Ten to pioneer new Digital technology at Bathurst
9/11/2000 22:21 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) - Long-associated as a pioneering mountain in terms of the latest Television technologies, the Ten Network’s colossal Bathurst broadcast will this year transmit its award-winning pictures in digital form – showing the Mountain to those in their livings rooms in a new light.
Ten will use their marathon 15-hour, 38-camera live coverage of the FAI 1000 to trial the new digital television format to be implemented next year – which promises bigger, clearer pictures, and for the first time ever in Australian sports broadcasting, multi-channelling.
The new technology offers viewers four separate channels of Bathurst action, including the main broadcast channel, in-car views, all the pit lane angles, a birds-eye-view image from a hovering airship, and a channel devoted to live timing and results. Only those with Digital Televisions will have access to the ‘self-direction’ technology.
Ten’s Motorsport guru, Murray Lomax, describes the benefits of multi-channelling for armchair spectators.
"Digital television and the multi-channel facility means viewers get a bigger, clearer picture and more options when it comes to viewing," Lomax said.
"By multi-channelling the FAI 1000 coverage fans will get more options and the chance to dwell on things in the telecast. For example viewers can sit watching the in-car camera channel and get action for five minutes on the one driver, rather than quick glimpses.”
"We also have the opportunity to put the timing on a dedicated channel, along with shots from the blimp. In all we have the possibility of 10 extra channels, which gives you enormous scope within a telecast," he said.
Lomax says the network has been experimenting with the wide-screen digital technology throughout the Shell Championship Series this year.
"The implementation of the new digital format involves more than just changing cameras," Lomax explained. “You need to consider the 25% extra space you get on screen, which is why we have been using the technology all season even though on the regular television, viewers have been none the wiser.”
Ten will also provide pictures of Australia’s greatest Motor Race for millions throughout the world – through Australia, Europe, America and the Asia-Pacific region.
Australian Television will bring Bathurst into the living rooms of millions of Asians in more than 35 countries – throughout China, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, India and everywhere in between.
Various cable networks will take Channel Ten’s live feed to broadcast throughout Europe and North America. New Zealanders can tune into live coverage on TVNZ.
Ten’s face of Motorsport, Bill Woods, will guide viewers through the weekend on Saturday from 12pm-5pm, and Sunday from 7am-5pm (Australian Eastern Daylight Savings time). Woods will be supported by Series callers Greg Rust and Mark Oastler in the commentary box, while Barry Sheene will work pit lane.
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