DIRECTV to offer complete interactive multi-camera coverage of World Cup by Orin Davidson
Stabroek News
May 28, 2002
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On Friday, when the world's most popular sport takes center stage, DIRECTV subscribers will be able to watch and experience the comprehensive coverage of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea, Japan.

A press release issued by DIRECTV says that using 23 strategically located cameras, it will offer the first interactive/multi-camera broadcast of the FIFA World Cup, which will consist of up to six exclusive video channels that will provide the live broadcast and replays of all 64 World Cup games. The unprecedented coverage will run 24 hour a day for a total of 720 hours of continuous programming. The broadcast will also include three audio options. Viewers will be able to choose the game narrations with commentators from Argentina, Mexico and an international Spanish feed. It is not yet known if English commentaries will be available but there is still an outside chance. DIRECTV will also produce 30 and 60 minutes pre- and post-game shows presented by renowned sports commentators, along with game summaries and daily highlights to be broadcast throughout the day. Additionally, 24 hours re-broadcasts of the games will also be available.

Exclusive

DIRECTV Channels:

Mosaic - A screen divided into four sections, each one highlighting a different view of the action taking place in the field, along with a stats screen.

Main - A full screen coverage of the game with the international feed broadcast worldwide.

Team - a perspective into the action taking place on the sidelines, and among the coaches and additional players of both teams. Images and audio available for both teams.

Field - A unique perspective of the action taking place on the field, with strategically placed cameras over the stadium that will give the viewer a wide and global view of the game.

Highlights - A channel dedicated exclusively to the compilation of instant replays of the best action of the game.

"We are proud to be the only service to provide the most complete coverage of the 2002 FIFA World Cup and this will be achieved with the help of our team, put together by DIRECTV, and made up 170 professionals from Latin America, United States, Japan and Korea," said Antonio B. Barreto, senior vice president of Programming and Marketing for DIRECTV Latin America. "Thanks to this effort DIRECTV will offer its subscribers an 'all access pass' to watch the game from their favorite camera angle."