Canal+ uses Piero 3D graphics system to use for French Ligue1 coverage

By Kevin Hilton

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.”