Boat Race to be broadcast in HD

UK: One of the longest lived sporting fixtures in the modern world, the 157th Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge, takes place on the River Thames in London this Saturday. Distributed to over 150 countries worldwide, this iconic aquatic event is to be broadcast in HD for the first time this year.

Rigging started today for the event, with SIS Live taking the role of OB provider. HD transmission is not the only innovation the BBC, now in the second year of a five year deal to show the event, is planning on bringing to the venerable institution, however.

“As well as live coverage of the race itself, the BBC will offer viewers an insight into the technical elements of the race and what is involved,” says a corporation statement. “For the first time we will identify the ‘ideal racing line’ on our 3D map of the course, demonstrating the path of least resistance and giving the viewer an added appreciation and understanding of how the race is unfolding. This map comes up on screen at intervals during the race. Short films will give an in-depth look into the intense preparation and build-up to this annual event, plus a look behind the scenes at the personalities and stories.”

Coverage starts at 15.45 GMT in an impressively multiformat and multiscreen mix of TV, radio, online and mobile. The race starts at 17.00 GMT.