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NFL Adopts Sony’s Hawk-Eye Technology for Line Measurement

As the 2023 football season kicks off, the NFL has announced the integration of Sony’s Hawk-Eye camera system to enhance measurements for the line to gain. This modern approach will replace the longstanding manual measurements conducted by the chain crew. Utilizing advanced virtual measurement technology, the 8K cameras are designed to swiftly assess whether the ball has advanced the requisite 10 yards for a first down.

The Hawk-Eye system integrates six 8K cameras that employ optical tracking mechanisms to accurately pinpoint the ball’s location. Once a measurement is executed, the technology generates a digital visualization that will be displayed both inside the stadium and to viewers watching from home.

The NFL has highlighted that this innovative technology promises a significantly more “efficient” method compared to the traditional approach involving measurement sticks and a 10-yard chain. The new measuring process using the Hawk-Eye system is expected to take approximately 30 seconds, which is notably faster—about 40 seconds less—than the time currently spent by the chain crew on measurements.

Despite the implementation of this cutting-edge system, the NFL has reassured that the chain crew will continue to play a role in games, remaining on the field in a supportive capacity. This ensures that the human element remains present in the process, even as technology advances.

The league has been piloting the Hawk-Eye technology since last year and plans to utilize it across all 30 NFL stadiums in the United States, as well as in international locations. Sony is already a partner with the NFL, providing the Synchronized Multi-Angle Replay Technology (SMART), a system that amalgamates multiple live video feeds to assist officiating teams in making accurate decisions during games.

Source
www.theverge.com