Star Sports launches a slew of interactive features on Tata Play and Airtel Digital TV for IPL 2023

Star Sports Network, the official broadcaster of the TATA IPL 2023, has announced several new features to enhance the viewing experience for cricket fans. The network has partnered with Airtel Digital TV and Tata Play to launch interactive features called “Star Sports Pro” and “Star Sports VIP,” respectively, which can be accessed by pressing the red button or the side button on the remote.

To offer a more immersive experience, the network will continue its partnership with Dolby to broadcast the tournament with Dolby ATMOS (5.1.4) audio. They have worked with Dolby to configure over 40 microphones in the stadium to capture cinematic sound.

Real-time Highlights, Key Moments, and Comprehensive Statistics

The “Star Sports Pro” and “Star Sports VIP” services include ‘Real-time Highlights’, ‘Key Moments’, and ‘Comprehensive Statistics’. These features are designed to allow viewers to catch up on any missed game segments instantly, showcase critical game-changing moments, and offer real-time statistics to TV viewers. The on-demand statistics are powered by ESPN Cricinfo’s statistical database.

Ambience-only feed

With the press of a blue button on their remote, viewers can activate the ‘Ambience Only’ mode, which will remove commentary and create a stadium-like atmosphere for fans to enjoy. The ‘Ambience feed’ provides viewers with the option of turning off commentary while experiencing unhindered in-stadia sound.

Subtitled Feed

Star Sports Network’s ‘Subtitled Feed’ will offer live match commentary subtitles, making the IPL accessible to differently-abled audiences. Additionally, this feature is useful in noisy environments like pubs and restaurants, enabling viewers to stay engaged in the game. The live subtitling is powered by a combination of an innovative workflow and AI.

Holobox

The ‘Holobox’ at the Studio will provide an interactive experience that allows fans to teleport and interact with the commentators while understanding key moments in the game in more detail. For instance, a close call for LBW and stumping will be displayed more interactively, giving viewers every detail.

Hawkeye 4K Cam and Xeebra Quad Replay

The introduction of Hawkeye 4K Cam, Xeebra Quad Replay, and the VR Immersive Cricket Game aims to elevate the standard of programming and live match coverage. The Hawkeye 4K Cam technology will be used to calculate the exact position of the ball in three-dimensional space. It will also give precise tracking of the ball’s trajectory, spin, and speed. Other than this, it will be also used to track the movements of players, providing deep insight into their performance.

The Xeebra Quad Replay tool allows viewers to capture crucial moments from multiple angles simultaneously, creating a more immersive viewing experience. This system uses multiple high-definition cameras that capture all the action from multiple angles. The footage is then processed and displayed on a large screen, allowing viewers to review and analyze the footage in real time.

Social Listening Tool

Star Sports Network’s ‘Social Listening Tool’ allows real-time fan polling through any social platform on a real-time basis to promote fan engagement. This feature allows viewers to interact and voice their opinions during live games.

Star Sports Network is set to offer a revolutionary viewing experience to cricket fans during TATA IPL 2023, with new interactive features and cutting-edge technology that promise to enhance the coverage of the tournament. “As viewing experiences enter a new era, we want to make sure that we are always pushing boundaries, to serve fans,” said a Star Sports spokesperson.