Golf Channel Reups with SportsMEDIA Technology for Virtual Putting Line
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SportsMEDIA Technology Corporation, the award-winning provider of graphics, statistics and video enhancement solutions, today announced a new three year agreement with
The Golf Channel has signed a new three-year deal with SportsMEDIA Technology for a virtual graphic solution to enhance the broadcast of its PGA Tour and LPGA Tour golf tournaments. SportsMEDIA’s SMART Virtual Putting Line system inserts a virtual “optimum putting line” showing where the ball must travel in order to make a successful putt and gives the television audience a true appreciation for the difficulty of each putt.
SportsMEDIA’s system draws the optimum putting line by integrating with AimPoint’s positional data system that measures the slope and grain of the putting surface.
“The combination of SportsMEDIA’s leading technology, their ability to seamlessly integrate with other vendors’ equipment and their long history in working with the PGA Tour made it an obvious choice for us to work together,” says Tony Tortorici, Golf Channel vice president of production.
During the Golf Channel’s 2010 broadcasts, including this week’s AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, the optimum putting line will be sponsored by Fidelity Investments as part of their advertising campaign which uses an animated green line to represent Fidelity’s guidance and path to help individuals achieve their financial goals.
“SportsMEDIA provides the production tools broadcasters need to create the most compelling content to captivate television viewers,” adds Don Tupper, vice president of business development for SportsMEDIA. “However, our technology also creates some unique opportunities for sponsors, such as Fidelity Investments, to reach their target audience in new and engaging ways.”
Golf Channel has a long-term exclusive cable deal with the PGA Tour and SportsMEDIA’s technology will be utilized by the Golf Channel at a minimum of 12 events annually.
The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am will be held from February 11-14, 2010 in Pebble Beach, CA.
