World Gliding Champs Go Hi-Tech
20 Nov 2007
The company whose computer graphics brought the America's Cup alive on the big screen is now turning its technology skyward.
Dunedin based Animation Research has developed technology which will track gliders at this years FAI World GP Gliding Championships in Omarama in December.
As a result, the event will feature some of the most technically advanced media coverage in the history of sports TV, streaming live around the world via the Internet with real time graphics, air-to-air footage and live commentary.
Animation Research's 'next generation' tracking equipment will send GPS location signals via two networks (GPRS and satellite) to the hi-tech operations centre on the ground.
The location data is then visualised through ARL's 3D sporting graphics package, Virtual Eye. As the viewer watches the race in progress, they will not only be able to see each glider's path, speed and altitude but also benefit from live commentary, providing an insight into the tactics, decisions and consequences of each competitor.
Commentary and real-time graphics footage are available on each day of the championships. On finals day, 24 December, the Internet coverage steps up to full broadcast featuring in-cockpit mini-cams and air-to-air footage using the latest TV filming technologies, providing live global coverage as never seen before in the history of air sports.
"The New Zealand Gliding Grand Prix in January 2006 proved that gliding is as fast and exciting as Formula One," said Peter Newport of Air Sports Ltd. "This year, we're taking the spectator's experiences to a new level and they will be astounded by the skill and split second decision making these pilots employ, all at speeds of in excess of 250kph."
Viewers can sign up to watch the World GP Gliding Championships through www.airsportslive.com.
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