Ncam Utilised For UEFA Coverage

BT Sport has upgraded its studio to include augmented reality capabilities. This included the installation of Ncam's Live tracking systems on: a rolling jib, a Steadicam and a robotic dolly, which has been used during the UK broadcaster's coverage of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League,

The jib allows for free movement around the studio, as well as high beauty shots which include a night-time 3D map of Europe with models of the stadiums in use, all generated in RT Software's graphics engine. The map, in addition to other graphic elements, must be locked to the live camera outputs.

Ncam's tracking system achieves absolute precision in camera location, through all six degrees of movement: XYZ position in 3D space, pan, tilt and roll, which even enables handheld cameras to be precisely tracked. The Ncam multi-sensor bar on the camera also integrates with the lens, so zoom and focus are captured and streamed to the graphics engine, ensuring the real and virtual elements match.

The Ncam Live system uses a lightweight multi-sensor bar attached to each camera, which includes a stereo pair of cameras to reconstruct the studio in three-dimensional space, combined with multiple non-optical sensors to track and predict motion. As the technology uses natural tracking points from the environment, the system requires no calibration and can be ready for use in seconds.

RT Software uses the Ncam SDK to develop an interface, capturing all the positional data available, ensuring a high degree of precision in placing the graphics.

Jamie Hingbaugh, COO of BT Sport, said: "We wanted to push the creative boundaries with our UEFA Champions League coverage. That is why we have invested in Ncam's technology. The response from our audience has been fantastic around our augmented reality offerings."

"BT Sport wanted the freedom to present information in an engaging and creative way, which is why the crane, the dolly system – which moves around two sides of the studio – and the Steadicam were specified," added Nic Hatch, CEO of Ncam. "With Ncam constantly tracking the positions of all three cameras simultaneously, the director has the freedom to find and explore multiple angles, while keeping all the augmented reality content locked in place. This adds so much to the production value of the shows. It creates a great immersive experience, bringing the audience into the games and the discussions."

www.ncam-tech.com

(JP)