Sony’s Cutting-Edge Tech to Elevate Super Bowl LIX Coverage
Sony’s Cutting-Edge Tech to Elevate Super Bowl LIX Coverage
This year, Super Bowl LIX is set to break new ground, thanks to Sony’s extensive technology arsenal. The Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in what promises to be an unforgettable game. With over 240 Sony cameras capturing every moment at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, the fan experience is poised to reach unprecedented heights.
Sony, the official technology partner of the NFL, is committed to enhancing the fan engagement experience for both the crowd on-site and the billions around the world who will tune in. The diverse array of Sony cameras, from professional broadcast models to Alpha™ interchangeable lens cameras and E-mount lenses, will ensure that no moment goes uncaptured.
Unmatched Coverage for an Unrivaled Experience
Michael Davies, FOX Sports EVP of Field Operations, emphasizes the magnitude of this event: “The Super Bowl is not just the biggest game of the year, it is also the biggest production. Our job is to tell the story of the game, capturing the energy within the stadium and keeping billions of viewers engaged. Sony is a key tool in reaching that goal.”
Sony’s professional broadcast cameras have been the backbone of football’s biggest game for over a decade. This year, FOX Sports, in collaboration with Game Creek Video, will deploy more than 100 cameras on-site for pre-game, in-game, and post-game action, as well as additional studio shows. Additionally, Sony BVM reference level monitors will be used for color gradation, delivering the most accurate imagery to fans worldwide.
Sony’s cameras will be strategically positioned in each end zone, along both sidelines, and in various other locations throughout the stadium, including the iconic “SkyCam” over the field. Fourteen Sony cameras will specifically handle streaming content, ensuring a seamless viewing experience for online audiences.
Cutting-Edge Technology for an Immersive Experience
Gary Brantley, Chief Information Officer of the NFL, acknowledges the importance of advanced technology in delivering an authentic experience: “The Super Bowl is the most watched event of the year, and delivering an authentic and immersive experience for coaches, players, and fans requires a wide array of advanced technologies. Sony has been instrumental in enhancing the game-day experience with its innovative solutions, and we are proud to have Sony play a key role in making Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans unforgettable.”
Neal Manowitz, President and COO of Sony Electronics North America, echoes this sentiment: “We are proud to play a critical role in Super Bowl LIX, drawing on our decades-long record of imaging innovation and production expertise to ensure that every fan watching on-site or at home has the best seat in the house.”
Beyond the Game: Enhancing Broadcast and Photography
FOX Sports will utilize Sony’s HawkREPLAY systems, a remote production and instant replay broadcast solution, to support the overall broadcast experience. Additionally, Hawk-Eye technology will aid in-game officiating and replay services, further enhancing the production quality.
On the photography side, Sony has been the exclusive imaging products and support provider for The Associated Press since 2020. The AP will have 14 photographers and 9 editors on-site at the Super Bowl, equipped with Sony gear to capture and share incredible imagery of the league’s defining moments. NFL’s in-house photography team, “NFL Focus,” will also use a variety of Sony Alpha™ cameras and lenses to cover the game. Sony’s Pro Support team will be on-site to assist professionals, offering loans of the brand-new flagship Alpha 1 II camera.
Both the AP and NFL in-house photographers will use Sony’s PDT-FP1 transmitter device on-site to deliver photos and videos directly from the camera to editors in real-time. This streamlined workflow ensures the fastest possible distribution to the public.
Elevating the Halftime Show
The Super Bowl Halftime Show has become a production spectacle in its own right. For the fifth consecutive year, the Funicular Goats will technically produce the show. This year, they will use Sony VENICE 2 cameras as their main equipment, alongside the Sony VENICE Extension System and Sony BURANO, totaling 14 cameras.
James Coker, Head of Engineering and Technical Management at Funicular Goats, highlights the challenge: “The Super Bowl Halftime Show is a challenge unlike any other project we’ve been a part of. There are less than five minutes to set up and deliver a cinematic concert to millions of people, and the Sony Cinema Line cameras provide the perfect combination of full-frame sensor with broadcast compatibility to work seamlessly within the show’s structure and achieve this challenge.”
Comprehensive Equipment List
Here’s a high-level outline of the Sony cameras and related technologies being used to cover Super Bowl LIX:
FOX Sports:
- 97 Sony HDC Series Broadcast System Cameras
- 1 Sony FR7 Cinematic PTZ Camera
- 3 Sony FX6 Full-Frame Cinema Cameras
- 1 Sony Alpha 7 III Mirrorless Camera
- 1 Sony VENICE 2 Digital Cinema Camera
Associated Press:
- 55+ Sony cameras and a variety of lenses
NFL Focus Photography Team:
- 8 Sony cameras and a variety of lenses
Funicular Goats – Super Bowl Halftime Show:
- 13 Sony VENICE 2 Digital Cinema Cameras
- 1 Sony VENICE Extension System
- 1 Sony BURANO Digital Cinema Camera (for ASL camera)
Sony Pro Support:
- 65 Sony Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras
- 140 Professional Lenses, including 14x 600mm, 10x 400mm, 6x 300mm super telephoto lenses
Transforming the Fan Experience
Sony’s comprehensive suite of cameras and production equipment will undoubtedly enhance the Super Bowl LIX viewing experience. By leveraging advanced technology and innovative solutions, Sony is ensuring that every fan, whether on-site or watching from home, enjoys an unforgettable football experience.
