Orad TrackVision hits soccer pitch

By Andrew Lippe

Soccer broadcasters looking to quickly overlay graphics to show offsides and other infractions have a new tool to get the job done. Orad’s TrackVision, which was used during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, is a new patent-pending technology that can apply graphics and, more importantly, doesn t require installing sensors on camera equipment.
“The conventional way [to do graphics like this] is to mount physical sensors on cameras but our new method is free of sensors,” says Ofir Benovici, Orad director of marketing. The system knows the size and parameters of the pitch, allowing it to overlay graphics on either live signals or replay feeds.

Benovici, the system doesn t even have to be at the venue. It s all done from the studio, he says. The system uses a chroma-keyer to ensure graphics are properly overlaid even in bad lighting conditions and also supports both HD and SD productions. It also interfaces with EVS and other slow-motion replay systems and can be tied into the main cameras as well as additional cameras located at the 16-meter position.

Besides installing offside lines during replays TrackVision can draw a
9-meter distance indicator (to measure the blocking wall) during free
kicks to precisely show distance to the goal and if the wall is
properly set up. It can also overlay logos and flags.

The quick and easy setup makes it perfect for live production, says Benovici. A three-minute set up basically eliminates many constraints.

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