RaceTech Selects Pixel Power for OB Graphics First Data-Driven OB Graphics for UK Race Courses
Cambridge, UK, October 17 2006: Pixel Power and its integration partner iKnowledge, which was recently acquired by PA Sport, are to implement the first configurable automated data-driven racecourse graphics service in outside broadcast (OB) as part of a major project for horse-racing technology provider RaceTech. RaceTech is to use Pixel Power's Clarity 300 character generators and bespoke software from system integrator iKnowledge in six OB trucks for ground-breaking live big-screen coverage at UK race tracks.
Clarity will provide 'on-demand' on-screen captions containing racecard content, tote information, betting prices and results, together with a host of new content that includes jockey silks and form content for live coverage on screens around race courses. The bespoke iKnowledge software allows RaceTech to regionalise its broadcasts with location-specific advertisements and sponsors' logos and messages.
Clarity 300 is a high-performance, single-channel, SD character generator and still store, shallow enough to fit in the shallow racks of an OB truck. iKnowledge provides the technology as an integrated suite on a fixed contract that includes maintenance and upgrades. In the past, the race-course broadcaster had been penalised as any change in operation could prove highly costly.
"For the first time, we have a complete graphics solution that doesn't tie us to a particular business model," says RaceTech technical director Mick Both. "Pixel Power and iKnowledge's combined solution gives us the flexibility we need to change not only the information we broadcast at each venue but also our entire mode of operation. A simple connection to the internet allows reliable, professional content delivery from a central source removing the possibility of incorrect information being displayed."
iKnowledge co-founder and commercial director Kevan Moretti commented "We are delighted to be working with RaceTech. This is as big as it gets in terms of the delivery of outside-broadcast TV graphics services. The complexities in terms of data handling, infrastructure provision, and the sheer scale of the day-in day-out coverage and production schedule make this the largest and most significant outside-broadcast sports TV project in the UK.
"Live OB is a challenging environment for any broadcast technology so operators need reliable, flexible equipment," says Pixel Power MD James Gilbert. "Robust and high-performance, Clarity offers the functionality that OB demands."
Pixel Power is a leader in the development and production of SD and HD broadcast graphics systems, news production workflow tools and live interactive content with more than 2,000 installations worldwide. With a local presence around the world the company's award-winning solutions suit broadcasters, post-production houses and outside broadcast (OB) trucks of all sizes for distinctive, professional, reliable and cost-effective on-air graphics.
Established in Cambridge, UK, in 1987, the company also has a wholly owned subsidiary office in Florida, USA, and a dedicated network of distributors and support offices around the world.
iKnowledge - a Pixel Power integration partner - was acquired by PA Sport, the world's leading sports news provider, in June 2006. iKnowledge now produces more transmission hours of live sports TV graphics than any other TV graphics company in Europe. iKnowledge offers its graphics systems across the full range of TV sports and gaming productions. The company also delivers leading-edge predictive and in-play content, in-running wager systems, statistical & form content, together with specialist broadcast services such as commentary prompts and automated scripting. iKnowledge was acquired by PA Sport in June 2006. iKnowledge's customer list features many at the forefront of content and systems innovation. For more information visit: www.iknowledge.co.uk.
RaceTech provides technical support for horse racing at all racecourses licensed by the Horseracing Regulatory Authority, including starting stalls, photofinish, race timing, television service and public address & radio communications. It also supplies closed-circuit television coverage at most courses, provides racecourse cable installations and feeds pictures to other broadcasting concerns, including the BBC, Channel 4 Racing, Satellite Information Services, At The Races, Racing UK and international services.
In addition, the company provides and operates Tote sponsored GIANT television screens at racecourses. Now one of the biggest outside-broadcast operations in British television, with six mobile control rooms supported by eighteen camera hoist vehicles, RaceTech operates principally from its base in Raynes Park and maintains regional bases for its technical vehicles at Warwick, York and Newmarket. For more information visit: www.RaceTech.co.uk
Scott Clarke
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The Whiteoaks Consultancy
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