videoReferee^®-AV/AVM – A Powerful, Compact Video Refereeing System

The videoReferee^®-AV/AVM is a versatile, powerful, fast, and compact video refereeing system. It is the result of sixteen years of experience in developing and creating video refereeing systems – the first videoReferee® systems were used as early as 2008.

The videoReferee^®-AV/AVM system includes all the necessary features for comfortable refereeing and easily adapts to various conditions depending on the stadium or the requirements of a specific competition. Additionally, the system features a compact 2U chassis weighing 12 kg, making it suitable for mobile solutions.

The videoReferee^®-AV/AVM server records up to 12/16 incoming 3G*/HD SDI video cameras. It features a User Native Interface that significantly speeds up the replay operator’s workflow for making critical decisions.

When used in football for VAR solutions based on videoReferee^®-AV/AVM, various installation options are available:

• Local installation in the VOR room at the stadium,
• Mobile solution (VAR Van),
• VAR center.

2 / 4 Graphics Ports for Connecting Interface Monitors

Notable features include the ability to work with interface monitors – two or four (optional) monitors, which can display:

• Engineer Interface;
• Referee Interface, operating in the following modes:
  • Live video
  • Delayed video with adjustable delay up to 3 seconds from 1/2/3 or 4 cameras
  • Standard search interface for play review
  • Playback of a selected camera with adjustable speed
• Multiviewer, working with all input video channels. The Multiviewer allows you to select the desired camera and also perform simultaneous searches across all channels for quick location and review of specific moments.
• One backup monitor. Can be used to display the Main camera feed.

A special MultiSkin function allows displaying multiple interfaces on a single monitor with the ability to switch between them. For example, one monitor can show the engineer or referee interface, switching between them at the press of a button on the referee control panel.

Engineer Interface

Multiviewer

Quad view

Single camera

Full-Fledged Gesture Interface for the Referee Monitor

videoReferee^® systems have built-in support for gesture control on the referee monitor. In addition to standard image zoom in/out functions, the gesture interface includes functions for camera selection, searching, video playback control, and playback speed control. These functions are invoked using simple and intuitive gestures.

Unlike touchscreens, the gesture interface is significantly faster, does not require searching for and precisely hitting control elements, and does not divert the referee’s attention.

Referee Buttons

Up to 6 configurable referee buttons can be connected to the server. In the standard configuration, 4 buttons are used, each of which can have one of two functions:

• Set a mark – green button
• Establish communication with the referee and set a mark – red button

Preservation of the Recorded Material

A specially designed file subsystem and I-Frame DCT Based codec recording ensure the safety of video material in case of power loss and its rapid recovery upon the next server startup.

The optional redundant power supply unit minimizes the likelihood of power-related problems.

Specialized Control-VR Referee Control Panel

The proprietary Control-VR referee control panel significantly speeds up the workflow. Using the panel, the video referee or replay operator gains instant access to all cameras, presets, and most functions.

The convenient next-generation Control-VR panel is equipped with 35 RGB-backlit buttons and a proprietary Jog/Shuttle for positioning through recorded video and playback control. The panel connects via RS-232 / RS-485 / USB / Ethernet interfaces.

Remote Control

A special VAR.IO device can be added to the video refereeing system solution to extend the system’s control elements over long distances – the panel, buttons, keyboard, and mouse can be connected using a local Ethernet network. This allows you to place a comfortable control area in a convenient location away from the server. This solution also enables control of multiple servers from a single location.

Integration with Internal Referee Communication Systems

The videoReferee^®-AV/AVM system features a communication interface with referee intercoms, with the ability to record conversations. videoReferee^® has a hardware option for interfacing with the Vokkero intercom, including volume control.

The video refereeing team’s microphone is activated by pressing a dedicated button. Conversations between the video referee and the on-field referee are recorded on the server.

Loop Playback of a Moment

For convenient replay review, a loop playback mode (Loop play) is provided with selectable durations – 1 or 2 seconds, as well as an arbitrary duration set by marking in and out points. Loop play works for one or multiple channels in the “Quadrator” mode. It is controlled via the Control-VR panel.

Duplicating the Referee Interface to the RRA Review Area

The system includes an RRA option: generating an output signal for the RRA monitor during replay review, and replacing it with a background image or video when the referee is not reviewing. Additionally, this same option generates graphics based on refereeing decisions for distribution to Venue Information Graphics systems or broadcasters. It is controlled via the Control-VR panel.

Advanced Export Options

Various export settings allow obtaining video material in different file formats, including MXF XDCAM HD422 at 50 Mbit/s. Both marked events and the entire recording from all cameras can be exported. Markup capabilities allow you to obtain files with specific moments of a certain duration.

Export to special file formats compatible with the Academy system allows for training operators using real game situations with analysis of actual incidents.

SSM Camera Support

videoReferee^®-AV/AVM offers 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 configurations for 8 channels:

• Five HD cameras + one 3x SSM camera
• Four HD cameras + two 2x SSM cameras

Academy Intensive Training Technology

A specialized training technology for referees, assistant referees, and operators based on the "Academy" server helps them learn and practice the procedures for reviewing various controversial moments.

This system simulates "live" synchronous video signals from cameras or production trucks using a library of training clips and allows video referees to practice in conditions as close to reality as possible.

Users can also expand the clip library or create their own to continuously improve the refereeing team’s skills or prepare new members.

Football Solution

Virtual Offside Line (VOL) Technology

SLOMO.TV VOL is a software option running on the same hardware as our videoReferee® VAR system, not on a separate server. There's no need for additional hardware, and the VOL system is controlled via the native VAR console Control-VR (or a mouse). One VAR system operator can handle both VAR and VOL functions.

The VOL operator has full control of the system. Using an augmented reality tool (with a 3D crosshair) they can place markers on protruding body parts of players. This tool is displayed simultaneously on all selected cameras, allowing accurate positioning from different angles.

VAR / AVAR / RO Workstations

The standard configuration allows you to set up workstations for the VAR, Assistant VAR (AVAR), and Replay Operator. The monitor layout conforms to FIFA recommendations.

videoReferee^®-AV/AVM System in Detail

* – Optional