BT Sport signs up for Piero Augmented Reality

Piero AR, which launched in April, enables broadcasters to overlay 3D graphics in real-time during live studio productions and sports games.

BT Sport chief operating officer Jamie Hindhaugh (pictured) said: “We’re always looking to enhance and improve the quality of our coverage and presentation and are excited to be working with Ericsson and to be the first to use Piero AR.

“We think this brand new technology will enhance our coverage and analysis and ultimately the viewer experience.”

Piero AR allows sports analysis graphics to be produced instantly either by a system operator or by a presenter using a tablet device.

The graphics are then projected onto the studio floor in 3D allowing broadcasters to illustrate the analysis sequence without cutting away from the studio environment.

The software, which is part of Ericsson’s Piero product suite of real-time sports graphics software, integrates with major studio tracking systems and sports data services from other firms.

Additionally, BT Sport will begin to use Ericsson’s Piero sports graphics software as part of its rugby coverage.

Ericsson head of broadcast and media services Thorsten Sauer added: “This industry first, immersive technology allows broadcasters to elevate sports programming by going beyond rudimentary, pre-built 2D graphics and bring content to life through data-driven stories for even more compelling viewing and deeper engagement.

“BT Sport is a long-time partner and as the first client for Piero AR we deepen the relationship, delivering value to BT Sport’s viewers.”