SVG Summit 2015: Next-Gen Cameras, VR Create New Perspectives for Fans

Audio and video technologies continue to evolve, providing fans with new ways to experience an event – whether it is a unique angle within the linear telecast, an alternate angle streamed online or a virtual reality experience. During Day 2 of the SVG Summit on Tuesday, experts in production operations discussed some of their favorite new tools, the challenge of developing and deploying them, and what is next in terms of acquisition of audio and video signals. Watch highlights from the panel below.

NextVR Co-Founder DJ Roller and Brad Cheney, Fox Sports, Director, Technical Operations, provide an inside look at the extensive virtual reality tests undertaken at the U.S. Open this past summer:

Ken Miller, DIRECTV Sports Networks, VP, Executive Producer, explains how predictive pitch statistics graphics helped to enhance the storytelling aspect within Root Sports baseball telecasts this season:

Roller believe that the technology for live VR sports production is already there, but that more audiences must be exposed to virtual reality experiences in order for it to being gaining mainstream traction:

Mike Webb, YES Network, VP, Broadcast Operations, addresses the advantage that baseball has when it comes to testing out new bleeding-edge technology due to its almost daily schedule and long home stands. He cites YES Network’s long-term testing of Replay Technologies’ FreeD 360-degree replay system two years ago as a primary example:

When you see an amazing new technology on the trade show floor at NAB or IBC, how do you go about bringing that technology from the floor to the compound? Brad Cheney, Fox Sports, Director, Technical Operations, highlights the importance of working hand-in-hand with the production team to identify useful next-gen production tools and then working together to cultivate the systems until they are mature enough to make air: