Intel has announced that it has acquired Replay Technologies, a company based in Israel which enables sports broadcasters to provide panoramic views at sporting events. Intel didn’t disclose any numbers related to this deal, it wouldn’t even confirm how many employees Replay has, but does say that CEO Orgen Yogev will continue to lead the team.
Many professional sports leagues already use Replay’s “freeD” video capture technology that provides them with 360-degree views. A partnership between the NBA and Turner Broadcasting for the 2016 All-Star Game is going to give fans access to the freeD video format.
Twenty eight high-definition cameras will be positioned around the arena and they continously capture video that’s seamlessly compiled into a single shot. All viewers will be able to see 360-degree views of important playes. FreeD replays will be available to fans who watch the game live on TNT or follow it on NBA.com and the NBA app.
There are new plans to implement freeD in all venues across different leagues that cover sports like rugby and even the UFC. Intel CEO Brian Krzanich has previously said that this technology has the power to redefine “what it means to watch and experience sports,” and that it’s going to change what it means to “celebrate the thrill of victory.”