Princeton Video Image is a 'Hole In One' for Gaylord Event Television
For the first time in the history of televised golf, virtual enhancements will be used during the telecast to include a virtual flagstick to indicate where the cup is located. This enables viewers to see where the golfer is aiming while hitting from a fairway or in a bunker, which previously would have been obstructed from view. On the greens, a white circle that highlights the cup will appear while a player is putting, it then disappears once the real cup can be viewed. In addition, on-course sponsorship signage that was previously unavailable can now discreetly be inserted into the show. The virtual technology was developed through a joint agreement between PVI and Gaylord Event Television. (An example of this technology can be seen at: http://www.pvi-inc.com/showcase/pressroomb.html)
"We are very excited to extend PVI's virtual technology into a new sport - golf," said Dennis Wilkinson, President and CEO of PVI. "Broadcasts like Shell's Wonderful World of Golf and the Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge are seen by millions of viewers on ESPN and ABC, and their use of our technology is a way to enhance the telecast for the viewer and yet another example of the acceptance of virtual advertising by mainstream broadcasters and advertisers."
Shell's Wonderful World of Golf, the first made-for-television sports series debuted in 1962 featuring head-to-head competition among the most elite golfers in the world playing on some of the most pristine courses around the globe. The series originally ran for nine years and was re-introduced in 1994. In total, the series has aired 125 events and visited 51 countries.
"Utilizing this technology will intensify the experience of the viewers who already are treated to the best golfers and courses in the world," said Terry Jastrow, president of Gaylord Event Television. "This is a great opportunity for both our companies to explore the use of virtual technology in golf broadcasts for which the fans will benefit."
The 2000 series features what can only be considered the most impressive lineup in its storied history featuring the legendary Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player squaring from London. England. The remaining line-up, a virtual whose- who of the PGA Tour, features 2000 Presidents Cup winners including Hal Sutton, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, David Duval, Notah Begay III and Paul Azinger along with fan favorites Fred Couples and Jesper Parnevik.
A total of five featured matches will air on ESPN beginning Tuesday, October 3rd. The first four shows will air on consecutive Tuesdays from 9:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. EST with the final match airing Wednesday, November 1st from 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. EST. Below is the complete schedule:
- October 3 David Duval vs Ernie Els
Cherokee Plantation, South Carolina - October 10 Hal Sutton vs Notah Begay III
White Witch Golf Club, Jamaica - October 17 Paul Azinger vs Jesper Parnevik
Grand Bear Golf Course, Mississippi - October 24 Fred Couples vs Phil Mickelson
Gaillardia Golf & Country Club, Oklahoma - November 1 Jack Nicklaus vs Gary Player
Sunningdale Golf Club, London, England
Gaylord Event Television, formerly Jack Nicklaus Productions was recently acquired by Gaylord Entertainment Company (NYSE: GET), and is a world-renowned producer and marketer of television sports events, specials, computer games and home videos. Headed by Jastrow, a seven-time Emmy Award winning producer, Gaylord Event Television has produced such prestigious events as the Comfort Classic, The Philips Invitational Honoring Harvey Penick, the Diners Club Matches and , Michael Douglas & Friends presented by Mazda. In 2000, Gaylord Event Television will produce more than 50 hours of programming for ABC, CBS, FOX and ESPN Networks.