Dorna press release:

Sony’s New HDC “R” Series camera debuted this weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi to deliver unprecedented high definition picture quality to world-wide MotoGP fans.

On April 24th 2009, Sony’s newly developed HDC “R” Series camera was utilised by Dorna Sports at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit for the first full field test of the HDC “R” camera which will be launched in May 2009.

In a live sports environment the enhanced CCDs (Charge Couple Device), new signal processing and enhanced focusing capabilities of the HDC “R” cameras allowed Dorna to deliver an unrivalled visual experience.

“High-definition acquisition of motorcycle racing requires extremely precise focusing, allowing the operator to accurately see contrast and colour levels when framing a shot. These new camera features associated with the OLED viewfinder were the perfect combination for shooting fast moving bikes as they race on the track, so we were amazed with the performance of the HDC “R” Series camera,” commented Sergi Sendra-Vives, TV Production Department Director at Dorna Sports.

With the latest camera technology enhancing the unique characteristics of MotoGP television coverage, Manel Arroyo, Dorna Sports Managing Director, said, “Sony have a great reputation for producing quality sports coverage all over the world and we feel confident that this latest addition to their camera range will help to set a new benchmark in High Definition Sports broadcasting. The test exercises we are currently undertaking will assist us in making a smooth turnover to High Definition MotoGP coverage next year.”

In the last decade, the huge evolution of MotoGP has increased an already phenomenal global following for the sport as every meeting provides enthralling action – making it highly attractive to spectators and TV broadcasters.

The thrill of MotoGP is broadcast live throughout the world thanks to a huge team of television production staff, orchestrating more than 20 trackside cameras, up to four on-board micro-cameras on each MotoGP bike which capture every angle of the rider and his machinery in action and high-frequency cameras in the pit lane.

There are more than 200 countries and territories receiving live or same-day-delayed broadcasts of Grands Prix, with the coverage delivered to more than 337 million households worldwide. Hundreds of millions of spectators enjoy MotoGP live each race weekend, with a total of more than 13,000 media personnel attending Grands Prix during the season.