RWCL confirms RWC 2011 broadcast plans
Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) has confirmed that all 48 Rugby World Cup 2011 matches will be produced in High Definition, enhancing the broadcast experience of Rugby’s showcase event for fans worldwide.
The tournament, which kicks off on September 9 will be the largest event ever hosted in New Zealand and Host Broadcaster SKY New Zealand will deliver an innovative production feed for rights holding broadcasters covering over 200 territories.
Features will include wirecam technology for key matches, 5.1 surround sound and the use of changing room cameras for the first time at a Rugby World Cup.
Previous plans to produce 3D coverage of key matches from the Tournament, including the Final, have been reluctantly cancelled after it was confirmed that the production company 3D Live, is no longer able to meet its production commitments.
RWCL Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “On confirmation of 3D Live’s position, we explored every option to try to make production viable. However, with so little time remaining before the tournament kicks off we all agreed that cancelling the 3D programme was the most appropriate decision for the Tournament. We have kept our broadcast partners informed and they fully understand the rationale behind this difficult decision.”
“However, the decision does not affect the delivery of a quality host broadcast feed. Fans watching Rugby World Cup 2011 on TV will be able to enjoy every try, tackle and pass from all 48 matches in glorious High Definition, while Sky New Zealand’s world class production will also feature wirecam technology for key matches and changing room cameras for the first time at a Rugby World Cup.”
“All Tournament stakeholders are committed to the delivery of an exceptional experience for fans attending Rugby World Cup 2011. The best RWC experience remains in the venues sharing the Tournament with supporters from around the world and in New Zealand this will be added to with dedicated Fanzones and the nationwide REAL New Zealand festival."