Sony is set to enhance Super Bowl LIX, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9th in New Orleans, Louisiana, with more technology than ever before.
Over 240 Sony cameras will be strategically placed around the Caesars Superdome to capture key moments, replays, interviews, and celebrations. This will elevate the viewing experience for fans in attendance and the billions watching globally.
The cameras include professional broadcast models used by FOX Sports, the official broadcaster. They also include various Alpha™ interchangeable lens cameras and G Master™ lenses. These are for The Associated Press and sideline photographers tasked with creating iconic Super Bowl images.
Michael Davies, FOX Sports EVP Field Operations, stated that the Super Bowl is a major sporting event. It is also an enormous production. He emphasized the importance of storytelling and capturing the energy in the stadium, with Sony being essential in achieving this.
Sony’s professional broadcast cameras have covered the Super Bowl for over a decade. This year, FOX Sports will collaborate with Game Creek Video to deploy over 100 cameras. These cameras will be used for various segments, including pre-game, in-game, and post-game coverage. They will also use Sony BVM reference monitors for accurate imagery.
The cameras will be set up in each end zone and along the sidelines. They will be positioned in various locations throughout the stadium. This includes the “SkyCam” above the field. Fourteen Sony cameras will focus on streaming content.
Gary Brantley, NFL Chief Information Officer, highlighted that the Super Bowl is the most-watched event of the year. He stressed the need for advanced technology to provide an engaging experience for players, coaches, and fans. He commended Sony for its innovative solutions that contribute to an unforgettable Super Bowl LIX.
Neal Manowitz, President and COO of Sony Electronics North America, noted their commitment to enhancing the Super Bowl experience. They aim to achieve this through imaging innovation. This ensures that fans feel like they have the best seat in the house.
In addition to broadcast and production cameras, FOX Sports will utilise Sony’s HawkREPLAY systems for instant replays. The systems will also provide overall broadcast support. Hawk-Eye technology will also assist with officiating and replay services.
Since 2020, Sony has been the exclusive imaging products provider for The Associated Press. For Super Bowl LIX, AP will have 14 photographers on-site. They will also have 9 editors who will use Sony equipment to capture the league’s defining moments.
The NFL’s in-house photography team, NFL Focus, will also employ various Sony Alpha™ cameras and lenses. Sony’s Pro Support team will provide assistance at the event, including loans of the new flagship Alpha 1 II camera.
Both the Associated Press and NFL Focus will use Sony’s PDT-FP1 transmitter. This device sends photos and videos directly from cameras to editors in real-time. It streamlines their workflow and ensures rapid distribution to the public.