SVG Europe correspondent Canal+ is using the latest graphics manipulation technology for greater analysis and punditry of its coverage of French Ligue1, European Champions League and English Premier League football. The broadcaster has become the first French channel to install Red Bee Media's Piero 3D graphics system with the new "moveable player" feature, which allows presenters and experts to simply put their fingers on the image of a footballer and move it to another position on the pitch. This, and other features within Piero, is being used for rugby presentation as well as football and allows Canal+ to technologically improve its coverage of both. Commentators in the studios can "draw" on the live action, with the view switchable between actual and virtual views to give viewers a perspective that the cameras would not otherwise be able to deliver. Canal+ is among the first broadcasters outside the UK to use the moveable player mode in Piero, which also offers "magnifier" and "spotlight" settings. "Our content is premium and deserves the best in technology," said Alexandre Bompard, head of sports at Canal+ Group. "Once again Canal+ is pioneering, using leading technologies that will benefit our subscribers. The exclusive use of Piero for football in France will keep our subscribers ahead of the game." © Copyright 2006-2009 sportsvideogroup |