Inertia Unlimited xMo Settles Into Mid-Season MLB Mode at Regional Nets

Inertia Unlimited’s newest XMo high-speed camera system for super slow-motion replay, based around the Vision Research V640, is now in use at Fox Sport West, Fox Sports Ohio, and Fox Sports Midwest for the 2010 MLB season. “We can now simultaneously record and playback so we aren’t committed to one replay at a time,” says Jeff Silverman, owner of Inertia Unlimited of the V640’s dual output capabilities.

Another big feature of the new system is its ability to tie directly into the EVS instant replay systems that are at the center of nearly every sports production’s instant replay needs. “The combination with EVS functionality for replays transforms how quickly replays can be created,” says Rick Robinson, Vision Research, VP of marketing.

Vision Research was at the NAB show last week demoing the V640 and also discussing its next generation “Flex” camera that is designed for digital cinema needs that require 2K resolution. Among its features are more flexible lensing versus the traditional V640.

Robinson says super slow-motion imaging continues to grow in popularity for sports events. “There is an emotional, visceral response when the viewer can see the expression on an athlete’s face or the ripple of muscles,” he says. “And today super slow-motion is not even an option for sports productions.”

Silverman says Inertia Unlimited is also looking at 3D demands. “The good news is that all of the technical means exist to sync two Vision Research cameras together,” he says. One of the original uses of high-speed camera systems was for industrial applications like recording exploding missles and synched multiple camera angles was a must.