NBC Sports Regional Networks, part of NBCUniversal Local, has selected Ross Video’s XPression real-time motion graphics system and PIERO sports graphics analysis platform to enhance the networks’ operations and production.
The combination of Ross Video products enables the five regional sports networks (RSNs) – which serve four major U.S. media markets – to deliver compelling, visually rich productions while improving workflows.
With XPression, which is widely used by NBCUniversal Local’s NBC and Telemundo-owned stations, the RSNs can use one tool to manage all on-screen and studio-wall graphics.
Ross Video’s Rocket Surgery Creative Services will convert the RSNs existing graphics packages and rebuild eye-catching graphics within XPression.
Kevin Cottam, VP of Sports & Live Events at Ross Video, said: “We’re thrilled that NBC Sports Regional Networks is working with our team to boost their workflow operations and to help engage with their audiences through our powerful and flexible graphics and sports-analysis tools.
“Modern sports broadcasters expect these tools to work together seamlessly, and the modern sports fan expects more from their coverage.
“With the combination of XPression and PIERO, the RSNs now have a best-in-class solution that will present real-time data and cutting-edge graphic analysis to break down the biggest moments of a game.”
Several of the NBC Sports Regional Networks will also be adopting the PIERO sports graphics analysis platform for state-of-the-art analysis and telestration.
PIERO can add industry-leading graphics and effects to more than 20 of the world’s most popular major sports. The system combines video-based effects with 3D replays and advanced virtual graphics.
PIERO breaks down key moments with graphical analysis, real-time data-driven graphics, and unique shots and perspectives.
Additionally, PIERO’s wide range of effects helps producers, presenters, and commentators analyze critical moments of any game more effectively. With PIERO, talent can use large touchscreen displays on studio sets to add telestration to the telecast live on-air.
The NBC Sports Regional Networks, which are NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports Boston, NBC Sports California, NBC Sports Chicago and NBC Sports Philadelphia, provide live coverage of 12 NBA, NHL and MLB teams, totalling more than 1,500 games annually.
In addition, the RSNs produce live gameday shows covering the NFL franchises in their markets, as well as daily news, analysis and commentary programming and original content across multiple platforms.