EN GARDE: SONY VIDEO DISK RECORDER HELPS REFEREES MAKE CLOSER CALLS AT FENCING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Just as with other fast-moving sports, fencing relies heavily upon the skills and observations of its referees. In an effort to be more accurate with their calls, officials at the 2005 Fencing World Championships in Leipzig tested a new video-based system from Sony which allows for simultaneous recording and playback — ensuring fast and effective verification of calls.

The new system ensures more accurate refereeing decisions. Based on the Sony DSR DR1000A DVCAM Hard Disk Recorder, it was field-tested at the 2005 Fencing World Championships which took place in Leipzig from October 8 to 15, 2005.

Teamed with the RM-280 slow-motion controller, the DSR DR1000AP allows referees to 'freeze' the action and analyze sequences in detail. Crucially, the recorder's simultaneous recording and playback capability allows immediate playback of slow-motion sequences — without interrupting recording. After judges have assessed a sequence via a connected monitor, they can quickly switch back to 'live' action while recording continues. The system in use in Leipzig was configured with a Sony DSR-PD170 DVCAM camcorder, connected directly to the hard-disk recorder via its i.LINK interface.

Sony developed the new system after a visit to Japan early in 2005 by officials from the sport's organizational body, the FIE. While slow-motion video techniques have already transformed the accuracy of judgments in a number of other sports, there has not been a suitable solution available to the international fencing community . until now.

"Like many other fast-moving sports, fencing depends on the referee's critical skill and judgment to assess the validity of 'hits' on participants," says Mike Hayakawa, Product Marketing Manager, Sony Professional Solutions Europe. "We are delighted the FIE has selected Sony to offer a practical solution that will be thoroughly field-tested during this month's World Championships."

Ideal for capturing rapid movement

Combining the benefits of non-linear recording and playback of DVCAM material with simple and easy VTR-like operation, the DSR-DR1000A is ideal for capturing rapid movement in sporting applications for instant replays or analysis. It is also well-suited to playout of 'spots' (commercial insertions), seamless loop playback for animations in TV programmes, simple disk back-up and material transfer through a network.

The half-rack size recorder now offers up to 12 hours of recording with a larger 160GB hard disk. It offers the convenience of high-quality digital jog sound, and smooth slow-motion playback over a wide speed range of +/- 200%. Ethernet connectivity allows the recorder to be used for transfers of DVCAM content in a LAN environment.

Find out more about the 2005 World Fencing Championships at: www.fencing2005.com