DTS Digital Telemetry Systems

Telemetry Recording and
Rendering System

DTS are proud to offer a system that allows production houses to add interest and value to on-board video recordings, by complementing the picture with a synchronised animated “virtual dashboard” which is superimposed or keyed over an onboard point-of-view (POV) shot.

The system produces full-frame / full frame-rate broadcast quality animations, which are easily and speedily integrated into the production cycle.

The dashboard lifts the broadcaster’s own on-board footage to higher levels - providing interest for the viewer, increasing the “WOW!” factor, and provides extra material for the voice-over commentator.

Digital Telemetry Systems

British Rally Championship (Greenlight Television)

Typical dashboards include a speedometer, a track or circuit map with a marker that automatically shows the competitor’s position (and the marker changes to show acceleration or braking), accelerometers / cornering G or bank angle, and engine RPM, etc. - all on gauges and on a bed of the broadcaster’s choice.

Additionally, a cut-down dashboard can be used for split-screen head-to-head to illustrate “.. Pekka has started to brake here but Francois is carrying an extra 20mph into the corner and only starts to brake now …”

Principal use is when covering competitive and power sports, but the system has also been used to illustrate vehicle tests and reviews; to add interest for major motor and motorcycle manufacturers’ promotions; and to augment "experience" souvenir footage.

The DTS system is used by major production houses (including Greenlight Television) and footage from the DTS system has been aired to critical acclaim on satellite channels (including Sky Sports and Speed Channel); UK terrestrial television (including BBC Grandstand and Channel 4); on DVD (including release by Duke Marketing); and as web content.

The system has been operated and proven in a wide range of environments including international rallies, 700bhp open-wheel race cars on circuits such as Spa-Francorchamps, and probably most challenging of all on race-winning bikes around the Isle of Man TT mountain circuit.

Isle of Man TT - Kirk Michael
(Greenlight Television)

Isle of Man TT - Brandish corner, Mountain course
(Greenlight Television)

Our emphasis is on delivering material to complement your on-board footage, and we can offer a range of services to meet your requirements - from outright purchase, to lease or 'dry' hire of the kit, to a fully-provisioned service where we deliver the completed tapes to you after the event.

The System

The onboard system comprises:

(a) a data recorder, which includes GPS receiver, accelerometers, etc.;

(b) an external GPS antenna;

(d) optional external sensors (engine revs, brakes, cockpit temp etc.)

and can be installed by any engineer who is already competent to fit on-board video kit. The system can be totally self-contained to minimise impact to the competitor’s vehicle.

The onboard system records data onto removable Compact Flash cards, these are then post-processed on a rendering PC and the dashboard is then available for keying onto the onboard footage – either by automated layoff to tape direct from the rendering PC’s SDI for linear editing; or export to disk in a variety of formats for use in NLE systems.

The emphasis is on speed and ease of operation – a 20 minute clip can be processed and ready to start layoff in less than five minutes; the rendering/ playout can be performed by any editor, graphics or dub operator; and DTS's proprietary synchronisation can provide editors up to single-frame sync accuracy between the dashboard and the on-board video.

DTS Digital Telemetry Systems

DTS have over twenty years experience of timing, results and telemetry in Motorsport up to FIA International level; in addition to electronics and computer expertise. The broadcast elements have been developed in conjunction with several leading international motorsports production houses; using highest-quality recording components, 4:4:4 framestores etc. Development is continuous, recent developments include bio-stats (heart-rate etc.) and DTS are happy to consider integration and presentation of clients’ own specific data.

The Recording and Rendering system is available for purchase; alternatively DTS can provide the equipment, service and manpower on a per-event basis (and if necessary will assist with acquisition of on-board footage).

DTS look forward to working with broadcasters and production houses to complement your own on-board footage.

For further details, please contact

Dave Martin

DTS Digital Telemetry Systems

Knock-e-Dhooney, Andreas, Isle of Man IM7 3EF
E-mail Dave.Martin@DTS.uk.com

Telemetry Recording and Rendering System