SportsMedia Key to Success of ESPN’s Winter X Games 14
Story Highlights
SportsMEDIA Technology played an integral role at ESPN’s Winter X Games 14 last month in Aspen, CO, providing 21 events with real-time data and graphics, including two debut events – Snowmobile Knockout and SuperPipe High Air.
SportsMEDIA’s technology tracks and synchronizes the competition results both at the event and on television. Live competition results are published simultaneously at the event and during the broadcast, allowing athletes, announcers, attendees, and the viewing audience to react in unison to scores as the live events unfold.
In Snowmobile Knockout, snowmobile riders who jump the shortest distance in each round will be knocked out of the competition. In SuperPipe High Air six of the world’s best skiers showcase their talents as they compete in a 30-minute jam session for biggest air.
“ESPN keeps the Winter X Games exciting by adding new events and by creating the best possible experience for fans,” said Phil Orlins, coordinating producer of ESPN Productions. “We rely on SportsMEDIA to refine our scoring methodologies for new events and to broadcast competition results to our audiences in a meaningful way. For more than 15 years, we have tapped into their knowledge and expertise. They are an integral part of producing this spectacular event.”
SportsMEDIA rolled out 25 professionals on-site at Winter X Games 14. The crew installed the timing, scoring, and judging systems that transmited the data collection into a SportsMEDIA central scoring hub database. SportsMEDIA also installed and built the data presentation channels and operated all real-time data and graphics systems throughout the event.
“Our technology is designed to maximize the entertainment value for Winter X Games fans,” says Gerard J. Hall, president
of SportsMEDIA. “Whether the fans are at home or at the event, we seek to deliver the most engaging experience. Our systems go beyond just delivering scores. It’s more about the fans gaining a deeper understanding of the overall event and the implications of each athlete’s performance.”
SportsMEDIA Technology has provided graphics, statistical and video enhancement solutions to ESPN since the inception of the X Games franchise in 1995.
