Software firm nets big race

By CHRIS BARTON IT editor

Animation software house Virtual Spectator has signed another multimillion-dollar deal - this time with Volvo Event Management to provide internet coverage of the Volvo Ocean Race.

The deal, which includes a contract for television animation of the round-the-world race, is the latest in a string of international successes for the Auckland software developer.

In May, it signed a 10-year deal to provide television animation and live internet coverage of the World Rally Championship.

Last month, it signed with broadcasting giant ABC to supply its GolfTrac animation software in television coverage of the PGA Tour, British Open and the primetime Battle at Bighorn.

Yachting fans that want to watch the nine-leg yachting event, which begins on September 23 in Southampton, will need to download Virtual Spectator's 3D inter-net viewer from either www.volvooceanrace.org or www.virtualspectator.com. The new viewer will be available in September.

Virtual Spectator's executive vice-president of technology, Craig Meek, said the first three days of the race would be free to view.

"We want to show the world just what this software can do and how it can transform viewers' experience of this event," he said.

After the free period, viewers will have to pay $US19.95 ($48.15) to watch for the next eight months via the net or $US29.95, which will provide additional audio and video footage.

Mr Meek said the audio commentary would feature live interviews with crews and was a breakthrough for internet coverage of yachting.

In previous events, including the America's Cup, audio commentaries via the net were not allowed because of television and radio restrictions on media rights.

Mr Meek said the $US29.95 option would be more suited to internet users on broadband connections.

All boats in the race will be fitted with wireless equipment which will process data from sensors and then transmit it via the Inmarsat C satellite, to provide regular position details, weather, news, and photos. Additional information will show pitch, roll, heave, depth, and average wind speed and direction.

Viewers will take control of the animations tracking the yachts' progress - zooming and selecting aerial and water-level perspectives.

Tape recorder-style controls, including fast forward, reverse and stop, will allow users to analyse and replay tactical moves.

The weather one will show interactive charts, including forecast changes of 60 hours.

In the southern ocean leg, viewers will also be able to track the progress of large icebergs fitted with global positioning system transmitters.

Mr Meek said the previous round-the-world race - the Whitbread - attracted 1.8 million viewers to the official race website.

This time he believed that the internet audience could hit three million.