At the IBC this year, the innovations from EBU Members were not limited to the EBU Village. In the same hall as the EBU booth, but on a different stand, the German Broadcast Research Institute IRT presented a tracking system for highly directional microphones.
Better audio for sports
The system is a result of research on how to improve the audio experience of soccer matches. Better audio from the ball was identified as key. So the German engineers put together some servos, software and two very sensitive microphones to create two 'ears' that can cover the complete soccer field.
The mics are located six meters behind each goal, on eight meter high supports. Steered by information derived from the normal camera images or by manual operator input, the microphones follow the ball wherever it goes.
Tracking up to 150 km/h
Actually it is better than that: the system compensates for the speed of sound and makes sure to follow the sound waves, instead of the ball directly. Not unimportant, as ball speeds can be large in this popular sport. The microphones have no problem dealing with speeds of up to 150 km/h.
Benefits fo the new system are a better quality of ball sounds and less microphones to be used. The system will undergo its real-world trial during the Germany - England match of 19 November in the Olympic stadium in Berlin. German broadcaster ZDF will test the system in practice then.
For more information, contact: Franz-Josef Lehbruner (IRT).