DURHAM, N.C., April 23, 2014 –SMT, the leading provider of
data integration, graphics presentation and video enhancement solutions to live
sports and entertainment television, has announced that it has partnered with
the 2014 Reebok CrossFit Games. SMT will provide a turnkey solution to support
the webcasts of 17 upcoming worldwide CrossFit Regionals. SMT also will service
the international final Games from Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27 in
Carson, Calif.
On April 21, SMT began webcast data integration for onscreen
talent to use while covering the CrossFit Regionals live from a studio in Santa
Cruz, Calif. SMT’s graphics publishing system, Data Matrix Switchboard® (DMX),
will provide a dynamic, interactive experience for the webcast by absorbing and
organizing statistics and displaying such information as:
Comparisons of age, weight, height and records of
participating athletes
Historic and live competition statistics, including current
leaders
Data enhancing competition highlights
Limitless display of statistics by categories, such as
records for individual sports competitions
Additionally, SMT’s GOTO Board® will allow onscreen talent
to post social media updates during the webcast and immediately comment on
them. Such updates can include comments, pictures, trending topics and instant
polling that can come from any social channel, including Twitter, Facebook and
Instagram.
“Our shows are broadcast on several different platforms,
from ESPN and Eurosport to YouTube. SMT has been a major asset as we continue
to raise the production value and storytelling in those shows,” said Justin
Bergh, general manager of The CrossFit Games. “SMT’s responsiveness and
flexibility make them a good fit for us. They are very proactive in bringing
new technology, and sometimes subtle refinements, to our attention. That’s what
we look for in a partner.”
SMT’s partnership with The CrossFit Games marks one of the
first joint ventures with its two divisions, (n+1) designstudio and IDS
(Information and Display Systems). (n+1) designstudio is the firm of record
responsible for CrossFit’s broadcast graphics package since 2012. IDS has
provided the scoring services at The CrossFit Games since 2010 and timing
services since last year. The SMT/IDS help desk team supports CrossFit’s
Regional scoring effort 24 hours a day for up to five events per weekend
worldwide.
“Our partnership with CrossFit Games affords SMT
a great opportunity to showcase how we bring viewers closer to the stories
behind these individuals as they aim to qualify for the summer games,” said Don
Tupper, SMT’s vice president of business development. “We can access social
media behind every competitor to support highlights during the coverage as
needed, which is a great feature to incorporate in the webcasts of the
regionals.”