Vision Research® Digital High-Speed Cameras to Provide Ultra-Slow Motion Replays at Super Bowl XLIII January 30, 2009
NBC Enhancing Super Bowl Broadcast With Three Phantom® High-Speed Cameras
WAYNE, N.J., January 28, 2009 – Vision Research®, a leading manufacturer of high speed digital imaging systems, announces that the company’s Phantom® digital high-speed cameras will provide the eye-catching, ultra-slow motion replay for NBC’s broadcast of Super Bowl XLIII.
The Phantom® digital high-speed cameras will be used as part of Inertia Unlimited’s renowned X-Mo slow-motion replay systems, which were instrumental in recording many of the most crucial and defining plays of last year’s Super Bowl XLII, including the infamous “helmet reception” by the New York Giants’ David Tyree. NBC plans to do a feature story on Tyree’s catch that will air as part of the network’s pregame coverage on Sunday, February 1st, starting at 12 noon EST.
Highly regarded as the leader and go-to source for high-definition, slow-motion capture and broadcast video, Inertia Unlimited will utilize three Vision Research® digital high speed cameras for its X-Mo systems at Super Bowl XLIII, including two Phantom ®V10s and the company’s award-winning Phantom® V12.1. In high-definition, Inertia Unlimited will use the Phantom® cameras to record the key plays of the game at speeds ranging from 300 frames-per-second (fps) to 600 fps, resulting in playback that is 1.5 to three times slower than that provided by other standard slow-motion cameras.
Inertia Unlimited will outfit each Phantom® digital high-speed camera with a B4 mount broadcast zoom lens and will position each camera strategically throughout Raymond James Stadium. Each camera position, including one mounted high above the reverse 50-yard line, will provide NBC with unique vantage points and useful angles for slow-motion replay that could prove crucial in determining the outcome of critical plays of the game.
One of the most revolutionary digital high-speed cameras for the professional broadcast and entertainment markets, the Phantom® V12.1 delivers unsurpassed performance with an advanced CMOS sensor and blazing speed. At high-definition resolution, the Phantom® V12.1 can record 6,933 fps in a wide aspect ratio, making the camera perfect for high-definition broadcast applications, including slow-motion sports replay as well as special effects. For unique applications and at lower resolutions, the camera can go even faster, maxing out at 1 million fps.
The Phantom® V12.1’s Versatile Dual HD-SDI video out is even more beneficial for professional sports broadcasting. The camera’s two HD-SDI ports can be used together for 4:4:4 video out, or used independently at 4:2:2, which will allow Inertia Unlimited to simultaneously feed replays to the broadcast truck while still viewing and capturing new footage at the start of each play. The Phantom® V12.1 also features a unique internal shutter, which gives the camera operator the option of performing a black reference without having to close the iris of the broadcast lens.
Additional information and detailed specifications for the Vision Research® Phantom® V10 and Phantom® V12.1 can be found by clicking here.
About Vision Research
Vision Research® designs and manufactures high-speed digital imaging systems used in applications including defense, automotive, engineering, science, medical research, industrial manufacturing and packaging, sports and entertainment, and digital cinematography for television and movie production.
The Wayne, N.J.-based company prides itself on the sensitivity, high-resolution and image quality produced by its systems, robust software interfaces, and reliability and versatility of its camera family – all which continue to stand as benchmarks for the high speed digital imaging industry.
Vision Research® digital high-speed cameras add a new dimension to the sense of sight, allowing the user to see details of an event when it’s too fast to see, and too important not to™. For additional information regarding Vision Research, please visit www.visionresearch.com.
Vision Research® is a business unit of the Materials Analysis Division of AMETEK® Inc., a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices.
Click here for a hi-res image of the Phantom V12.1 camera.
