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

The 240 frames per second broadcast replays.

Last month Panasonic released the 4x SuperMotion Firmware for its AK-HC5000 camera. This camera shoots 200/240 frames per second in Full HD. We just could not allow not to be integrated with this wonderful camera.

As it is well known, the vast majority of TV companies use Full HD interlaced broadcast standard.

In order to use AK-HC5000 in 1080 50i/60i, we have developed a special mode in our replay systems.

Naturally, we have implemented a smooth control of playback speed, transition effects between two channels, search during playback, and other "niceties" that distinguish us from others.

We also integrated the AK-HC5000 with our new Simple R II (1U, 5.6 Kg.) and now can offer the most affordable, compact, lightweight and easy to use replay server for this 4x camera.

4 years have passed since the appearance of «Simple R».

During that time we developed and produced 8 different models: 331, 442, 662, 662Plus, videoReferee^®, Safeguard, SM and SM2. Unfortunately, they all had a different hardware platform and no upgrade was possible without sending the unit to manufacturer. That is why we have created a new Simple R II.

What distinguishes it from Simple R:

• First of all, a universal platform that enables upgrading to any configuration remotely.
• Increased (at ordering) SSD storage capacity to 266 hrs. of 100 Mbit HD video.
• Two SD/HD video outputs in basic 332 configuration.
• 3 graphics outputs for connecting 3 different interfaces at the same time.
• Ability of 662 systems to work with 7 inputs in instant replay mode.
• The possibility of obtaining a single-use license for higher configuration.

With a purchase of basic 332 system customer gets 20 free demo licenses to run 442, 662, 442 3G, SuperMotion, Safeguard, Game Analyzer, videoReferee-4/8.

Also, Simple R II is the only in the world replay server, which can work with 4x Super-Motion Panasonic AK-HC5000 camera!

Flexibility

Power

Ability for upgrades

Large storage capacity

Availability of various configurations

We are continuously developing and improving our products and Jr. systems are no exception. The transition to a common hardware platform now allows to upgrade Jr.2 to Jr.4 remotely just by connecting the server to Internet and acquiring the appropriate license.

The new design uses BNC connectors instead DIN1.0 / 2.3 which simplifies connection - adapters are no longer need.

The main difference in Jr.2 software is that, besides possibility to updates to Jr.4, it provides the opportunity to purchase single licenses for operation as 4-channel videoReferee^®. This adds flexibility in the use of existing system without expense of the full upgrade.

Also, a new hardware platform can work with 3G SDI signals (requires special license), which allows the use of both 2x (100/120 fps) and Full HD 50/60p cameras.

Another feature of the new platform is the expansion of internal SSD array capacity up to 132 hours of HD video at 100 Mbit/s.

One of the key differences in the architecture of slomo.tv replay servers from all others is that for viewing recorded material and marking clips or searching for entry point on a different channel during instant replays no separate SDI output for Playback channel is needed.

That is why we specify the number of search channel each replay server have.

For example, a 662 system has 6 recording channels, 6 search channel and two playback channels. This means that such system can simultaneously record six channels, playback 2 channels, which is necessary to ensure a smooth transition from one clip to another or, in instant replay mode, from one channel to another and, at the same time, allow search on 6 recorded channels. Rotating the Jog, the operator simultaneously moves recorded video and sees all channels on the multiviewer screen.

On any other systems marking clips requires an additional playback SDI channel.

The mode in which the system records 6 channels, replays 1 or 2 channels, and at the same time the operator searches and marks clips is called Program + Preview and is described as 6 Rec + 2 Playback.

Often, many replay systems require a second playback channel to perform a smooth transition from one clip/channel to another.

With slomo.tv servers replay operator does not need a Preview output. Search and replays are perfectly controlled on the main interface screen.

With this in mind, for our Arrow 662 servers we created new configurations - 771/711. Now users of 662 systems may record 7 video channels, search on one or 7 channels and do replays of two channels with transition effects. This unique mode is not offered by any other manufacturer.

It should be noted that 7-channel mode does not require a special license and will automatically be available for current users of Arrow 662/662Plus after software upgrade.

Broadcasts of theater performances in ultra-high definition (4K) pioneered by New York Metropolitan Opera is a new trend in the development of theater around the world. The great Mariinsky Opera and Ballet Theatre in St. Petersburg with its creative ensemble has not stood aside. "Gazprom-Media Holding" organized the shooting of performances in 4K resolution.

On June 7 and 10, 2016 the Bajaderka ballet was recorded using the slomo.tv multichannel server BlackJack 4K. The recording was made in Ultra HD resolution with ProRes SQ codec.

The filming was carried out by OB Van of "Match TV", equipped with Sony HDC-4300 4K Cameras.

The ARROW 4K 111 is the most affordable 4K replay server in the world.

The entire family of Arrow servers is positioned as a budget solution.

Arrow 4K 111 is no exception. You get features for which competitors are asking at least 2 times more. The server allows simultaneous recording one 4K60P video input, replay 2 clipsl with transition effects and at the same time search and mark the recorded material. In recording for NLE mode the server writes 2 channels 4K60P. Unlike others we use full-frame 4K codec instead of 4 separate independent frames. Our codec provides 1200 Mbit stream, which is also the best in the industry. Export of recorded video for NLE is done in ProRes 422 and it does not require any additional hardware or license.

If this quality is not enough, then we can record two 4K60P channels without compression.

For 4K connections we use Quad 3G SDI.

Naturally, our server in replay mode works with HD, SD and 3G signals. (No additional licenses are required).

Working with 3G signals server provides simultaneous recording of 6 signals, playback of 2 channels with transition effects and search on all 6 channels simultaneously. The 4 graphics ports allow you to display on separate monitors the main interface, multiviewer and telestrator.

In addition this server can accommodate two independent operators each working with 3 channel and using their own remote control, main interface, multiviewer display and program output.

The workshop on video replay experiments was held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 18-20 May 2016

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has invited tournament organizers interested in running experiments with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to see the technology in action.

As an established and experienced VAR technology provider with over 70 installations in sports arenas around the world, SLOMO.TV participated in the IFAB tests with the videoReferee^® 12-channel system that was used for the demonstration as a real working VAR system.

Please read the comments on the workshop from the IFAB and FIFA representatives below.

Lucas Brud,
Secretary of the IFAB:

The IFAB decided to allow experiments with video assistant referees in order to be able to answer one main question, and this is: "Will this support help the referees or not, and will it bring more fair play to the game?" Some theories may say "yes", but we really have to test live in order to be able to answer this question.

In the lead up to the decision, we have involved several football stakeholders, players, coaches, panels that advise us in football and in technical matters.

Also we have spoken to other sports such as NBA, NFL, cricket, rugby who have helped us establish the protocol for football. Even though it sounds like a different sport there are lots of parallels when it comes to video system referees (VAR).

The four match-changing decisions that IFAB has identified are: a goal or anything that leads to a goal, for example, foul play, a handball, or an offside situation; then a penalty, anything that might lead to a penalty kick, such as a foul, and, again, a handball [situation].

The referees may also review whether the foul or the handball happened outside or inside the penalty area.

And the third – a very important one – is direct red-card incidents.

We are not talking about a second yellow card, a direct red card, for example, for serious foul play or for violent conduct.

And the fourth more administrative decision is the award of a yellow card or a red card to the wrong player, we want to ensure that the players are not… that the right players are sanctioned.

Johannes Holzmüller,
FIFA Head of Football Technology Innovation:

As a member of the IFAB, FIFA was involved in the entire developing process from the beginning, and FIFA's football technology innovation department supports the IFAB with the management of the experiment and develops technological requirements to make sure that the video system referee receives the best view angles in the fastest possible time.

This project is similar to the goal-line technology because also in this project we are working with technology providers, we are working with research institutes in order to provide the IFAB for a final decision on video assistant refereeing (VAR) with all the facts and figures in order that they can make the right decision in the end.

Lucas Brud:

More than 25 associations and leagues have contacted us as they are interested in this discussion and want potentially to participate in the experiments. The IFAB will not decide which competitions will run the experiment, it would be rather the other way around. There would be requirements and protocols that the associations will have to fulfill in order to be able to participate in the experiments. We are currently conducting workshops after which we expect the associations, leagues, competition organizers to then confirm whether or not they want to participate, and once that is completed we will then start experimenting.

The expected decision to be taken earliest in 2018 or potentially even 2019 once the experiments are concluded and the analysis is available to the IFAB to take this important decision.

Check out the video from the workshop at the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVQ2mLssf4A

In 2007 at the World Ice Hockey Championship we debuted the world's first sports video judging system. All this time we were and still are the leaders in the field of video refereeing. We provide solutions for ice hockey, basketball, volleyball, football, rugby, soccer, short track speed skating, horse racing.

We are particularly pleased that due to videoReferee^®, sport is becoming more transparent and honest.

At NAB 2016 we showed our new videoReferee^®-4 family. As always, the most powerful in the world. We now support up to 18 recording channels and simultaneous viewing of 4 recorded channels.

We pioneered support of 3G SDI signals and are the first in sports video judging working with 4K signals. Our system videoReferee^®-4K works with 4K 12G video signals.

The world premiere of FULL 4K replay and slow-motion server by slomo.tv RED ARROW was at NAB Show in Las Vegas. With this new product the company once again sets new standards in slow-motion servers. RED ARROW offers 4 channels recording, 4 channels search and 2 channels playback with six 4K physical video ports – all in 4K 50p in a single 2RU enclosure.

It is the most powerful replay and slow-motion server in the world.

RED ARROW can also be used for 6-channel 4K 50p recording for non-linear editing.

Due to its 4 graphics ports RED ARROW allows 4 operators to work on one machine at the same time. For example, two operators work with configuration 662 (6 recording, 6 search and 2 replay channels), the other two with configuration 442 (4 recording, 4 search and 2 replay channels). While working simultaneously on one machine, each operator has its own display that can function as the main interface or in multiviewer mode.

The system interface has a built-in multiviewer that provides monitoring of input and output signals and search through 4 channels using one standard 1920x1080 monitor. Its SSD based array provides for storage of 266 hours 100 Mbit HD video. The built-in DMR™ SATA slots can accommodate nine (9) 3.5" SATA drives that can record 18 channels in ProRes 422 and 18 Proxy SD channels or 24 channels DVCPro HD with SD Proxy.

The RED ARROW can be operated as a stand-alone unit and, unlike others, does not need any additional s/w or hardware. In 3G or HD the RED ARROW can operate with 20 channels recording and replays, while providing 4 physical outputs!

In 3G/HD mode the server offers 20 channels of 3G. Unlike competing products, that offer maximum 4 channel recording + PRV and PGM typically in 6RU, RED ARROW is a true game changer in the field of high-end servers and offers functionalities never dreamed of before.

For integration with various production environments there are two 10 GbE interfaces.