximum convenience and production speed. The server also supports Growing files technology.
A wide range of options (Support of SuperMo, HiMo cameras; working with ProRes, XDCAM50, AVID DNxHD, AVC Intra, XAVC, DVCPro codecs; 2nd workplace, VAR, etc.) allows the user expand the server capabilities for more complex tasks via Remote Upgrades.
The high performance of the system and its size and weight (4U - 56cm, 20kg) make Fulcrum AT/12G perfect for studio and OB environment.
