Super Bowl, Really Super Technology
What is the first thing that comes to mind about the NFL, or the Super Bowl for this occasion? Large men, physical beating, cheerleaders, and beer for most of us. This has been the case for decades now as the American football tradition grows. However, the sophisticated technology that has made the games more enjoyable is often a piece of the game the average fan takes for granted.
What are the two most important technologies we have as fans? The yellow line that indicates where the first down is and the slow motion, instant replay. Can you imagine how lost most fans would be without these two technologies? The reason fans take this for granted is because, well, what is so complicated about a straight yellow line? In fact, the yellow line is a very complicated technology that pieces together all camera angles, how far they are zoomed in, the altitude, the tilt, the unlevel football field, and the movement of players across the yellow line!
How does this yellow line work then? Well, a few hours before each game, the field is surveyed to map out every inch of turf. Also, data from each camera is constantly being uploaded to the information system. Then instantly, calculations are made based upon the surveyed field, the tilt, zoom, and location of each camera, and poof, there is your yellow line. To make this even more difficult, technicians have to tell the system what color it can paint the yellow line on. This is done to avoid the yellow line being “painted” over the players. Every skin tone, jersey color, and bruise is entered into the system as a color not to paint the line on top of.
The other must-have technology for the majority of us now is the instant replay. It is hard to see every injury, every fumble, every catch, and every touchdown from your couch. However, the instant replay capability has eliminated the weaknesses of our eyes and our attention span. This technology has not only helped how we watch football games, it has also had a large part in changing the game itself. Take for instance the “coach’s challenge”. This new rule was not a byproduct of the game needing a change; however, it was a byproduct of the fact that technology could capture what the referees could not often see.
So as you watch the big game today, keep in mind the hard work and sophistication that goes behind that yellow line that makes your game so much easier to follow. Also, thank the replay masterminds who allow you to never miss a Peyton Manning touchdown, a Dwight Freeney sack, or a Jim Caldwell smile. After all, this may be a game for large meaty men, but it was made famous by the ‘nerds’ who spend countless hours improving the game’s technology.
Cnet News. The tech that Makes the Super Bowl Super. Last Accessed on February 7th 2010 at
ARS Technica. First and 10: The Technology Behind the Super Bowl Broadcast. Last accessed on February 7th 2010 at http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2008/02/firstand10.ars/ Cnet News. The tech that Makes the Super Bowl Super. Last Accessed on February 7th 2010 at http://news.cnet.com/8301-10797_3-10153351-235.html
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