EVS launches XtraMotion, AI-based on-demand replay cloud service

XtraMotion, a cloud service developed by EVS that uses Artificial Intelligence to transform video content into super slow-motion replays, is now a reality.

As noted by Christophe Messa, EVS product manager, XtraMotion has been developed to support broadcasters in cases where native super slow motion sources (120 fps or higher) cannot be deployed: “The main driver behind XtraMotion is very simple: to generate great-looking super slow-motion pictures with very short time to air and frictionless operations.”

Based on machine learning algorithms developed by the EVS team of experts, XtraMotion is responsible for remotely creating these high frame rates. The technology works with formats ranging from 1080i to UHD/HDR and with any original frame rate. In this way, EVS notes that they are able to transform a 60 fps video into a 180 fps video, or a 180 fps video into a 540 fps video. The system also works with archived content.

Tested at Super Bowl LIV

XtraMotion was first evaluated by FOX Sports at Super Bowl LIV to convert standard frame rate clips from special cameras into high-speed footage. Since then, it has been used in other productions, including the MLB World Series in Arlington, Texas, in November 2020; and on a more regular basis for live coverage of the NFL, NCAA college basketball and NASCAR.

Mike Davies, senior vice president of field and technical management and operations at Fox Sports, is positive about the system: “EVS’ XtraMotion has continued to show a lot of potential since the first tests were conducted during last year’s Super Bowl, so it seems only natural to use it on more of our productions moving forward. Storytelling is always top of mind at FOX Sports and applying the XtraMotion effect onto our increasing number of specialty cameras really helps us give that extra visual wow factor to our productions.”

Kevin Callahan, director of technical operations at Fox Sports, shares the impressions of his colleagues: “The super slow-motion shots created from the in-car cameras at Daytona 500 this year let us truly appreciate how good the drivers are and gave us a real feeling of how steep the banking really is!”

“The super slow-motion shots created from the in-car cameras at Daytona 500 this year let us truly appreciate how good the drivers are and gave us a real feeling of how steep the banking really is! And the fact that XtraMotion is a cloud-based service means we can deploy it whenever and wherever we want, and easily scale it to the capacity we need on every one of our productions,” Callahan concludes.