SMT and Tennis Channel Bring Technology to Tennis for 2012 U.S. Open

As the 2012 U.S. Open Tennis Championships get underway, SMT, the leading innovator in data delivery, graphics solutions and technology solutions for sporting and entertainment events, is teaming up with the Tennis Channel to present multimedia and multiplatform coverage of the final Grand Slam of the year. The tournament in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., concludes Sept. 9.

Stationed in an on-site studio at the historic Billie Jean King Tennis Center, Tennis Channel hosts Justin Gimelstob and Rennae Stubbs’ expert analysis and social media tracking are made possible with SMT’s Tennis GOTO Board^®, a state-of-the-art, 65-inch touch screen and interface system boasting a content-rich application custom designed for coverage of the U.S. Open.

Features of SMT’s Tennis Channel GOTO Board include:

• Analytical tools such as SMT’s telestrator (electronic chalk) and video playback
• Interactive U.S. Open Court Map that allows easy navigation between current matches as well as live scores and stats
• Continuously updated draws with match scores and statistics
• Player, fan and media tracking on Twitter and Facebook, including the latest Twitter trends

IDS, a division of SMT, continues to build upon its 20-year relationship with United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the U.S. Open and its partners, including IBM, Citizen and broadcasters by creating a digital environment that provides fans, athletes and media continuous access to data, scores, stats, video and other content. These services include:

• TV graphics
• Scoring and statistics
• Scheduling
• Clocks
• Serve Speed
• Displays and video production
• Information IPTV
• Prize money
• Web data feed
• Closed Circuit TV

“The Tennis Channel’s broadcast of the 2012 U.S. Open is greatly enhanced with the addition of SMT’s GOTO Board,” said David Lunghino, IDS VP of Business Development. “It allows Tennis Channel to provide an insider view of the U.S. Open including, key matchups around the grounds and round-by-round within the draw, as well as expert analysis of the players’ strategies and tactics on court.”

About SMT and IDS

SMT and IDS are the leading innovators in data delivery, graphics solutions and tech support for sporting and entertainment events, providing clients with real-time scoring, statistics, virtual insertion and messaging. SMT is the expert in data integration, graphics presentation and real-time implementation in all facets of broadcast television. IDS, a division of SMT, supports client operations during live sporting events with collection, storage, distribution and presentation of sports content for on-site signage/message displays, broadcast support, internet services, information systems and technical support. Together, SMT and IDS provide a comprehensive turnkey solution for clients worldwide. For more information, visit SMT.com or IDS-sports.com.