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The International Swimming Federation FINA used Slomo.tv’s videoReferee®-SR system to provide video assistance to the referees during the water polo competitions at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Because fair play in all sports is in everyone's interest, modern technologies are becoming more and more integrated into all aspects of sports, including the officiating process. In order to achieve correct and error-free refereeing, a video assistant referee (VAR) technology is being implemented in many sports.
The VAR technology is most in demand in team sports, since quite often controversial moments take place simultaneously in different parts and involve many athletes. For objective reasons, the referees may not notice the moment or properly analyze it.
Realizing the necessity of implementing the video-refereeing and guided by the principle of fair play, the International Swimming Federation FINA in 2018 decided to adopt this technology in water polo, choosing the Slomo.tv solution. Since 2019, the system has been deployed in numerous international competitions.
Even before the pandemic the Federation selected the slomo.tv’s videoReferee®-SR as the official video-refereeing system for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
"Fair play at water polo competitions is our priority. We strive to create all the conditions and provide referees with all the necessary tools to make the right decisions in controversial moments. Our cooperation with Slomo.tv has resulted in the implementation of the video assistant referee system, which has significantly reduced the number of errors that may occur due to objective reasons. We are glad that for the first time in the Olympic history of water polo such a system has been used, and moreover, very effectively and successfully." - Andrey Kryukov, FINA Bureau Member.
For international water polo competitions, FINA uses the videoReferee®-SR which works with 8 compact mini-vR-Сam cameras in 3G mode (1920x1080p50). The system features a high-performance intuitive interface, as well as the ability to simultaneously search through 4 video channels. The review of the moment is available almost instantly. The compact size and lightweight (1U, 5.6 kg) of the videoReferee®-SR allow it to be easily transported between arenas.
To improve visibility of objects and athletes, FINA uses a specially designed version of the mini-vR-Cam cameras. To suppress the water light glares and improve image quality the cameras include polarization filters.
"FINA and Slomo.tv have been cooperating for a long time on the implementation and usage of video assistant referee systems in water polo. Taking into account all the features of the sport, a specialized version of the videoReferee®-SR server was developed to meet all the requirements of the Federation. We would like to thank FINA for their trust, and are glad for positive feedback from the referees who worked with the system at the Tokyo Olympics" - Igor Vitiorets, CTO at Slomo.tv.
Prior to the scheduled start of the 2020 Olympic Games, the videoReferee®-SR system was used at many international competitions, including the 18th FINA World Championships 2019 in Gwangju, and the FINA Men's Water Polo World League Super Final 2019 in Belgrade.
International Swimming Federation FINA and Slomo.tv will continue to cooperate on the video-refereeing in water polo.
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As part of the VAR Light Trials program, the Kazakhstan Football Federation and Slomo.tv carried out the first VAR Light Trial. By July 2021, more than 70 referees and their assistants had successfully completed intensive VAR training and Short Stage Matches.
For easier and faster implementation of VAR technology, FIFA has developed the VAR Light concept. It makes the technology more accessible to all Leagues and Federations and lowers the entry barrier in case of limited resources. The VAR Light Trials program was opened in spring 2021. It offered the football federations interested in adopting the technology the opportunity to participate in tests of VAR Light compliant solutions.
The Kazakhstan Football Federation was one of the first to apply and together with VAR technology provider Slomo.tv, successfully completed the trials of the VAR Light system.
"This is a very significant and important step for the Federation and the Football Leagues of Kazakhstan, and we are pleased that the process has successfully started. When choosing a system provider, we considered the ability to offer a VAR Light solution that is not only as good as the "big" VAR systems, but also able to cover our needs at a reasonable cost. Independence from the TV broadcaster was also an important criteria." – said Oleg Kungurov, Technical Director at the Professional Football League of Kazakhstan.
VAR Light Trials are aimed to test the "viability" of VAR Light technology in terms of both the equipment and challenges in training of personnel - VARs / AVARs / Replay Operators.
The first training stage for referees was held as online lectures by Farkhad Abdullaev, FIFA VAR instructor. In early July, the referees moved from theory to practice - work with the video-refereeing system itself. In Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan, a specialized training center was organized to run an intensive course, which included parallel training of 72 referees and their assistants, as well as replay operators.
Slomo.tv provided the equipment - the video-refereeing server videoReferee®-8F for working with 8 cameras and the "Academy" system. "Academy" is a unique technology developed by Slomo.tv that allows using a specially prepared library of clips with controversial moments to emulate "live" signals from cameras. Together with the videoReferee® server, it allows to immerse the trainees in a working process that is as close to the actual workflow as possible.
Parallel to the training on the "Academy" simulator and consolidation of the theoretical material, the referees completed the Short Stage Matches - training matches with the VAR system. The participants practiced interaction between the VAR team and referees in the field, identification and analysis of controversial moments, concentration, stress management and preparation of video material for review.
One of the important features of the Slomo.tv systems is the ability to create your own library of clips with controversial moments, which can be used in the "Academy" for further skill improvement or training of new referees.
"This is not only the world's first large-scale trial of VAR Light, but also a series of important experiments that allowed us to work with the Federation to develop the best camera positioning for arenas with different geometries as well as to test the quality and accuracy of the video refereeing on the VAR Light compliant system. The tests have shown that the system fully meets the challenges of the VAR." – said Igor Vitiorets, CTO at Slomo.tv.
By mid-July, the intensive training phase and Short Stage Matches were successfully completed. However, further on, referees will receive regular theoretical and practical training, the testing of the system will also continue. The Kazakhstan Football Federation and Slomo.tv have a lot of work ahead, including the test of the technology at Kazakhstan Premier League matches.
Slomo.tv would like to thank the Kazakhstan Football Federation for their trust and choice of videoReferee® systems and is happy to cooperate in the further stages of VAR Light system testing.
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Now the server with 3G-SDI signals supports 6 recording + 6 search + 2 playback channels + FX.
The technologies keep moving forward, and the tasks and requirements that modern sports broadcasts impose on replay servers are becoming more and more complex.
As Slomo.tv strives to give its users the ability to meet new tasks with minimal additional cost, our affordable entry-level server Arrow-III became more powerful and flexible when working with 3G-SDI signals.
Now the users of Arrow-III systems with built-in SSD array can remotely add 3G support (software license) when it's needed. In 3G mode the server is capable to work in 662 (6 recording + 6 search + 2 playback channels) and 772 (7 recording + 7 search + 2 playback channels) configurations.
The improved performance in replay mode while maintaining its compact size (2U, 15 kg) has made Arrow-III servers an excellent tool for working at sporting events, various shows, and even ESports competitions, for which 3G-SDI support is the main criteria for server choice.
The increase in the number of 3G channels has given more opportunities to work with SSM cameras, the use of which has already become an integral part of most broadcasts. We can confidently say that the Arrow-III is a truly convenient and affordable tool for including SSM replays in the broadcast.
The SSD-based video array improves server’s performance and speed in replay mode, as well as makes the system more reliable when working in difficult conditions.
The Arrow-III server (SSD) comes with a new-generation remote control panel - Control ZR. With 51 RGB backlit buttons, it provides direct access to all cameras and most functions and allows the operator to instantly find and replay any moment..
Learn more about the Arrow-III server: https://slomo.tv/products/arrow/description/arrow-iii/description
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
