Virtual Spectator Announces Newest Innovation in Squash – VS ScoreVision

Global sports innovator Virtual Spectator today announced the launch of its newest innovation to bring the excitement and experience of the Virtual Spectator Bermuda PSA Masters to squash fans worldwide.  Virtual Spectator’s latest development, VS ScoreVision, uses award-winning interactive technology that combines real-time scores, player statistics, an updated tournament draw and video updates with unparalleled expert commentary provided by the “Voice of Squash” Robert Edwards.  VS ScoreVision can be downloaded free at www.vssquash.com.  

This collaboration highlights the blending of the expanding role technology plays in sports and the expertise only true veterans can provide, ultimately giving squash fans the best of both worlds.  Squash statistic enthusiasts will have plenty of information to analyse and digest, whilst more entertainment-focused viewers can take in video updates and archives on the events and high-powered match-ups of the tournament. 

“VS ScoreVision is truly a model of the future in squash news,” stated Robert Edwards.  "As information becomes more diverse and on demand, the way we present our sport must follow that course.  VS takes experts in our game, with personal background knowledge and a true passion for squash, and combines the future of sport technology, Virtual Spectator, to give the fans an unparalleled experience."

Virtual Spectator (VS) is a leading interactive visualization and sports information group known for its 3D interactive animations of America’s Cup sailing, World Rally Motor Sports, golf, rugby, cricket, horse racing, and in Bermuda, the world’s premier match racing event, The King Edward VII Gold Cup.  Currently, Virtual Spectator is providing the world of sailing with a close up view of the Volvo Ocean Race in a completely 3D environment.  The group has a history of world-class technology innovation with a focus on visualisation products designed to simplify complex data and ease understanding of nuances in sports, as well as business data.

Douglas L King, CEO and Chairman of Virtual Spectator, said:  “Virtual Spectator was delighted to serve as title sponsor for the Bermuda Masters 2005.  When we were approached to serve in the same capacity this year, we were not only honoured to enhance this world-class event, but also challenged to make a significant technological investment to further the sport.”

Project Executive Curtis Worthy is coordinating the efforts of Virtual Spectator.  He stated: “VS ScoreVision is a combined effort of a variety of teams diverse geographically and in media expertise such as interactive, HD film and audio, marketing and computer animation.  Virtual Spectator’s project model is fashioned to match varied media needs to international projects such as the Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters.”

The Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters is the most high-tech prestigious squash tournament produced thanks to the combined effort of the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association, Virtual Spectator and the Investors Guaranty Group.  This year’s venue experience includes innovative referee-controlled score tracking systems, high definition slow motion replay, and wireless PSP viewing systems to watch on-court play over a WiFi connection, among other enhancements. 

“New technology, such as VS ScoreVision, is exactly what this sport needs to grow and reach new and diverse audiences on a global scale”, said Bermuda Masters Tournament Director Ross Triffitt.  “We are thrilled to not only have the sports technology Virtual Spectator provides, but to have them as our title sponsor two years in a row as well.” 

Tournament Chairman Kim Carter echoed his colleague’s thoughts by stating:  “The Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters has been an enormous success because of the investments of many including Virtual Spectator, dedicated volunteers, staff, players and referees.  My hope is that our success is seen through VS ScoreVision by squash fans throughout the world, especially as Bermuda prepares for the World Open in 2007.” 

About Virtual Spectator

Virtual Spectator (www.virtualspectator.com) is at the forefront of 3D graphics, animation, technologies, education, and content distribution, enhancing the visualisation and understanding of premier sporting events.  Powered by VS3D, Virtual Spectator's award-winning animation and graphics products have been the technology of choice by world-class events including the PGA Tour, Wimbledon, World Rally Championship, Volvo Ocean Race, Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters Squash, Formula 1, America's Cup, ECB, Cricket Australia, The King Edward VII Gold Cup, and the Olympic Games.  Virtual Spectator's sports management and data capture technologies provide interactive sports data, statistics, and graphics to broadcast television and the Internet.  Virtual Spectator is a member of the Investors Guaranty Global Alliance.

About Investors Guaranty

Investors Guaranty (www.investorsguaranty.com) is comprised of over 75 public and private companies with interests in Europe, North America, and AsiaPacific.  The Group specializes in strategic investing, insurance, financial technologies and services, risk and asset management, business process and integration systems and services, branding, media and information technologies.

Investors Guaranty Companies maintain offices in over 25 cities around the world. Group operations are managed from Zurich and Bermuda. Investors Guaranty’s branding activities include its title sponsorship of one of sailing’s premier match racing events, the King Edward VIII Gold Cup, sponsorship of the Royal New Zealand Ballet and title sponsorship of the Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2005-2006.

For images, please see http://www.vssquash.com/images/stills.html