Sports Technology & Communications News from Around the World

Viewers of sports content will be getting a clearer picture of events thanks to new patentedtechnology from Orad.

Orad has been given a patent for its camera tracking technology. The technology lets graphics improve the appearance of sports videos.

The company, formally called “Orad Hi-Tec Systems,” which provides graphic solutions, explained that the patent relates to an algorithm that can analyze video. It determines point of view parameters for individual video frames.

The graphic enhancements are electronically generated and are shown on-screen during live sports broadcasts.

The technology can be used on trucks, on an athletic field (such as a soccer field, tennis court or golf course), in an athletic stadium or in a television studio. It also can be used for any sports-related content.

Also, the technology does not need additional camera attachments. It analyzes video in real time. No field lines are employed.

Another benefit is that the algorithm is not vulnerable to flashes. In alternatives, flashes can cause issues.

The technology is part of Orad’s enhancement products known as MVP and Invictus, according to a company statement.

Broadcast Engineering also reported that Orad provides 3D broadcast graphic, video server and media management solutions. These include news content, channel branding, sports production, sports enhancement, elections, special events, virtual studios, and virtual ads.

In a recent announcement, the company said a new graphics control panel play-out solution, called “Orad Smart-Shot,” is now available too.

Operators can use it to access pre-assigned graphics. It can also be used with short cuts, such as cue, next, play, previous and stop. 

“Orad developed Smart-Shot to support the increasingly faster production workflows,” Avi Sharir, Orad’s CEO and president, said in a recent statement. “With Smart-Shot, production operators can deliver broadcast graphics on a moment’s notice, for any situation no matter the turnaround demand.”