University of Illinois Selects Abekas for Digital-Scoreboard Production

Abekas announced that University of Illinois, located in Champaign, Illinois, has installed an eight-channel Mira Instant Replay server with two Mira Control Surfaces. The dual-user system entertains and informs fans on the digital scoreboard in multiple sporting venues on campus.

Abekas Logo Hi-ResThe selection of the Mira system followed extensive testing and evaluation by the broadcast technical and operational staff at Illini Productions, a department within the division of Intercollegiate Athletics at University of Illinois. Multiple vendors were short-listed, including Abekas, staff observed freelance and student operators learning the systems. The Abekas Mira scored high marks for ergonomic, intuitive, and flexible operation.

“We evaluated a number of instant replay systems and found Mira to not only be affordable but easy to use,” says Andy Young, Assistant Athletic Director, University of Illinois. “Fans expect to see the same production values on the scoreboard in the stadium as they see at home. For the first time we can engage fans with replays from six different camera angles.”

The university employs a full-time staff of eight and relies on a combination of freelance and student operators to run the instant replay system on game-day. The Mira dual-user capability, combined with the playlist features, allow one operator to prepare sponsored half-time highlight packages while the other operator is capturing clips from up to six cameras. At the end of the event highlights are melted to Avid to produce web highlights and distribution to other partners.

“It’s always gratifying when a customer puts Mira and its competitors through such a thorough evaluation and Mira comes out on top,” says Junaid Sheikh, CEO of Abekas. “We are pleased to hear the reaction from the fans to the instant replay system.”

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