SVG Summit Preview: Hot Tech Showcase Puts Focus on 5G, HDR, AR, Shallow Depth of Field, and Drones

The 2021 SVG Summit will feature something new this year: a “Hot Tech Showcase” on the main stage on the afternoon of Dec. 13 that will shine a spotlight five key product areas: 5G as a production tool; HDR workflows; Shallow Depth of Field camera systems; Augmented Reality Graphic Systems; and Drones and Aerial Cameras.

Fox Sports will discuss how it uses drone technology during the Hot Tech Showcase at the SVG Summit.

“All five of these areas have been generating a lot of buzz among industry professionals so we decided to give them a chance to shine in a series of panel discussions that bring together key end users and key technology developers,” says Ken Kerschbaumer, SVG, Co-executive Director, editorial services. “It promises to be a lively and long overdue conversation designed to help attendees get a better sense of how they can make a difference in their productions, how to properly embrace them, and future trends to look out for.”

Below is the complete schedule for the afternoon. To register to attend please click here:

1:30-2:00: 5G as a Production Tool
5G is one of the most promising technologies when it comes to delivering a new level of performance for untethered video workflows and sports operations. Learn more about how the technology is being deployed and what it means for your future.
Confirmed Panelists:
Steve Hellmuth, NBA Entertainment, EVP, Media Operations and Technology
Grant Nodine, NHL, SVP, Technology
Tim Stevens, Verizon Business Group, Global Leader, Strategic Innovation for Sports, Media & Entertainment

2:00-2:15: EVS Technology Case Study: Navigating the Path from SDI to IP with Groupe TVA and EVS
In this session, Nestor Amaya, VP Solutions Architect at EVS, discusses Groupe TVA’s ventures as they set out on a journey to build the right type of infrastructure that would suit their production needs and business ambitions. Rather than investing further in SDI technology, TVA chose to transition to an IP-based infrastructure that would lead them to evolve and scale. Nestor explains the pros and cons of managing and orchestrating IP signals, the associated challenges, and provides insights into how Groupe TVA managed to get onto a successful growth path to IP.
Presenter: Nestor Amaya, EVS, VP, Solutions Architect

2:15-3:00: Hot Tech Showcase: Shallow Depth of Field Cameras
Shallow-depth-of-field camera systems have been all the rage in a wide range of sports productions. Learn what systems each network is using, how to get the most out of them, and what’s next technology-wise.
Moderator: Andrea Berry, Telemundo Enterprises, EVP, Operations and Technology
Confirmed Panelists:
Jason Cohen, CBS Sports and CBS Sports Network, VP, Remote Technical Operations
Thomas Fletcher, Fujifilm, Director of Marketing
Rob Willox, Sony, Director, Marketing, Imaging Products & Solutions

3:00-4:00: Networking Break in Exhibit Area

4:00-4:30: Hot Tech Showcase: Drones and Aerial Cameras
The pandemic removed the crowds and opened up a whole new world of aerial camera options. We’ll discuss what kind of drones and aerial camera systems have made a difference and how they are being used now that fans have returned.
Confirmed Panelists:
Brad Cheney, Fox Sports, VP, Field Operations and Engineering
Josh Stoner, Canon, Senior Specialist, Product, ITCG ISB Product Management Division

4:30-5:00: Augmented Reality Graphics
Augmented reality is giving sports productions a completely new look and delivering sports data and statistics in more compelling ways. We’ll take a look at AR, the technology that drives it, and how you can apply it to your show in an effective manner.
Moderator: Tom Sahara, Quintar, SVP, Production Technology
Confirmed Panelists:
Bryan Bray, Ross Video, RSVP Project Manager
Simon Davis, disguise, Project Manager, Broadcast
Craig Laliberte, Unreal Engine, Senior Business Development Manager
Andrew Lorenz, SMT, Director, Business Development and Technical Integration

5:00-5:30: HDR Workflows and Developments
Join us for a super-quick primer about HDR and the key concepts you need to understand to make UHD a reality in your productions. What is a LUT and how do you find the right one for your needs? How do you simultaneously produce a show for HDR and SDR viewers? And how does it change the production workflow?
Confirmed Panelists:
Michael Drazin, NBC, Director, Production and Technology Engineer
Alan Stein, InterDigital, VP of Technology