AFL to Debut Schutt Vision on CBS Sports Network

Friday March 7, 2014

 CHICAGO – The NET10 Wireless Arena Football League (AFL) and Sports Video Innovations (SVI) have finalized their partnership implementing Schutt Vision technology during the 2014 AFL season, the League office announced today.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the potential for this technology,” Arena Football League Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz said. “The AFL has always taken pride in pushing the sports broadcasting envelope and we believe Schutt Vision will continue that tradition.”

Schutt Vision is a new video technology which allows live-action video to be captured in-game by a camera small enough to fit within the nose bumper of the helmet. The entire system is the first on-board video camera and helmet that is NOCSAE compliant, enabling the use of Schutt Vision in practices and games. The Schutt Vision helmets have been shipped to teams and will be worn by one offensive and one defensive player, with the position being determined by the team and player.

“We are thrilled to be partners with the AFL,” SVI CEO and Founder JR Liverman said. “This exciting brand of football is the perfect vehicle to debut this technology. It will enhance an already exciting AFL broadcast and in-arena fan experience.”

SVI is the first company to successfully integrate a high-definition video camera into the football helmet itself, fully impact resistant and capable of withstanding football’s grueling conditions. This makes point-of-view video available for the first time to teams from all levels of the game, from high school to the pros. Arena Football footage captured through Schutt Vision will be shown on national broadcasts and replayed in-arena initially, with more expansive plans to be unveiled as the season progresses.

About Sports Video Innovations
SVI was created with the goal of revolutionizing the way in which sporting events are viewed and experienced. Point-of-view video of athletes has long been desired by coaches, fans and broadcasters. With the introduction of Schutt Vision, that desire has been fulfilled. For the first time, coaches, broadcasters and fans can truly see what the athlete sees, in real time.

About the AFL
Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased a fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. The ESPN family of networks and CBS Sports Network will nationally broadcast AFL games each week for the entire 2014 season. The AFL schedule culminates with ArenaBowl XXVII Saturday, August 23, 2014 on ESPN.