On board the AC45 prototype. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/www.americascup.com
by SIS LIVE media
SIS LIVE, Europe’s largest outside broadcast (OB) and uplink supplier, has won the prestigious contract to design, build and deliver High Definition (HD) agile cameras and digital RF microwave links for the 34th America’s Cup. The multi-million pound contract will see SIS LIVE supply the on-board camera systems over a three-year period to the America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA).
David Meynell, Managing Director, SIS LIVE, says: “This is a very important strategic contract that allows SIS LIVE to develop cutting-edge solutions for the America’s Cup. We have already started the process, having been to New Zealand to look at the boats. SIS LIVE is unique in its ability to offer a complete solution including the design, build and delivery of the highest specification HD agile cameras and RF microwave links. We also have the technical and operational personnel to operate the cameras in race conditions. SIS LIVE has extensive experience of designing and operating small on-board HD camera systems and RF links for motorsports, sailing in Beijing and other sporting events, and we are bringing all that expertise to the America’s Cup.”
On board the AC45 prototype. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/www.americascup.com
SIS LIVE will provide a fully managed integrated technical solution for HD agile cameras and RF microwave links. This includes the remote cameras on-board yachts, camera feeds and audio from yachts to shore, chase boats, umpire boats and helicopters’ camera feeds. The systems are being specially designed to be as ergonomic and lightweight as possible to minimise their impact on the racing yachts, while generating the high quality HD pictures needed for the global television and online coverage.
Artemis Racing's AC45. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/www.americascup.com
Gary Lovejoy Head of Media Production, ACEA, says: “We are transforming the television coverage of the 34th America’s Cup to make it more comprehensive, more dynamic and more engaging for our viewing audience. We want to enable viewers to feel like they are on the boats - feeling the power of the elements, seeing the split-second decisions being made, seeing these athletes in action - so on-board cameras are a key part of our strategy.”
The America's Cup in San Francisco. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/www.americascup.com
The three-year contract covers two America’s Cup World Series, which begin this summer and include 16 regattas around the globe; the Louis Vuitton Cup, America’s Cup Challenger Series held July 13 – September 1, 2013 in San Francisco; and the America’s Cup Match to be held September 7 – 22, 2013 in San Francisco.
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