Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) announced the acquisition of the Israel-based company Replay Technologies which pioneered a unique 3D video rendering process that provides viewers with a 360-degree view of events.
The technology which the Israeli company prefers to call as free dimensional or freeD video has so far been used in broadcasting sporting events though there is no reason to believe it will not be adapted for other events as well.
More recently, the technology found an extensive application at the NBA All-Star Weekend that enabled fans to sample 360-degree views of the Slam Dunk contest.
To pull that off, 28 UltraHD cameras were placed at strategic locations to create the perfect 3D video rendering of the entire playing area. The feeds from each of the camera were then connected to Intel servers, and it is also here that the chip maker comes into the picture.
A freeD control room at a recent sporting event.
Also, what makes Intel’s presence all the more apparent is that the entire process is extremely computing intensive. This means that there were a lot of Intel’s servers pressed into action to cover the entire event. This also allowed the broadcasters to present the perfect 360-degree view of the playing action to viewers. This also allows fans to pick up the action from different actions. Sporting events are increasingly seen becoming more and more technology driven off late though Intel’s buyout of Replay is expected to elevate things to a new high from a technology perspective.
Intel has been partnering with Replay since 2013 though the buyout is projected to mark the beginning of a new era of event broadcasting, one that will make for a more “immersive sports” experience. Rather than watching off a screen, it will make viewers feel being part of the action itself. With the new freeD tech, broadcasting companies no doubt have a new way of keeping the viewers and fans interested in what they have to offer.
Intel though hasn’t stated how much they have spared for the acquisition, but Israel’s Globes publication has pegged the figure at $175 million. If true, then that inevitably makes for a huge return for a company that had managed to secure $27 million in funding.
