Kukla's Korner Hockey
Next entry: All Rolston
Previous entry: Serge Savard Goes To The Rafters
Rail Cam Debut
by Paul on 11/16/06 at 03:43 PM ET
Comments (2)
STAMFORD, CT (November 16, 2006)—VERSUS, the national cable television home of the NHL, today announced that the network will debut a high-definition rail camera (Rail Cam) on Monday, November 20, when the Colorado Avalanche take on the Dallas Stars at 8 p.m. ET at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, host of the 2007 NHL All-Star Celebration. The Rail Cam, which was developed and supplied by the technology firm of Fletcher Chicago, runs on a small rail system situated just above the glass on one side of the arena. The camera shot will be used extensively during live-action play, as well as in replay sequences. VERSUS is using the Monday, November 20, game as a trial run for the Rail Cam and, if the new technology proves successful, VERSUS will use the Rail Cam during the NHL All-Star Game on Wednesday, January 24, in Dallas.
“The Rail Cam gives viewers a unique perspective, bringing them significantly closer to the action,” said Marty Ehrlich, Vice President of Production and Executive Producer for VERSUS. “The camera gives viewers an appreciation for the speed and strategy of the game with the way it tracks the action on the ice. We’re excited to introduce this new technology and we could not have done it without the help of the NHL, the Dallas Stars and the dedicated operations staff at the American Airlines Center.”
Although there have been some experiments with Rail Cam in other hockey telecasts—previously during the nationally televised Frozen Four, a college level hockey tournament—this is the first time that the camera is being used extensively in a nationally televised NHL game in the U.S. It is also the first time that the Rail Cam has been used in native high-definition. Recent improvements to the Rail Cam provide better and smoother-moving shots than ever before.
Filed in: | KK Hockey | Permalink
Comments
Maybe they’re concerned about it getting hit with a puck, flipped or deflected?
Although with the mercenary nature of the NFL, they may have taken out a patent on the idea and technology, and anyone else who uses it gets a visit from the NFL lawyers...as though the league needed any more money. :(
Posted by Baroque on 11/16/06 at 10:20 PM ET
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Most Recent Blog Posts
Cam Ward Had Surgery To Repair Lacerated Thigh Muscle
Wild Players Say Ott Should Be Suspended For Elbow On Sykora
Team USA Goalie - Miller Or Thomas?
Havlat Watching Old Goals To Bust Slump
About KK Hockey
Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.
From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.
Email Paul anytime at
Kukla’s Korner is always a free service for readers, but it costs some money to maintain. If you’re ever in a position to donate a few dollars to help out, we’d be very appreciative.
Hockey Links
Why haven’t they looked at the hover cam that is used in football? I think that would be a better view than a glass top camera.
Posted by Phil from Mt. Laurel, NJ on 11/16/06 at 05:06 PM ET