NTT Delivers Successful Ultra Reality Viewing of Live MLB Postseason Game

New partnership created the first Ultra Reality Viewing experience in the United States using NTT’s advanced technology to transmit a real-time surround video experience to remote locations

SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY  ̶  October 8, 2019  ̶  NTT, a global technology and business solutions leader, and Major League Baseball (MLB) today successfully conducted a proof of concept with NTT’s Ultra Reality Viewing technology (URV) as part of their recently announced multi-year technology agreement making the Japan-based company an official MLB partner in the United States. This implementation verified the feasibility of a real-time, super-high definition surround video fan experience event, a first for a live sporting event in the United States.

A key foundation of the partnership is a collaborative intent to create a new fan experience in the smart-world era. URV was successfully proven at Game 3 of the American League Division Series presented by Doosan between the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. In the ballpark, NTT installed multiple 4K cameras that transmitted high-definition images (12K wide) in real time to a super-wide screen (90.6 in x 469 in) with 6ch surround sound, including original audio source, to a viewing area set up at MLB Network’s studio in Secaucus, NJ. This URV technology created a uniquely transformative sensation that put the remote viewer into the ballpark, creating a life-like atmosphere.

Enterprise partners were invited to this viewing event to increase the awareness for other potential uses of URV experience technology. NTT and MLB will continue to work toward expanding the use of URV technology for new and exciting fan experiences for other events.

About Ultra Reality Viewing

URV is NTT’s real-time, super high-definition surround video synthesis technology that combines multiple 4K camera images into a super-wide image, such as 12K, in real time and transmits them synchronously to remote locations. With super high-definition panoramic video that cannot be captured by conventional cameras, synchronized with immersive audio technologies that enable original sounds to be captured and transmitted to a remote location without delay and any loss of quality, audiences can view sports or events content as if they were watching it live in the stadium, on the field or in the theatre. This is a proven solution based on NTT’s unique R&D technology, “Kirari!.”*  It has been successfully implemented in Japan to enhance audience viewing and fan experiences with very positive results.

About MLB

Major League Baseball (MLB) is the most historic professional sports league in the United States and consists of 30 member clubs in the U.S. and Canada, representing the highest level of professional baseball. Major League Baseball is the best-attended sport in North America, and since 2004, MLB has enjoyed its best-attended seasons in the history of the game. Led by Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr., MLB currently features record levels of labor peace, competitive balance and industry revenues, as well as the most comprehensive drug-testing program in American professional sports. MLB remains committed to making an impact in the communities of the U.S., Canada and throughout the world, perpetuating the sport’s larger role in society and permeating every facet of baseball’s business, marketing and community relations endeavors. With the continued success of MLB Network and MLB digital platforms, MLB continues to find innovative ways for its fans to enjoy America’s National Pastime and a truly global game. For more information on Major League Baseball, visit www.MLB.com.

*For more information about NTT’s “Kirari!,” visit https://www.ntt.co.jp/activity/en/innovation/kirari/.