Replay Technologies

Replay Technologies, an Israeli startup established in 2011, pioneered a significant shift in sports broadcasting with its multi-dimensional video imaging technology. The company was founded by a trio of entrepreneurs: CEO Oren Yogev, CTO Mateo Shapira, and COO Aviv Shapira. Aviv Shapira brought a background in aerospace engineering and experience as a satellite launch manager in the Israeli Air Force to the venture. Mateo Shapira is a recognized expert in image synthesis and computer graphics. Oren Yogev is a serial entrepreneur who founded other technology companies, including Blink Technologies.

The company's core offering was a proprietary technology named freeD™ (Free Dimensional Video), which utilized numerous high-resolution cameras positioned around a venue to generate 3D volumetric video. This system captured events in three-dimensional pixels, or "voxels," allowing for the creation of immersive, 360-degree instant replays. Unlike traditional broadcasts limited to fixed camera angles, freeD™ enabled viewers and broadcasters to see key plays from virtually any perspective, creating a seamless 3D rendering of the action. This involved installing as many as 28 ultra-high-definition cameras around an arena, connected to powerful, Intel-based servers for intensive data processing.

Replay Technologies targeted major sports leagues, broadcasters, and teams as its primary clients. Its business model involved installing the necessary infrastructure in stadiums and providing the service for live events, thereby enhancing the fan viewing experience. The technology was adopted by prominent organizations such as the NFL for the Super Bowl, the NBA for the All-Star Weekend, and teams like the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Yankees. The company's work earned it two Emmy Awards for best broadcasting technology.

After a period of collaboration that began in 2013, Intel acquired Replay Technologies in March 2016 for a reported $175 million. Prior to the acquisition, Replay Technologies had raised $27 million from investors including Mark Cuban, Samsung Ventures, and Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners. The acquisition was a strategic move for Intel to advance its position in the immersive sports and virtual reality markets, combining Replay's technology with Intel's high-performance computing capabilities. Following the acquisition, the company became known as Intel Immersive Sports. Keywords: volumetric video, sports technology, 3D replay, immersive sports, freeD, video imaging, broadcast technology, sports media, 360-degree video, Intel Sports