RCS LaunchPad designed to ‘simplify dynamic touchscreen analysis’ for football
New from Reality Check Systems (RCS) is LaunchPad, a customisable, interactive solution designed to simplify dynamic touchscreen analysis for soccer broadcasts. Combining RCS’ proprietary software with third-party hardware and cloud data from domestic and international soccer matches, the solution is available in a variety of configurations and gives on-air talent access to real-time analytics and telestration tools to engage fans.
LaunchPad boasts a user-friendly interface that enables operators to call up touchscreen graphics for analysis of the desired league, team, player or match in any language and seamlessly transition between them.
“LaunchPad is the culmination of years of R&D from our time on the ground with clients, and we’re proud to roll it out worldwide this week,” said Jeff Heimbold, VP of business development, RCS. “Drawing on inspiration from our customers and years of interactive experience, we believe we’ve developed an affordable, intuitive solution that gives users all of the tools and stats they need in one place to transform soccer broadcasts with amazing, interactive graphics, no matter where the production takes place.”
LaunchPad highlights include:
Intuitive UI: An easy-to-use interface ensures simple setup and navigation without requiring engineering or IT expertise. Quickly save pages, create playlists, set up defaults and build rundowns on the fly.
Extensive customisation: Available in any language, LaunchPad arrives with a custom graphics package featuring elements (colors, fonts, logos, backgrounds, etc.) that match the client’s desired aesthetic. A web-based portal also allows users to establish shortcuts, settings and preferences; translate text; change core elements like team names; and create manual graphics from scratch.
Robust Toolset: RCS’ software and plug-ins integrate seamlessly with the Vizrt Engine and a third-party touchscreen to deliver an all-in-one toolset for graphically illustrating real-time scores, results, standings, statistics and much more.
Cloud Database: Deliver live scores and analytics instantly over the Internet with RCS’ cloud database. Harnessing live data from Opta’s feeds, it eliminates the traditional overhead of backend integration, supplemental hardware and local database maintenance.
Remote Access/Control: A complementary RCS Navigator application for the Apple iPad can be used to access and control LaunchPad from any network to which the Vizrt Engine is connected.
Support for Third-Party Tools: Compatible with several industry-standard tools, LaunchPad seamlessly integrates with video servers like EVS and analysis technology such as Piero, allowing on-screen talent to engage in advanced video analysis.
Subscription Model: A cost-efficient monthly subscription fee provides access to ongoing feature updates from RCS’ interactive developers, eliminating the need for an internal development team.
Among the early adopters of LaunchPad is SBS Discovery, which used the system for its European Championship qualifying coverage. “LaunchPad sincerely heightens the quality of our work and is a very useful production tool. I enjoy how easy it is to operate and the information that is possible to get out of it during and after the game,” said Carsten Skjelbreid, presenter, SBS Discovery. “It isn’t just a cool toy; it’s a journalistic tool that enables us to show our audience why one team is performing better than the other. LaunchPad has given us a competitive advantage. I just love it.”
Meanwhile, in August of this year, Sky Deutschland opted to enliven its Bundesliga soccer match broadcasts with the implementation of LaunchPad. Sky Deutschland director of sports production Alessandro Reitano remarked: “LaunchPad wraps state-of-the-art technology with data from the cloud into a UI that’s as easy to operate as a smartphone. Our presenters can now access every piece of soccer data imaginable to help convey their story in ways never thought possible before. This functionality has added a whole new dimension to our narrative capabilities that helps set us apart from the competition.”