Australian rally to go virtual - News - Business

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This story was printed from ZDNet Australia.
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Australian rally to go virtual

By James Pearce, ZDNet Australia
March 12, 2002
URL: http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/business/soa/Australian-rally-to-go-virtual/0,139023166,120263966,00.htm

Telstra Rally Australia is anticipating the introduction of an innovative software package developed by New Zealand-based 3D graphics provider Virtual Spectator, which uses photo realistic 3D maps of racecars and tracks to provide a virtual simulation for viewers.

-We see Virtual Spectator's software not only as a means of improving the entertainment factor for television, but also for live spectators via the use of big screens in service parks and at spectator points," Garry Connelly, chairman of the Telstra Rally Organising Committee, said in a statement.

The software, used in recent television coverage of the Rally of France, combines photo realistic 3D maps with Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology to allow the re-creation of each rally stage in a virtual environment. This enables television producers to incorporate content into the broadcast that allows viewers a virtual experience of the rally as if they were trackside.

This could have a significant impact, with the 2001 Australian Rally receiving an average Australian audience of over 4.18 million viewers, according to the World Rally Championship team. Television will now provide these fans with views flying over and through selected special stages of a rally. It can also compare the performance of their favourite drivers against each other, and compare team performances, all as if the drivers and teams were on the course together at the same time.

Craig Meek, Virtual Spectator executive vice president of business development, told ZDNet Australia that golf will be the next sport that will bring virtual simulation to viewers.