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Collegiate Images has the vast sports video library and XOS Technologies has the power to make that library more accessible, so it made sense for the two companies to join forces. XOS is making what it calls a strategic investment in Collegiate Images that will make them partners in the business of distributing collegiate video content. CI owns the video and still photo rights to about 80 percent of the top 75 schools and 125 collegiate properties overall, including the BCS and conferences. With XOS's ability to move CI into the digital age, video that used to take about five days to move from campus to customer will soon be available in a matter of hours. Instead of calling up athletic departments for video highlights, networks and others now go through CI and pay a licensing fee, which generates a royalty for the schools. The problem is that CI has been working primarily in an analog world, which meant that schools had to overnight their video (usually beta) to CI, CI editors would spend a few days editing the video and then overnight it to the customers for their promotional use. In all, it was about a five-day process. By digitizing the process, that video can be sent from campus to customer electronically. XOS has been working with CI since the summer to digitize the collection of videos and still photos. Randy Eccker, CEO of XOS, said the library should be fully digitized by the end of the year.
Have you watched PGA golf game and noticed all the people in the background at every different hole? The fans have always had problem with getting information from different holes because the coarse is so wide spread. With a devices like WiseDV made by Livis and In-Your-Ear made by DevTech, getting information on the coarse will not be a problem anymore. WiseDV is an audio, video and data handheld device that gives the fan a current update on what's happening. Fans are able to see live video footage, stats, listen to music, look at photographs, and the most fascinating thing is that you can even order food! In-Your-Ear is a device that literally sits in your ear. It gives
The reason for these two devices to be born was rules on electronic devices on the coarse. Fans have been restricted from using their cell phones due to the distractions they endure. Also, because of how wide spread a golf coarse is, the fans can not be at numerous places at the same time. The fans were in high demand of something that would keep them updated at all times.
Fans have been misbehaving since games first started being played. The difference is that we are starting to notice the effect that their misbehavior is having on the remaining, well-behaved spectators. Rules have been put in place because these events are meant to be family oriented, and out of control fans are crossing the line.
The "fan code of conduct" is one step that stadiums have taken to change the way that fans behave while at their stadium. These codes require that fans refrain from unruly behavior, intoxication, foul language, interference with the progress of the game, etc. Some venues have begun sending rules home to season ticket holders as well as advertising the rules in their venue. Complaints about unruly fans are often handled over the phone. Many teams have their own hotline that spectators can call if there is a problem and they will receive an instant response from ushers and security. Pregame announcements are put up on video boards warning fans to behave. As for alcohol sales, many facilities have alcohol-free sections, and most events stop serving alcohol at a certain point during the game. All of these precautions have done a fantastic job to reduce problems in arenas, stadiums and other venues.
Websites such as youtube.com are relatively new. Nowadays, fans are able to videotape fights in the stands and put them on such websites. Venues are currently attempting to confiscate these videos so that they do not leak out for the public to see, but doing so brings up many legal issues. For example, the creator of a video has copyright privileges which can only be transferred through a written contract. Venues have a couple of options in this situation, but not very many. They can either place a restriction on all videotaping in their facility, or appeal directly to the website that these videos are being posted on so that the website will not allow them anymore.
Another new technology in sporting facilities is that fans now have the ability to report problems via text. Fans can now alert stadium officials to a problem in the venue without having to leave their seat to find an usher or security guard. This is also completely confidential, so the fan does not have to worry about another person getting mad about being reported. Currently, twenty-six of the thirty-two NFL teams use this texting system. It is expected to be used by all NFL teams by the end of this season.
All of these new technologies have helped sporting venues to keep fans safe while inside the venue. They have also helped to maintain the family values of sporting events so that a parent can bring their children to such an event without worrying about what their child will hear or see while at the game.
I've always been a fan of the EA sports games. It looks like they've done it again with FIFA 2008. They just had a tourney in Germany with 32 of the world's best "soccer players"... that is if it counts to play soccer from your couch.
Berlin played host to intense soccer action, as the virtual soccer season came to an explosive end at the FIFA Interactive World Cup (FIWC) Final at the Sony Centre on Saturday. Thirty-two of the world's best interactive soccer players met face to face to compete for the ultimate title of FIFA Interactive World Player 2008. Following an incredible display of tactics and skill on EA SPORTS™ FIFA Soccer 08 on PLAYSTATION®3, Alfonso Ramos beat Michael Ribeiro from New Jersey 3-1 in front of a cheering crowd, securing the title and the $20,000 US prize money. Ramos also received an invitation to attend the FIFA World Player Gala in Zurich on January 12, 2009 where he will rub shoulders with real life soccer heroes. A fantastic day of soccer culminated in the two best players facing off for what turned out to be a nail biting final full of world class skill and great emotion. The game got off to an electric start as Ramos' Barcelona side took the lead with a beautiful header and he solidified his dominance with a decisive finish early in the second half. Ribeiro, also playing as Barcelona, responded emphatically with a classy goal to bring the score back to 2-1, but Ramos showed his determination and with less than ten minutes to go, restored his 2-goal lead. Ribeiro came back strongly but in the end Ramos' defense proved too strong and the game finished 3-1. The third and fourth playoff was contested between Brazil's Andre Casagrande Buffo and Austria's Dominik Posch. In a closely fought encounter, the Austrian came out on top with a 2-1 victory. "I came here to do my best but really didn't believe I would make it this far. It's been an absolutely fantastic day - to test myself against the world's best virtual soccer gamers is what this tournament is all about," said Alfonso Ramos." I'm really proud to be the first Spaniard to be crowned FIFA Interactive World Player and look forward to defending my title next year."
Over four years of research and development has brought about a revolutionary change in the way football helmets are constructed. The reason behind this research and development is further concussion prevention. The problem associated with this research is that previously, it was believed that concussions were caused by impacts to the front or top of the head. Based on recent findings, concussions are caused by impacts to the side of the head, not the top or front as believed previously. From this new information, Riddell, the official helmet of the NFL, is taking an innovative approach to help prevent footballs most dangerous injury.
The RevolutionT is first of its kind technology built to reduce the risk of concussions. Computer designed, this is the first structural change to a helmet in over 25 years. CEO of Riddell, Bill Sherman says "We turned science to design our new Revolution helmet, which took more than four years to develop and produce. It represents the next generation of football helmets - a sleek-looking design built to protect the mind. NFL trainers, equipment managers, coaches, and player are all talking about it, but we're really excited about the opportunity to offer this new helmet to players from the college ranks down." Riddell is excited about its new product and wants to spread not only throughout the NFL but to amateurs as well like NCAA football and even high school football.
This new helmet uses innovative features specifically designed to prevent concussions. The Tru-CurveT is a protective shell that extends to the jaw area and is computer designed around the head's center of gravity to offer great front to back stability. The Z-pad provides protection to the side of the jaw and head which decreases the impact on these areas if a collision occurs. The VSR Air-FitTsystem is a padding that can inflate to customize a player's helmet to the exact size of his head.
Implementing the Revolution, Riddell has increased the distance from the helmet shell to the player's head, allowing players to deal with potential concussion causing hits. This technology should prevent concussions and keep players on the field. They should no longer have to worry about the high risk of a concussion.
