About The X-MO System:

X-Mo is a streamlined, user friendly system created by the owner of Inertia Unlimited for Vision Research's Phantom series cameras.  For over seven years as technology has developed, so has the X-Mo system. Supplying cutting edge broadcast footage to major networks in the United States and abroad at some of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.

X-Mo is a high speed HD camera that can shoot at up to 6933 fps (frames per second) at 720 resolution and over 2700 fps at 1080 resolution. There is absolutley no up conversion and actual pixel for pixel sensor/output resolution. The camera can be used live and provide real-time replays.

X-Mo has proven itself for user flexibility, configurable in handheld, robotic and studio situations. Adaptable for B4, PL or Nikon mount lenses. The system may also transmit over RF (Radio Frequency).

X-Mo is Different

21 questions to ask if you are shopping for a high speed camera:

1. How long does it take to start to replay an image?

In X-Mo's case, no time, nada, none, zero.

2. Is that a help in quick turnarounds like sporting events?

How long does it take for a pitcher to throw another pitch? How long until the next snap? Sometimes even a few seconds wait is too much.

3. How much equipment needs to be used with the camera?

X-Mo consists a 12 pound camera and Remote Control Panel for your video engineer. That's it. Two Pelican cases are enough.

4. What kind of lens does X-Mo use?

Any Sony B4 mount lens will do from a ENG wide angle to a 101x studio lens. The camera operator has all their familiar controls. We also offer a PL mount as well.

5. What kind of viewfinder does X-Mo have for the operator?

No matter what the eventual output format the camera operator is framing with a HD viewfinder or 16:9 eyepiece. It is absolutely live with no delay. Focus and tight tracking shots are a breeze. The camera operator has peaking and other familiar controls for the video to help.

6. Speaking of the camera operator can we use our own local operator?

Absolutely. In fact, we prefer that you do. They will have no learning curve whatsoever.

7. Do I need a dedicated tech?

No. We give you a cheat sheet and 24hr phone support. That's enough. All connections are clearly labeled or shipped pre connected.

9. What formats does X-Mo support?

Natively X-Mo produces 1080i/p, 720p, NTSC and PAL SDI (4:3 and 16:9). There is absolutely no up conversion. We can output 24, 25, or 30 fps.

10. How does the signal get to the truck?

We supply 2 strands of single mode fiber which handles the 2 channels of video. Data is moved on copper, typically 3 pin XLR audio. We can attach to SMPTE, SC, or ST fiber for long runs or can send the video down copper if the run is short. We of course provide all fiber, fiber adapters and converters as part of the package. We hand off a gen locked signal of your choice to the truck.

11. What records X-Mo?

Unlike some super mo systems which require 3 channels of EVS, X-Mo only needs a single channel of EVS or similar or a tape machine in the truck. If you don't have one we can provide it. We are currently introducing direct EVS control of the camera for replays using a EVS controller.

12. How does a replay occur?

The camera records all the time. When we see something we like, after it is complete (like a swing) we hit a trigger which marks the out point of the replay. The next frame of the replay output is the start of the replay. When the replay is done the camera returns to recording automatically. Of course the live output of the camera never goes away allowing simultaneous recording and playback and use of the live output on air, anytime.

13. Can you shoot under existing lights?

Most major sporting events are shot under lights. At a typical stadium you can expect to shoot at 300-400 fps. With the introduction of the latest version of X-Mo you will be able to double that. Most larger stadiums lie football stadiums have pretty even light. Smaller arenas and temporary lighting under Musco lights for example may flicker a bit.

14. What if the shot I want occurs just after the camera is triggered?

No problem, we can set the camera to capture up to 64 out points in a row and then replay any one of them or all of them. We can delete any of them and replay them at variable speed.

15. I thought you needed a computer for High Speed cameras.

Apparently we didn't get that memo. Our camera does not require a computer. We have created a knobs and buttons RCP which can remotely control all of the important functions of the camera. It is configured to be immediately familiar to your video engineer. We connect the RCP to the camera either in a wired or RF configuration.

16. How long can X-Mo record for?

In terms of real time we can record about 10000 frames at 720p (and about half of that at 1080i). Say we are recording at 1000fps, that translates into about 10 seconds of real time. Of course that replay would produce a replay of almost 3 minutes. Normally we replay between 1000-1500 frames.

17. What is the highest frame rate you can record at?

18. What are the different ways the camera can be set up?

Handheld, robotic, and full studio buildup with rear controls.

19. How long does it take to set X-Mo up?

From scratch we are typically ready to fax in about 2 hours.

20. How long have you been involved with broadcast high speed cameras?

We shot the MLB World Series in 2003. Since then X-Mo has shot many of the world's biggest sporting events.

21. All this sounds more than a little geeky. You guys can't have a background in broadcast?

Everyone who works for us have a deep background in broadcast sports. We are shooters, editors, producers and have more than a few Emmy's to our name. We understand what works conceptually and practically in the harsh environment of traveling sports television.

Latest Press Release: March 23, 2010

X-Mo Once Again Out At The Ball Parks to Cover MLB

For seven consecutive years, Inertia Unlimited has teamed up with Fox Sports Network (FSN) and for the last two years Mid Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) in covering Major League Baseball. From opening day until the final confrontation at the World Series, Inertia Unlimited will be on hand with X-MO, providing cutting edge High-Speed HD coverage.

Inertia Unlimited, Jacksonville, Vermont, March 23, 2010 – High Definition Slow Motion Camera Coverage in today’s sports broadcast is imperative. Official rulings in controversial calls can come down to a replay in slow motion that will change an entire games outcome.  Fans can now see details previously impossible to see. It is this point of view that is keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

The X-Mo system created by Inertia Unlimited and powered by Vision Research’s Phantom V12 and V640 cameras are topping the bar in every major sport’s broadcast.  Shooting up to 6200 fps (frames per second) at 720 resolution and over 2700 fps at 1080 resolution, the camera can be used live and simultaneously provide real time replays being fully compatible to the latest EVS hardware and software. 

Inertia Unlimited is continuously updating their X-Mo Systems, streamlining the cutting edge digital equipment and making it user friendly for broadcast use. The end result eliminates the need for specialized technicians and broadcasters benefit from using their own on-site human resources. 

Major League Baseball regular season regional coverage for home games by Fox Sports Network and X-Mo will cover the Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers.  Pairing up with the Mid Atlantic Sports Network, X-Mo will also be at home with the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals.

Contact:

Jeff Silverman, Owner
Inertia Unlimited
802-368-2591

X-Mo is Supervision!

"There are some things, however, worth mentioning. First, CBS did a great job with the actual televising of the game. The angles were right at the right times, the slow motion replays were, in a word, super. When New Orleans challenged a two-point conversion, the ruling was made easier because of the technology employed at the game. From CBS' release about their high-speed cameras:

THE SUPER BOWL ON CBS will feature six high-speed cameras, known as SuperVision, that will be in hard and hand-held configurations located on the field, in the stands and on sideline carts. Each camera will have the ability to shoot 300-500 frames per second (normal cameras shoot 60 fps) in 1080i high definition format. These Vision Research Phantom V-640 cameras are supplied by Inertia Unlimited and are particularly used in determining questionable calls on the field (ie. fumbles, receptions, out-of-bounds, etc.) from all different angles."

Posted by Dan Levy on "The Sporting Blog" click below for full article

http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/the_sporting_blog/entry/view/54933/press_coverage_super_bowl_edition

"Think about the number of cameras and camera angles used to document the game. We have gone from slow-motion to super slow-motion to CBS’ super-vision, which is super, super slow-motion in hi-def. How many angles did we see of Lance Moore’s fantastic spinning, grabbing catch for the two-point conversion? Not only did we see it in multiple angles, but we saw it in crisp HD slowed down enough that we could see his fingers working to hold the ball as the defender tried to knock it away. So while I was trying to scribble down notes about the broadcast of Super Bowl XLIV, I found myself getting lost in the game, getting excited at big plays and hanging on every replay in what turned out to be a fantastic game."

Read more: http://www.theolympian.com/2010/02/08/1129981/missing-headline-for-08divishs.html#ixzz0iYboRYl0

" Hit: The six high-speed cameras CBS used in the game, called SuperVision, are more than gadgets. It changes the way viewers see football games, just like the virtual first-down line did. On fumbles and possession issues on the sideline, those shots are not only good-looking but indispensable evidence. The telecast did a terrific job of getting those SuperVision shots up quickly after important plays, including the two-point conversion on the catch by Saints wide receiver Lance Moore in the fourth quarter."

Posted by Bob Wofley, JS Online (The Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel)

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/83776202.html

Dunhill Cup

St. Andrews, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns, Scotland

18th fairway at St. Andrews

At the Dunhill Cup, a RF'ed X-Mo camera covered every hole of every course. Using a Canon 22x lens and HD RF link, the camera was used primarily for replays but was also used live on occasion.

X-Mo was positioned at the reverse 50-yard line and used a Canon HD Digital Super 86x II lens and sled, Telecast Copperhead, HD Panasonic monitor, Vinten Vector 70 head, and one of the most outstanding camera operators in the industry, Keith Desantis.

Whether it's called

SuperVision or X-Mo

It doesn't matter

CBS Sports calls us SuperVision, Fox calls us X-Mo. The result is the same. HD, high-speed, tracking the action day and under lights for NFL football.

Pictured: Reverse 50 position, Supervision with 100x Canon HD lens

NBC's Poker After Dark shoots in Las Vegas

Scott Duncan shoots promo and bumper shots with X-Mo

for the next season of Poker After Dark on NBC.

Inertia also supplied the hole cards, robos and

overhead cameras for the show.

X-Mo survives the Super "purple rain" bowl.

Thanks to Fujinon for an excellent 101x lens

Thanks to Shooterslickers for the camera cover

From the Northwest Herald...

(a Chicago area newspaper)

Some Bears fans bought $1,200 TVs to watch that game. High definition. Flat screen. LCD. Plasma. Thirty-two inches. Forty inches. Sixty inches. A billion inches.

Not that it was easy to actually SEE the Super Bowl, even with a crystal clear picture, with all of the rain in Miami on Sunday night. It was hard to tell just what the Bears were doing – call it a lack of definition – and not simply because they were soft against the run.

Somebody wipe the off the camera lens, gosh almighty, we can’t see here! Looks like the “Fog Bowl.”

“My glaucoma’s acting up,” little old ladies probably were saying.

No, ma’am. It was just wet out.

When CBS rolled out its “Super Vision” – on super slow-motion replays – fans had a sharp view of everything the Bears were doing wrong.

Maybe it was better to be blinded by the raindrops.

2 HD robos cover the table at the Aussie Millions.

Can't clearly see them? That's the whole point.

Cameras on the show include 4 Sony HDC-X310's

with Fujinon lenses, 8 Sony XC-555p's, and 2 robotic mounts.