News | October 3, 2000

Sky Sports Adopts vizrt Software for 3D Graphics During Live Sporting Events

Source: vizrt

The Premier Sports Channel Employs vi[z] 3D Real-Time On Air Broadcast Graphics Solution

The premier sports network in the UK, Sky Sports, is now utilizing vi[z] 3D Broadcast Graphics and Content Pilot solution from vizrt for all of its live sports programming. The vizrt software at Sky Sports runs on a combination of SGI Onyx and NT workstations, generating real-time 3D clocks, team line-ups, and results scoreboards.

vizrt is a leading provider of fully integrated broadcast graphics solutions formed by the merger of vizrt and Peak Broadcast Systems on July 3, 2000.

"I am especially impressed with the ease of use of the graphics interface," said Phil Madge, Studio Graphics Supervisor for Sky Sports. "It is the best I have seen. I also like the extra software plug-ins that allow us to extend the functionality of the system without resorting to outside help."

Madge also noted that: "The high level of local support is a big plus, and running the graphics authoring software on an NT platform gives us the cost-effectiveness we need to stay within budget."

Sky Sports recently used its new vizrt solution during coverage of the UK FA Cup Final and for international cricket matches.

"For our Premier League soccer matches, I plan to integrate the vizrt graphics into the entire match coverage," continued Madge, "and later I intend to extend its use to all sports and studio show programs."

Previously known as Everest, vi[z] runs on either SGI platforms or Windows NT based PC systems and is ideal for real-time delivery of live news, sports, business, entertainment, weather and other programming in need of an enhanced graphics appearance. vi[z] Content Pilot™, formerly named Pilot Live Event, is template-based software specially designed to handle fast-changing live events; typically sporting events, financial market information, elections, and other programs that rely on external data feeds that change rapidly. Data from external sources may be automatically entered into templates and ready for display immediately upon request.