Story from the New York Daily News:
"Replay's Unbelievabowl
3-D shots to give futuristic views"
By BOB RAISSMAN
Daily News Staff Writer
TAMPA
It looks like something out of the future, a three-dimensional, virtual-reality version of instant replays.
But EyeVision, CBS Sports' newfangled instant-replay system, is for real — and it will make its debut Sunday during Super Bowl XXXV.
EyeVision produces three-dimensional replays from multi-camera angles. There will be 33 robotic cameras positioned around the mezzanine of the stadium to produce the EyeVision replays.
These cameras can be synchronized on one player or a group of players. EyeVision will be able to provide 270-degree views around the object and will have stop-action capability.
So, if a quarterback is sacked on a play, EyeVision should be able to show — on replay — all the action that went on behind and in front of him in the defensive secondary.
The Daily News screened a video yesterday of an EyeVision test, in which the shot clearly allows a viewer to see multiple angles within the context of one shot, kind of like a film version of surround sound.
In the test, which took place at the Meadowlands, CBS shows a makeshift player crossing the goal line, running out of bounds. It also shows the player being tackled out of bounds, giving the viewer a three-dimensional look at the play.
A simpler version of EyeVision, also known as virtualized reality, was used in the movie "The Matrix" and in commercials for The Gap.
"We want to go with the flow of the game when using EyeVision," said Ken Aagaard, CBS Sports' senior vice president/operations. "The angle can be used as a tool for Phil Simms to give a more complete analysis of the play."
It's also possible for the new technology to influence the game. If CBS happens to use EyeVision on a play that is being reviewed, game officials will have access to the footage.
But EyeVision may not be used often. Aagaard said that when technology like this is introduced, it always takes time to work out the kinks. And in a telecast as important as the Super Bowl, CBS does not want to risk anything that would detract from the game.
After all, CBS Sports has at its disposal 83,000 feet of cable, 34 cameras, 24 tape machines, five slo-mo tape machines and a slew of audio devices.
With so much at stake in a Super Bowl telecast, it's unusual that CBS would try rolling out new technology. Any glitch in the system could embarrass the network.
"Look, it's a Super Bowl, and you want to do something special," Aagaard said. "We like to think of ourselves as risk takers, so let's give this a shot."
Apparently, the tests of EyeVision have been impressive. CBS is looking to sell the device to other networks to use on a variety of sporting events.
EyeVision was developed by CBS Sports Engineering, Core Digital Technologies and Princeton Video Image in conjunction with the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute.
Tackling New Technology
* EyeVision uses 33 robotic cameras, which are mounted along the upper deck of the stadium. All of the cameras are controlled by one person and move in unison, recording the same image from many vantage points.
* The technology allows game action to be stopped and viewed from a variety of angles. The image can be rotated so it appears to be circling the frozen moment.
* Making its debut at a live event, CBS may show EyeVision sparingly. However, it could have an impact on the game if replay officials review a play where EyeVision is being used."
Original Publication Date: 1/25/01
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