A week after we wrapped our heads around Super Bowl action via dramatic new camera technology, the NBA will be deploying 360-degree replay views of its own at Sunday’s All-Star Game in Toronto.
Who got that loose ball? Did he step out of bounds? I need to see that dunk from all angles. Replay Technologies freeD platform, powered by Intel, will utilize 28 ultrahigh-definition cameras positioned around Air Canada Centre to allow viewers to seamlessly “fly around” key plays.
CBS Sports used 36 of the cameras to create Eye Vision 360 at Levi’s Stadium to bring a “Matrix” effect to replays during Super Bowl 50. During the NBA’s All-Star weekend, the technology was already being showcased Friday night in the Rising Stars Challenge. Check out these wraparound dunk highlights:
“Innovation in technology now plays an unprecedented role in transforming people’s experiences in the world of sports, from athletes and coaches to broadcasters and fans,” Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said in a news release. “By offering sweeping views of top plays from virtually any angle, the freeD format optimized with Intel technology is allowing people to experience NBA All-Star like never before.”
GeekWire attended Krzanich’s “Tech Investing in Sports” panel at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January. Other speakers included Dallas Mavericks owner and active entrepreneur Mark Cuban; former NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal; and Joseph Raine, co-founder of Raine Group.
Krzanich told the audience that technology is making its mark in sports. “If you think it’s big now, just wait until the next two or three years when we’ll have another set of breakthroughs,” he said, adding, “You almost have to bring technology to sports — otherwise it will fall behind.”
The NBA All-Star Game airs Sunday at 8:30 p.m. ET on TNT. According to Intel, freeD replays will be available to fans watching live on TNT or following on NBA.com, the NBA App and social media.
