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Perfect certified VAR & VOL solution for football: seamless integration of videoReferee® with Deltacast's virtual offside line technology.
VAR technology in football is an extra set of eyes for the officiating crew on the pitch. Video match officials (VMO) monitor the game “through the camera lenses”, check any controversial or missed moments, and provide the main referee with the opportunity to review it in detail.
The VAR system does an excellent job in checking the facts, e.g., goal, handball, identity of the player. However, during the match it may be necessary to deal with offside situations. That requires determining the position of defensive and offensive players in relation to each other at the exact moment of passing.
In most cases the situation is quite obvious and can be solved by the standard use of VAR-procedures. However, in order to make the right decision in complicated moments, referees can benefit from using the specialized Virtual Offside Line (VOL) technology.
Based in Ans, Belgium, Deltacast company offers a wide range of professional solutions for the video and TV production market, including 2D and 3D Virtual Offside Line technology for football – Delta-offside system.
Slomo.tv has successfully collaborated with Deltacast to integrate its videoReferee® (VAR) and Delta-offside (VOL). Since both systems meet FIFA Quality standards and are FIFA-certified, the joint solution can be used at any football competition.
Using specialized image processing technology and a 3D model of the football pitch, the VOL system overlays special reference lines on the broadcasted image to determine the position of players in space.
The 2D VOL processes an image from a single camera. Two lines, parallel to the goal, drawn through the outermost body parts of the nearest to the goal defender and the potentially in offside attacking player are superimposed on the image. The referee makes an offside decision based on the position of the lines on the pitch.
Should the 2D analysis be non-indicative due to objective reasons, the 3D analysis is used. It involves processing the images from 2 different cameras. Аn operator marks players’ body parts nearest to the goal оn both images, and the VOL system projects these points in space onto virtual lines parallel to the goal line.
The cameras used for 3D VOL, as well as for VAR in general, must be absolutely synchronous. This is ensured by the broadcaster and the VAR server.
As a result of the integration work, the slomo.tv's VAR server and the Deltacast's VOL system can now exchange the video-information via a local 1GbE network.
The Control-VR control panel has received additional functionality for working with the Delta-offside system. A dedicated "VOL" button was added to transfer all the necessary data and images of a potential offside position to the VOL system.
After VOL processing, the image with lines and visualization of the players' positions is sent back to the videoReferee® server. The "VOL" button lights up in green, indicating that the moment has been processed, and the image can be displayed on VAR-monitor and outputted to the RRA.
The bypassing of SDI connections for video transmission accelerated the process of offside checks, as well as simplified the installation by eliminating the coaxial SDI cables.
Slomo.tv and Deltacast are offering a complete certified solution allowing the football clubs, leagues and Federations for comprehensive implementation of Video Assistant Referee technology.
The new-generation of videoReferee® VAR software makes VAR analysis even faster and more comfortable
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The FIFA-certified slomo.tv VAR systems have received a number of useful improvements that can significantly speed up the resolution of controversial issues in football.
The VAR technology will be effective only when it can provide maximum accuracy in the analysis of controversial moments with minimal interference into the game. Any prolonged interruption of the game can affect the mood and the pace of the teams, allow one of the teams to rest, cause dissatisfaction with the fans or change the fate of the entire match. Nobody likes to wait, especially when a lot is at stake.
In an effort to minimize the time spent on debating the controversial moments in football, slomo.tv has updated the software of its certified VAR videoReferee® systems, adding a number of useful features to significantly speed up this process.
Search all channels simultaneously
Simultaneous search across all channels is a proprietary feature of slomo.tv systems. This feature is also available in the Multiviewer interface.
The highest pixel resolution of the dedicated Multiviewer
The videoReferee® systems' dedicated Multiviewer screen has the highest pixel resolution of any VAR system manufacturer. This allows not only to follow the game from different cameras in Live mode, but also makes it possible to select the cameras that are most suitable for analyzing the current moment, even using the Multiviewer video windows during the search.
Touchscreen interface for Multiviewer
Combined with an all-channel search, the Multiviewer's touchscreen interface allows the VAR system operator to instantly select the desired camera view.
Flexible preset management
The flexibility in working with presets allows to optimally configure the VAR systems for a specific match, taking into account the current number of cameras and their arrangement.
Now the operator can create up to 16 presets from 2-3-4 cameras, optimally suited for the match (for example, left-half, right-half, etc.).
Creating a preset takes no more than 10 seconds.
Automatic generation of highlight labels
During the match, the replay operator to follow the game situation switches between camera presets. The videoReferee® system automatically creates marks, allowing you to instantly access key moments during parsing.
New features perfectly complement the existing functionality of videoReferee® tailored for VAR tasks. Thanks to a gesture interface, a new specially designed remote control and the ability to connect up to 4 independent workplaces, the slomo.tv VAR system is capable to resolve even the most difficult controversial moments accurately and in record time.
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In March 2022, the Georgian Football Federation held its first training seminar on the principles, technology and operation of the VAR system as part of the VAR implementation. For training and practice were used slomo.tv's videoReferee®-8F system for 8 cameras and the Academy simulator.
The Video Assistant Referee technology is coming to Georgian football. The Georgian Football Federation has started the implementation of VAR technology in cooperation with GFM Studio, a system integrator in Georgia, and slomo.tv, FIFA certified VAR technology provider.
In March 2022, the David Petriashvili Stadium in Tbilisi became the site of a five-day seminar organized by the Federation during which a FIFA instructor and slomo.tv specialist shared theoretical and practical experience with referees and technicians. The goal of the seminar was the introduction of the VAR technology, training in the principles and rules of its application, as well as moving from theory to practice - working with the video-refereeing system itself.
The proper training of referees is one of the most important steps toward successful implementation of VAR technology.
For the VAR training seminar, slomo.tv provided the 8 cameras FIFA-certified VAR system videoReferee®-8F, which the referees will use in the future in official matches, 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. The list of training clips can be changed and expanded with new game moments. 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.
The provided equipment will also be used after the seminar for the VAR workflow at official football matches, organized by the Federation, and for further training of VAR specialists and field referees, skill improvement or training of new referees.
Slomo.tv also carried out specialized technical training for GFM Studio technicians in the use and maintenance of videoReferee® systems in order to provide prompt support and assistance to the Georgian Football Federation during the use of the VAR complex.
The first successful steps towards VAR implementation in Georgia allow the Georgian Football Federation to count on the soonest possible integration of VAR into the game process. Despite the fact that there is still a lot of work ahead, the Georgian Football Federation, slomo.tv and GFM Studio feel optimistic about the full implementation of VAR technology.
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The successful testing of the videoReferee® system in July 2021 led to the complete implementation of slomo.tv VAR systems in regular football competitions of Kazakhstan - Olimpbet Super Сup and Kazakhstan Championship.
The Kazakhstan Football Federation (KFF) continues to implement Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology into its games. Several months of tests, referee training and close cooperation between KFF and slomo.tv resulted in the complete implementation of Video Assistant Referee technology and the use of VAR in regular season games of the Olimpbet Super Сup and the Kazakhstan Championship.
To equip football stadiums of Kazakhstan Professional Football League clubs, slomo.tv has supplied FIFA-certified VAR systems supporting up to 8 cameras.
The slomo.tv videoReferee® equipment was used at the Olimpbet Super Сup final between the Tobol and Kairat teams, which took place on March 02, 2022. And just a few days later, on the first matchday of the Olimpbet Kazakhstan Championship, and in 7 different cities. In total, the Kazakhstan Football Federation will use 14 VAR complexes.
Successful testing led to a successful implementation. In July 2021, the first trial of VAR systems by the Kazakhstan Football Federation took place, as well as intensive training for more than 70 referees. To date, the systems have been installed and tested at the stadiums across the country, and referees have gained all the necessary skills and certifications.
"We would like to thank the Kazakhstan Football Federation and the Kazakhstan Professional Football League for choosing videoReferee® systems, as well as for their involvement and cooperation in the implementation of VAR technology" – slomo.tv team.
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Slomo.tv, a leading manufacturer of slow motion replay servers and video-refereeing solutions, has released a uniquely powerful 12-channel VAR system videoReferee®-SR III in a 1U chassis.
National and international federations and leagues have discovered the opportunities opened up by the use of Video Assisted Review systems. The referees can quickly and correctly resolve complex and controversial game issues. The chance of a refereeing error, which can determine not only the fate of the team, but also the outcome of the entire competition is now reduced to almost zero.
Because of the complexity of video-refereeing tasks and the need for the best possible view of the arena or playing field, many sports (e.g. soccer, hockey or canoe slalom) require VAR systems to support 10 to 12 cameras. This gives referees more opportunities and tools for accurate and detailed analysis of the issue.
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought new difficulties, including those related to logistics. When holding international competitions in different cities and countries, the transportation of VAR equipment can become a serious problem.
To meet these challenges, Slomo.tv has expanded its series of VAR systems with a compact and high-performance 12-channel system videoReferee®-SR III, housed in a compact standard Simple R chassis (1U, 5.6 kg).
The new specialized version of the videoReferee®-SR server supports up to 12 HD channels or 10 3G channels, while remaining within the permitted carry-on luggage dimensions. The federations and users now have logistical freedom: the system with a control panel can be brought to any location in the world, e.g. on an airplane. All that remains is to connect standard computer monitors.
The first customer for the videoReferee®-SR III system was the International Canoe Federation. The system was successfully used to provide video assistance to the referees during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The unique videoReferee®-SR III system has all the necessary functions for comfortable refereeing: a convenient and high-performance interface for quick preparation of video material, ability to review of the controversial issues from 1, 2, 3, 4 cameras simultaneously, synchronization of video streams of non-synchronous cameras, zoom-in capability for detailed view, marking of important moments and synchronized search on recorded material.
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Wishing you & your close ones a Happy Holiday season!
May the coming New Year be a wonderful time of your life with new challenges to take and new victories to celebrate!
Stay positive, stay charged, and let's look forward to what we can do together in 2022.
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The VAR system for football has technical and human components. Both meet in a specialized fully equipped Video Operation Room (VOR), from which the video assistance to the referees on the pitch is provided. The location of this video-refereeing "heart" depends on the cost, technical and the geographical aspects and defines the entire workflow.
The InBroadcast magazine published an article by our CTO Igor Vitiorets, in which he compares different architecture options for VAR solutions: local use, VAR center, hybrid and mobile.
Learn about the pros and cons of each solution, its capabilities, pitfalls and main implementation costs.
Read the full article in InBroadcast eZine or on our website.
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The decision to implement the Video Assistant Referee technology is directly related to the question: what cameras should we use for the video-refereeing system? The practice shows that sometimes critical mistakes happen at the stage of choosing the cameras. Igor Vitiorets, CTO of Slomo.tv, explained how to make the "right" choice and which cameras to avoid, shared some tips on using Super Slow Motion cameras and described what to pay attention to when choosing the cameras for video-refereeing tasks.
Read the full article in InBroadcast eZine or on our website.
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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.
