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05-Apr-06:
Virtual Spectator(TM) Announces VS ScoreVision(TM)
Global sports innovator, Virtual Spectator(TM) today announced the launch
of its newest innovation to bring the excitement and experience of the
Virtual Spectator(TM) Bermuda Masters to squash fans worldwide.
Virtual Spectator(TM)’s latest development, VS ScoreVision(TM), uses award
winning interactive technology that combines real-time scores,
player statistics, an updated tournament draw and video updates
with unparalleled expert commentary provided by none other than the “Voice
of Squash”, Mr. Robert Edwards.
This collaboration highlights the blending of the expanding role
technology plays in sports and the expertise only true veterans can
provide, ultimately giving squash fans the best of both worlds.
Squash statistic enthusiasts will have plenty of information to analyze
and digest, whilst more entertainment focused viewers can take in video
updates and archives on the events and high powered match-ups of the
tournament.
 "VS
ScoreVision(TM) is truly a model of the future in squash news. As
information becomes more diverse and on demand, the way we present our
sport must follow that course.
"VS takes experts in our game, with personal background knowledge and
a true passion for squash and combines the future of sport technology,
Virtual Spectator(TM), to give the fans an unparalleled experience.
Robert Edwards |
Virtual Spectator(TM)
(VS) is a leading interactive visualization and sports information group
known for its 3D interactive animations of America’s Cup sailing, World
Rally Motor Sports, golf, rugby, cricket, horse racing, and in Bermuda,
the world’s premier match racing event, The King Edward VII Gold Cup.
Currently, Virtual Spectator(TM) is providing the world of sailing with a
close up view of the Volvo Ocean Race in a completely 3D environment.
The group has a history of world-class technology innovation with a focus
on visualization products designed to simplify complex data and ease
understanding of nuances in sports, as well as business data.
 "New
technology, such as VS ScoreVision(TM), is exactly what this sport
needs to grow and reach new and diverse audiences on a global scale.
"We are thrilled to not only have the sports technology Virtual
Spectator(TM) provides, but to have them as our title sponsor two
years in a row as well."
Ross Triffitt
Tournament Director |
The Virtual Spectator(TM)
Bermuda Masters is the most high-tech prestigious squash tournament
produced thanks to the combined effort of the Bermuda Squash Racquets
Association, Virtual Spectator(TM) and the Investors Guaranty Group(TM).
This year’s venue experience includes innovative referee-controlled score
tracking systems, high definition slow motion replay, and wireless PSP
viewing systems to watch on-court play over a WiFi connection, among other
enhancements.
 "The
Virtual Spectator(TM) Bermuda Masters has been an enormous success
because of the investments of many including Virtual Spectator(TM),
dedicated volunteers, staff, players and referees.
"My hope is that our success is seen through VS ScoreVision(TM) by
squash fans throughout the world, especially as Bermuda prepares for
the World Open in 2007."
Kim Carter
Tournament Chairman |
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Video
Updates,
live scoring and more
 "Virtual Spectator(TM) was delighted
to serve as title sponsor for the Bermuda Masters 2005.
"When we were approached to serve in the same capacity this year, we
were not only honored to enhance this world-class event, but also
challenged to make a significant technological investment to further
the sport."
Douglas King
CEO & Chairman of Virtual Spectator(TM)
 "VS
ScoreVision(TM) is a combined effort of a variety of teams diverse
geographically and in media expertise such as interactive, HD film and
audio, marketing and computer animation.
"Virtual Spectator(TM)’s project model is fashioned to match varied
media needs to international projects such as the Virtual Spectator(TM)
Bermuda Masters."
Curtis Worthy
Project Executive |
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Framboise from 2005
 Virtual
Spectator…
The first time I read those two words, I said to myself, “what the heck is
that…?”
You’ve got to realise that I’m the kind of girl who is still amazed by the
principle of a fax, so all this 3D stuff, internet, streaming, goes
straight over my head.
 So
I asked Curtis Worthy to explain the basis of it to me. It’s a HD (read
High Definition) technology that can be adapted to all apparatus, from
plasma screens to notebooks or even mobile phones.
The company started to work in squash only ten weeks ago, and what they
have achieved in such a short time is just amazing. The machines that are
shown here are still under development, and look like heavy machinery, but
soon, all will be held in two containers.
Wicked…
They are also developing internet software that will allow you to choose
your camera angle (you’ll be the director of your own show), read the
stats, listen to the after match interviews…
Amazing…
One thing I know.
Soon, all this software, all those fancy programs, those toys, those
analyses, will make people like me redundant. They will be able to show
you precisely why a player won or lost, precisely, analytically,
errorless.
No, joke apart, have a look, have a read…
The future of sport is here, and it’s called Virtual Spectator…
MALCOLM IMPRESSED ...
The sponsorship and involvement of Virtual Spectator is potentially
one of the most exciting developments in squash since the glass
court.
On show at the Jessie Vesey Sports Centre all week have been
pictures of action on the glass court of the highest quality, as
well as screens with technical data which must be of massive
interest to Sports Science world wide.
Although the company has had long term involvement in sailing and
have provided graphics and design at Wimbledon, have worked with the
PGA in America and the Cricket Boards of Australia and England, they
are always looking for new avenues for their sophisticated equipment
and they seem very happy so far with what squash offers.
Curtis Worthy, who is directing on-site operations for the
Bermuda-based company, says he hopes that this technology may be of
much use in various areas of the game, such as streaming and
scientific development. Looking at what Virtual Spectator has to
offer I have no doubt his hopes and expectations will be met.
Malcolm Willstrop |
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VIRTUAL SPECTATOR PREVIEWS SQUASH
TECHNOLOGY
A Unique Interactive Experience for the Bermuda Masters 2005
This week the Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2005 is not only
showcasing the world’s top 31 squash players, but a remarkably enhanced
visual experience is being “test driven”, as new technology captures
on-court play. VS SquashTrac™ is the latest VS innovation,
currently in beta-testing, using the award-winning interactive technology
of Virtual Spectator™ and the combined resources of Investors Guaranty
Group™.
Just as glass courts added a break-through dimension to visualizing play
action, VS SquashTrac™ enhances the court-side experience with added
visual dimensions and player analytics. For fans unable to enjoy the warm
hospitality of Bermuda during the event, and for players after each match,
VS SquashTrac™ and video highlights from the 2005 Bermuda Masters are
available on a
special preview site.
VS SquashTrac™ combines multi-camera video, electronic player tracking,
and thermographic imaging to provide multiple perspectives and performance
analytics on a squash player’s every move. Through the VS squash viewer
over the web, for television broadcast or through digital tablets at the
event, the user is virtually in complete control of how the game is
viewed. The interface gives the user access to choose from various
high-definition (HD) camera angles, an infrared view, and an array of
statistics and data, captured live at the event, and, of course, the 3D
animations for which Virtual Spectator is well known.
Virtual Spectator™ (VS) is a leading interactive visualization and sports
information group known for its 3D interactive animations of America’s Cup
sailing, World Rally Motor Sports, golf, rugby, cricket, horse racing, and
in Bermuda, the world’s premier match racing event, The King Edward the
VII Gold Cup. The group has a history of world-class technology innovation
with a focus on visualization products designed to simplify complex data
and ease understanding of nuances in sports, as well as business data.
The development of VS SquashTrac™ represents a fast-track collaboration of
the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association, Virtual Spectator’s New Zealand
3D animation team, its Australian real-time technologies group,
coordinated and produced by ImageAction Ltd.
 Bermuda
Masters Director Ross Triffitt commented, “I am delighted that a
major player in world sports technology chose to be the Title Sponsor of
the Bermuda Masters. I am even more pleased about how much their new
interface enhances not only the event, but the understanding of the sport
in general.”
 “Having
just rolled out our “VS Event Experience” at the Investors Guaranty™
Presentation of The King Edward VII Gold Cup in Bermuda in October, we
were able to shorten the normal lead time for developing and applying VS
technology to squash” said Curtis Worthy of ImageAction Ltd.
Worthy, the Project Executive added, “Our challenge was in gaining
sufficient insight to simplify the sport for our viewers, yet creating the
advanced visual and performance analytics needed by the players, coaches
and broadcast commentators. Ross Triffitt, Kim Carter and their dedicated
volunteer team are so passionate about the sport and were a great
beta-client in developing VS SquashTrac™. Of course, the enthusiasm,
feedback and suggestion of the players, officials and fans has been
tremendous.”
 Investors
Guaranty™ companies have been Bermuda-based since 1985. Investors
Guaranty™ Chairman and CEO, and a Director of Virtual Spectator™,
Douglas L. King, commented:
“The Investors Guaranty Foundation participated in last year’s event in
sponsoring Children’s Health Week. When approached to be this year’s title
sponsor, we were honored to associate ourselves with such a world-class
event. We couldn’t resist joining our Virtual Spectator™ unit’s advanced
technology and well-know brand to one of the world’s top squash
challenges.”
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