The join collaboration of IMT Vislink and Vicareo dates back to the 2016 NHL All-Star Game in Nashville, TN, when the RefCam system was first used successfully. Subsequent events, like the NHL Winter Classic and other sports telecasts, have provided unprecedented angles and footage of the action.

RefCam is a tiny sports camera designed to be worn by officials and participants at sporting events. It allows viewers to experience events from entirely new perspectives and points of view during broadcasts.

The fall 2018 Notre Dame-USC game was notable for having four RefCams using split channels for the first time. IMT Vislink-powered cameras are now being used on a regular basis at a variety of college football games.

The devices consist of an video camera and transmission units integrated into the referees’ hats. The solution includes IMT Vislink’s miniaturized RF IMTDragonFly transmitters and diversity receivers. This solution has been specifically configured to support demanding sports and entertainment applications that absolutely require ultra-compact equipment form factors and reliable, high-quality, long-range performance.

Jeff Daubert, field integration manager of IMT Vislink, said his company’s partnership with Vicareo allows audiences to engage with sporting events in deeper and more exciting ways than ever before.

“From day one, IMT Vislink has been committed to the fan experience,” Daubert said. “Our deep history as a video technology innovator gives us engineering, manufacturing, and market perspectives unmatched by simple off-the-shelf vendors. It is this kind of expertise we bring to specialized solutions like the RefCam project. We look forward to expanding our engagement with Vicareo to give sports audiences new and provocative looks at their favorite teams in action.”