NBC Sports and the NHL announced they will work with 4DReplay to provide a unique 4-D (four-dimensional video) look at replays, for viewers watching NBC Sports Group's coverage of the 2018 Honda NHL All-Star Game and GEICO NHL All-Star Skills Challenge.
4-D video replays will debut during NBCSN's telecast of the 2018 GEICO NHL All-Star Skills Competition, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at AMALIE Arena in Tampa Bay. In addition, the technology will be used during NBC's coverage of the 2018 Honda NHL All Star Game, on Sunday, Jan. 28 (3:30 p.m.).
The 4DReplay system will utilize 100 high-speed cameras mounted in the arena - 50 placed on each side of the ice - to provide immediate replays of the action from a 360-degree perspective, enabling fans to see the plays from all angles.
"We are excited to partner with the NHL and 4DReplay to bring an exciting new look at replays to our fans," said John McGuinness, coordinating producer, NBC Sports. "We are always striving to be on the cutting-edge of technology and innovation. Being able to seamlessly move around an entire play without switching shots will give the viewers at home an incredible look at the action on the ice. Fans will be able to immediately see how scoring plays and other game-changing moments developed, and will see live NHL coverage like never before."
In addition to 4-D video, NBC Sports will further complement its production of the 2018 Honda NHL All-Star Game and GEICO NHL All-Star Skills Competition with the debut of JitaCam coverage. Driven by a 360-degree jib camera, mounted on a truss 40-feet above the ice, the JitaCam system will add a unique camera angle previously unavailable to a broadcast production of an NHL game.
By taking away the footprint of a large crane on the floor of the arena, the JitaCam offers the freedom of a 360-degree arm rotation around the entire neutral zone, providing sweeping views above the ice and point-of-view angles right above the players.
During Saturday's coverage of the All-Star Skills Competition, JitaCam will be used for each of the six individual events, featuring a point of view reference to what each of the players have to accomplish. On Sunday's NHL All-Star Game coverage, JitaCam will be used to showcase the speed of 3-on-3 hockey.
