videoReferee®-8F – Basic VAR system for football
The accessible, quick and compact videoReferee®-8F system is a junior model in the line of our Video Assistant Referee (VAR) systems for football. It meets all the FIFA requirements and technical standards which allows it to be used in competitions of any level. The compact (2U, 12 kg) system is suitable for mobile solutions.
videoReferee®-8F based VAR solution can record up to 8 3G*/HD SDI camera signals in various installation options:
- local installation in the VOR at the stadium,
- mobile solutions (VAR Van),
- VAR center.
The videoReferee® system has a User Native Interface that significantly speeds up the work of the VAR team in making important decisions, imperative during the game.
Interface monitors
Notable features include the ability to work with interface monitors (up to 4* monitors), which can display:
- Engineer Interface.
- VAR Interface, which works in the following modes:
- Live recording,
- Delayed video with adjustable delay up to 3 seconds from 1/2/3 or 4 cameras,
- Standard search interface for review,
- Playback of the selected camera with adjustable speed.
- Multiviewer that displays all video input channels. Multiviewer allows to select the required camera and perform simultaneous search on all channels for quick moment location and review.
- One backup monitor. Can be used for Main camera output.
The special MultiSkin function allows to display several interfaces on one monitor with the ability to switch between them. For example, Engineering or VAR interfaces can be displayed on one monitor by pressing a button on the referee control panel to switch between them.
Full-fledged gesture interface for VAR monitor
All videoReferee® systems have built-in support for the gesture interface on the VAR monitor. In addition to the standard function of zooming the image in/out, the gesture interface allows camera selection, search, video playback control and playback speed control. These functions are used with simple and intuitive gestures.
Unlike Touchscreen, the gesture interface is much faster, does not require looking for controls and accurately hitting them, and keeps attention of the VAR focused.
Referee buttons
Complying with FIFA requirements, the system can include special referee buttons. In the standard configuration the buttons are used for controlling communication between VAR and the referee on the pitch, marking of events and timing control.
Safety of recording
The specifically designed file subsystem and I-Frame DCT Based codec ensure the safety of video material and its rapid recovery during the server boot after a power supply loss.
Redundant power supply option further reduces the likelihood of such issues.
Specialized referee control panel Control-VR
The specialized referee control panel significantly speeds up the workflow. It provides the VAR or replay operator instant access to all cameras, presets and most other functions.
The last generation of the Control-VR is equipped with 35 RGB backlit buttons and a proprietary Jog/Shuttle for positioning and controlling playback of recorded video. The control panel is connected via RS-232 / RS-485 / USB or Ethernet.
Remote operation
A special VAR.IO device added to the system can provide long-distance control using the local Ethernet network. This allows for placement of the control panel, buttons, keyboard, and mouse at a convenient place away from the server. The device also lets you set up control of several servers from one place.
Permanent licenses
videoReferee® VAR systems come with permanent software licenses that do not require regular renewal.
Integration with intercom systems
The videoReferee®8F system has a communication interface with referee intercoms and referee communication recording capabilities in accordance with FIFA requirements. The system has a hardware option to interface with the Vokkero intercom with volume control and an intercom option for VOR.
Complying with the requirements for VAR technology, the microphone of the VAR team is activated by pressing a dedicated button to avoid inadvertently feeding the VOR conversations into the referee intercom. Conversations between the VAR (or AVAR) and the head referee on the pitch are recorded in the server.
Loop play
The Loop play is provided with an adjustable 1 or 2 seconds duration, as well as with using input and output marks. Loop play is managed via Control-VR panel and works for one or several channels in Quadrator mode.
RRA option
The system's RRA option provides an output signal of a duplicated VAR interface with the review in progress to the RRA monitor. In the absence of a VAR interface it displays a background picture. Additionally, it generates graphics with the referee's decisions for the Venue Information Graphics systems. It is controlled from the Control-VR panel.
Duplication of VAR interface on the RRA monitor and outputting infographics to the arena and the broadcast
The slomo.tv VAR servers can provide the Venue Information Graphics thanks to the RRA-II option – an external device with 6 SDI outputs, any of which can be assigned one of the following functions in any combination:
- VAR interface output without additional graphics
For supervisor workstation, control monitor, shared video wall in VAR center, etc.
- Synchronous duplication of the VAR interface to RRA zone in accordance with FIFA requirements
In the absence of a VAR interface the RRA monitor displays a static image to ensure privacy.
- VAR server information graphics output to the arena or broadcasting
Pre-loaded infographics about the actions of the VAR team or the final decision are output from the server to the arena and the broadcaster by a member of the VAR team.
The flexibility of the RRA-II configurations greatly simplifies VAR installation and can be used in place of a separate subsystem with an operator.
Advanced export capabilities
The video content can be exported in a variety of file formats, including MXF XDCAM HD422 50 Mbps. Both marked events and the entire recording from all cameras can be exported. The ability to mark the start and end of the exported segment allows you to create files with the necessary moments.
There is also export to special file formats, compatible with the Academy system. That allows using real game situations with the review of real moments for training.
Offside solutions
ThevideoReferee®VAR is integrated with Deltacast's virtual offside line - 2D/3D VOL. The slomo.tv VAR and Delta-offside systems exchange VOL images via a local 1GbE network.
For quick resolution of controversial moments the Control-VR panel is equipped with a “VOL” button to transfer all necessary data to the Delta-offside system, as well as to display the processed image to the referees.
VAR / AVAR / RO workplaces
The standard configuration allows organizing of workplaces for VAR, AVAR, and RO in compliance with FIFA recommendations.
SSM camera support
videoReferee®-8F has optional support for Super Slow Motion cameras from most manufacturers. The number of SDI inputs required to connect an SSM camera corresponds to its shooting speed.
Examples of camera configuration for 8 channels:
- Five HD cameras + one 3x SSM camera
- Four HD cameras + two 2x SSM cameras
Academy – intensive training technology
Specialized training technology for referees, assistant referees and cameramen based on the Academy server.
The Academy system simulates live synchronized video signals from cameras or OB Van and allows VARs to train in conditions as close to reality as possible.
The system helps to learn and practice the order of actions for various controversial moments.
The Academy uses a library of training clips with controversial moments. The user can expand this library with previously unreported moments or create his own for continuous professional development of VAR teams or training of new ones.
This system significantly reduces the training time of new operators, and provides advanced training by parsing a library of real controversial moments.
videoReferee®-8F system in details
- 8 3G*/HD recording channels
- 1 workplace for VAR/assistant VAR/Replay Operator
- Quick preparation of a controversial moment for review. Loop play mode
- Virtual Offside Line technology integration
- Referee intercom integration
- VAR interface output to RRA and broadcasting. Venue Information Graphics
- Support for Super Slow Motion cameras*
- Up to 3 seconds (75 frames) adjustable delay displaying of the Main Camera on VAR monitor
- Controversial moment review at normal and slow motion speed
- ZOOM and Frame-by-Frame viewing which provides 50/60 individual phases of movement when working with a standard signal
- Intuitive gesture interface with camera selection, playback speed control, ZOOM and Frame-by-Frame viewing
- Control-VR panel – instant access to the necessary cameras, presets, convenient search and markup
- Quick creation of camera and multi-screen presets
- RGB referee buttons – VAR and chief referee intercom (conversation is recorded), start of control stopwatch, marking of events
* – optional
