Fans who tune in to watch the Super Bowl on TV this Sunday are in for a remarkable and immersive experience, thanks to cutting-edge camera technology. CBS has announced that they will be incorporating augmented reality and other exciting features into their broadcast of the highly anticipated game.
During a recent media session, Harold Bryant, the Executive Vice President of Production at CBS Sports, emphasized that “technology will be the star” of Super Bowl LVIII.
To ensure a seamless and captivating telecast, the Paramount Global network is sending a massive team of 1,000 staff members to Las Vegas, the host city of this year’s showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at the state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium. This dedicated crew will be accompanied by an impressive caravan of production trucks containing an abundance of video and audio equipment. Additionally, approximately 200 individuals will be working remotely to contribute to the broadcast.
The focal point of the production will undoubtedly be the exceptional array of high-definition TV cameras employed by CBS Sports. In fact, a record-breaking 165 cameras, many boasting impressive 4K-resolution capabilities, will be utilized throughout the game. Patty Power, the Executive Vice President of Operations and Engineering at CBS Sports, revealed this exciting detail. To capture stunning panoramic views of the iconic Las Vegas Strip, robotic cameras have been strategically positioned atop prominent landmarks such as the Strat, Planet Hollywood, Mandalay Bay hotels, and even the Sphere concert venue.
Meanwhile, Allegiant Stadium itself will become a hub of camera coverage, ensuring that no important shot is missed. A multitude of high-definition cameras will capture shots from various vantage points, including the ceiling, goal lines, and end-zone pylons.
However, perhaps the most buzzworthy aspect of the broadcast will be the innovative “doink cameras.” Embedded into the uprights in both end zones, these cameras will offer viewers never-before-seen angles of field goals and extra points. This includes captivating footage of any missed field goals that produce the distinct “doink” sound as they collide with the uprights or crossbar of the goalpost.
As Super Bowl LVIII approaches, it is evident that CBS Sports is revolutionizing the viewing experience by leveraging state-of-the-art camera technology. Fans can anticipate a truly unforgettable visual feast on their screens as the game unfolds.
Advanced Camera Technology Enhances Super Bowl Viewing Experience
The upcoming Super Bowl will bring a new level of excitement to viewers, thanks to cutting-edge camera technology. CBS, upon receiving approval from the NFL, will be embedding three cameras into the uprights of the goalposts. These cameras, strategically positioned at different angles, will provide unique and immersive perspectives of the game.
Jason Cohn, CBS Sports’ Vice President of Remote Technical Operations, reassured the league that the goalposts’ integrity would remain intact by submitting thorough engineering plans. To verify their effectiveness, the network successfully experimented with these cameras during a preseason game at MetLife Stadium and an October regular-season game at Allegiant Stadium.
In addition to the goalpost cameras, a remarkable new addition called the “Red Cat cam” will be installed in the stadium’s catwalks, overlooking the field. This camera, manufactured by RED Digital Cinema, will offer viewers an exceptional bird’s-eye view of the action near the goal line.
Excitingly, this year’s Super Bowl will introduce an alternative telecast aimed at children. Nickelodeon will merge live football action with the imaginative augmented-reality universe of “SpongeBob SquarePants.” The combination of advanced technology and engaging storytelling promises to provide an unparalleled family viewing experience.
The implementation of augmented-reality (AR) cameras will be closely monitored by Joshua Pendrick, CEO of Rypplzz. Rypplzz specializes in 3-D spatial mapping systems that aim to create an “intelligent airspace” within physical environments. Pendrick anticipates that this technology will not only greatly enhance fans’ experiences but also have potential future applications in upcoming Super Bowls.
Pendrick envisions a scenario in which fans could receive virtual visits from athletes for digital autographs or enjoy tailored merchandise deals at sporting events. As Rypplzz’s cutting-edge AR technology becomes available later this year, it will undoubtedly revolutionize the fan experience in unprecedented ways.
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary Super Bowl viewing experience, where advanced camera technology and captivating storytelling converge to create unimaginable thrills.