X-Mo in

Broadcast Television

(Above photos from 2011 World Series in St. Louis)

About The X-MO System:

X-Mo is a streamlined, user friendly system created by Inertia Unlimited for Vision Research's Phantom series cameras.  As technology has developed, so has the X-Mo system. Supplying cutting edge broadcast footage to major networks in the United States and abroad at some of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.

X-Mo is a high speed HD camera that can shoot at up to 5280 fps (frames per second) at 720 resolution and over 2500 fps at 1080 resolution. There is absolutley no up conversion and actual pixel for pixel sensor/output resolution. The camera can be used live and provide real-time replays.

X-Mo has proven itself for user flexibility, configurable in handheld, robotic and studio situations. Adaptable for B4, PL or Nikon mount lenses. The system may also transmit over RF (Radio Frequency).

X-Mo is Different

21 questions to ask if you are shopping for a high speed camera:

1. How long does it take to start to replay an image?

In X-Mo's case, no time, nada, none, zero.

2. Is that a help in quick turnarounds like sporting events?

How long does it take for a pitcher to throw another pitch? How long until the next snap? Sometimes even a few seconds wait is too much.

3. How much equipment needs to be used with the camera?

X-Mo consists a 12 pound camera and Remote Control Panel for your video engineer. That's it. Two Pelican cases are enough.

4. What kind of lens does X-Mo use?

Any Sony B4 mount lens will do from a ENG wide angle to a 101x studio lens. The camera operator has all their familiar controls. We also offer a PL mount as well.

5. What kind of viewfinder does X-Mo have for the operator?

No matter what the eventual output format the camera operator is framing with a HD viewfinder or 16:9 eyepiece. It is absolutely live with no delay. Focus and tight tracking shots are a breeze. The camera operator has peaking and other familiar controls for the video to help.

6. Speaking of the camera operator

can we use our own local operator?

Absolutely. In fact, we prefer that you do.

They will have no learning curve whatsoever.

7. Do I need a dedicated tech?

No. We give you a cheat sheet and 24hr phone support. That's enough. All connections are clearly labeled and shipped pre connected.

9. What formats does X-Mo support?

Natively X-Mo produces 1080i/p, 720p, NTSC and PAL SDI (4:3 and 16:9). There is absolutely no up conversion. We can output 24, 25, or 30 fps.

10. How does the signal get to the truck?

One single SMPTE hybird cable or 2 strands of tect fiber.

11. What records X-Mo?

Unlike some super mo systems which require 3 channels of EVS, X-Mo only needs a single channel of EVS or a tape machine in the truck. If you don't have one we can provide it.

12. How does a replay occur?

The camera records all the time. When we see something we like, the EVS operator marks an outpoint. More outpoints can be marked at any time even while cueing up any other replay. Of course the live output of the camera never goes away allowing simultaneous recording and playback and use of the live output on air, anytime.

13. Can you shoot under existing lights?

Most major sporting events are shot under lights. At a typical stadium you can expect to shoot at 400-500 fps. Most larger stadiums like football stadiums have pretty even light. Smaller arenas and temporary lighting under Musco lights for example may flicker a bit when doing a replay.

14. What if the shot I want occurs just after the camera is triggered?

No problem, we can set the camera to capture up to 64 out points in a row and then replay any one of them or all of them. We can delete any of them and replay them at variable speed.

15. I thought you needed a computer for High Speed cameras.

Apparently we didn't get that memo. Our camera does not require a computer. We have created a knobs and buttons modified Sony RCP which can remotely control all of the important functions of the camera. It is configured to be immediately familiar to your video engineer. We connect the RCP to the camera either in a wired or RF configuration.

16. How long can X-Mo record for?

In terms of real time we can record about 20,000 frames at 720p (and about half of that at 1080i). Say we are recording at 500fps, that translates into about 40 seconds of real time. Of course that replay would produce a replay of almost 3 minutes. Normally we replay between 1000-1500 frames.

17. What is the highest frame rate you can record at?

18. What are the different ways the camera can be set up?

Handheld, robotic, and full studio buildup with rear controls.

19. How long does it take to set X-Mo up?

From scratch we are typically ready to fax in about 1 hour.

20. How long have you been involved with

broadcast high speed cameras?

We shot the MLB World Series in 2003. Since then X-Mo has shot many of the world's biggest sporting events.

21. All this sounds more than a little geeky.

You guys can't have a background in broadcast?

Everyone who works for us have a deep background in broadcast sports. We are shooters, editors, producers and have more than a few Emmy's to our name. We understand what works conceptually and practically in the harsh environment of traveling sports television.

Sybil
Replay Controller

Inertia Unlimited's Newest X-Mo Innovation   Sybil Replay Controller Selects and Controls up to 8 replays Block or Cue Mode Simple and Straight Forward to use   Call for Details 802-368-2591

Meet H2D2.....

The newest "Little Guy" added to our our HD Camera Family

Affectionatley called H2D2 around the office, the HDC-100 by Bradley Engineering is one of the smallest, fully remote, cameras available.  Weighing in at just over 3 pounds this camera provides a dynamic solution for situations calling for a quiet/discrete remote control cameras.

4 inch diameter ball

Smooth & quiet operation

2 Megapixel HD CMOS Camera

HD/SD switchable, PAL, NTSC, 1080i, 720p

10:1 zoom

Inverted or Upright Mounting

32 Preset positions P,T,Z,F

10 bit SDI / HDSDI

Call 802-368-2591 for rental information.

NBC's Poker After Dark shoots in Las

Vegas

Scott Duncan shoots promo and bumper shots with X-Mo

for the next season of Poker After Dark on NBC.

2 HD robos cover the table at the Aussie Millions.

Can't clearly see them? That's the whole point.

Cameras on the show include 4 Sony HDC-X310's

with Fujinon lenses, 8 Sony XC-555p's, and 2 robotic mounts.