New Technology for Keeneland Racecourse
Sports fans always want to get a little closer to the sporting action, and when it comes to horse racing, spectators are no different. Of course, watching live horse racing and becoming part of the atmosphere cannot be replaced, but many spectators often turn to the monitors at the racecourse to enjoy the up close views of the horses and racing that broadcasting can bring them. And as technology improves every year, the call for high definition broadcasting is increasing.
Being able to broadcast some of their racing events in high definition, or HD, has always been part of the upgrading project at the Keeneland Racecourse. To make HD at the racecourse a reality, the first phase of this project started in 2006 with the purchasing of ten HD cameras to record the action and to build an infrastructure for the HD system. The video control room at Keeneland Racecourse also needed upgrading to accommodate the new technology, and so another four robotic cameras, editing equipment and a field production camera were added.
Keeneland Racecourse will showcase the debut of their HD equipment and broadcasts with the opening of the next racing season, which takes place on 3 October 2008. Spectators will be able to watch the horse racing in high definition for the first time in North America, on the LED tote board on the infield, via telecasts that are compatible to HD technology and on the television monitors on-track. It is definitely going to be a historical moment in the racing industry of North America, and Keeneland Racecourse is proud to be the racecourse that is taking horse racing and its fans into the future.
Management is also hoping to expand the HD capabilities in the coming years to include radio broadcast facilities and a state of the art in-house studio. Keeneland Racecourse would like to be able to replay legendary Thoroughbred racing face-offs and racing events that have become a part of history. Re-broadcasting of the latest racing and being able to screen film productions in regard to the racing world, is also a part of their future plans.
Being able to bring racing to spectators in such a dynamic format will hopefully create renewed interest in horse racing, promote the sport in a positive way and lure prospective racing fans through quality broadcasting that allows everyone to be on the track, no matter where they are.
