Major League Baseball has partnered with NTT Corp. to do large-screen live broadcasting of MLB games using the telecommunications giant’s cutting-edge technology for real-time imaging.
The Ultra Reality Viewing technology, which enables super-wide imaging by combining multiple ultrahigh-definition images taken by 4K cameras, is expected to allow baseball fans at live viewing events to feel like they are watching games at the stadium or on the field.
It is the first time for MLB to sign a partnership deal with a Japanese information technology company.
MLB and NTT plan to offer a prototype URV experience by holding game viewing events in the United States in October. Such events to deploy the technology may also be held in Japan in the future.
NTT sees overseas system development and deliveries as a growing business, with its domestic telecommunications operations reaching a ceiling.
“We want to showcase our technologies while boosting the company’s profile in the North American market,” NTT President Jun Sawada said at a press conference in New York.
MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred said, “We think that the partnership with NTT provides us with an opportunity to add an additional platform, and to reach more people.”