X Games Aspen 2013 Technology
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X GAMES ASPEN 2013 TECHNOLOGY X Games Aspen 2013 will feature the return of live coverage on ABC, as well as 20 hours of live X Games Aspen content in high-definition on ESPN, January 24 - 27, 2013 from Aspen, Colo. ESPN3 will stream all 20 hours of coverage as well as three hours of original content and ESPN 3D will telecast all 21.5 hours of live X Games coverage. In addition to all of the content on ESPN's U.S.-based media platforms, X Games Aspen will be televised in more than 192 countries and territories to more than 232 million homes, including live coverage in Africa, Asia, Brazil, Central America, Europe, Middle East and South America. The event will also be simulcast on ESPN's international broadband platforms in 13 countries. PRODUCTION ELEMENTS Trucks: 6 3D Cameras: 29 HD Cameras: 16 TECHNOLOGY 3D All of the X Games Aspen coverage will be produced simultaneously in 3D and 2D using a technique often referred to as 5D (3D+ 2D). The coverage is originally produced in native stereoscopic 3D and the 2D telecast is derived from the 3D coverage. ESPN will utilize 29 3D cameras and 16 2D cameras to cover the events on Buttermilk Mountain. Camera technology includes 11 3D handheld cameras, 3D jibs, a 3D FlyCam (aerial camera on cable), two 3D I-Movix cameras (Ultra Slo-Mo cameras) and three wireless 3D Ski Followcams racing down the hill alongside the athletes on the Slopestyle, SuperPipe and Big Air courses. Huck Tower The Huck Tower, a 30-foot-high LED tower, will instantaneously display the height of individual amplitude on the SuperPipe. Television viewers will also see graphic inserts that display the height of each jump live and in replays. This technology is powered by the ESPN Emerging Technology team. At X Games Aspen 2013, the Huck Tower will be driven by video tracking. Five small form factor HD cameras will be placed and calibrated down each side of the SuperPipe (10 total cameras). Using proprietary software, the athlete will be identified, isolated and tracked for their entire run. The height data will be displayed in real-time on the Huck Tower. Mega Mo This I-Movix Ultra Slo-Mo Camera (referred to as "MegaMo” on the X Games Aspen telecasts) records up to 5,800 frames per second allowing for incredibly clear and detailed replays. The X Games Aspen production unit will use two I-Movix Ultra Slo-Mo cameras to provide "Mega Mo" replays for all X Games Aspen events. FlyCam An aerial 3D camera on a cable that provides high-speed tracking shots from above the field of play, ESPN will utilize the "FlyCam" to cover the final four features of the SlopeStyle course. Strada Crane ESPN will utilize three 3D cameras attached to a 90-foot crane to provide sweeping views of the Big Air jump ,the SlopeStyle and Snowmobile courses. Robotic Cameras The X Games Aspen telecast will feature eight 3D robotic cameras. These cameras will capture unique shots of all the competitions from vantage points impossible to get with manned cameras. Followcams Small 3D cameras which are attached to engineered rigs and used by cameramen on skis to provide a unique moving shot from right behind each athlete. The X Games Aspen telecast will feature three individual 3D followcams. Executive Bios, page 2 GRAPHICS Neartime Visual Effects Developed by ESPN’s Emerging Technology team, Neartime Visual Effects take an entirely new approach to on- air graphics and allows the production team to display information in a unique way that naturally blends in with the Aspen environment. AUDIO X Games Aspen will be telecast in discreet 5.1 surround sound. About ESPN 3D ESPN 3D is the world’s first 24/7 all-sports 3D channel. After three years of testing, ESPN 3D launched with the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. The network has produced nearly 300 live telecasts, including college basketball, college football including the BCS, the NBA, professional boxing, Wimbledon, the State Farm Home Run Derby, the X Games, The Masters, and ESPN’s popular weekday studio show SportsNation. The network was recognized with a Sports Emmy Award for technical excellence for the 2011 Winter X Games. ESPN 3D is available to more than 63 million homes in the U.S. through carriage agreements with DIRECTV, Comcast, Bright House Networks, Cablevision, Time Warner Cable and Verizon FiOS TV. It is available internationally in Australia with select programs available from other distributors throughout the world. .