ActionStreamer, a tech startup that live streams from point-of-view cameras, debuted a first-of-its-kind quarterback camera during last month’s Pro Bowl practices. Seahawks star Russell Wilson donned a custom helmet with an embedded camera to take the first on-field QBCam footage.
Broncos linebacker Von Miller and Packers receiver Davante Adams were among the other Pro Bowlers to wear ActionStreamer cameras. Wilson and Colts tight end Eric Ebron also wore the HelmetCams during Pro Bowl warmups as well as practices. Each device weighs less than 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) and can capture footage at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second. ActionStreamer’s engineers integrate the hardware into the helmets in their Cincinnati lab to make HelmetCams.
ActionStreamer’s communications platform can manage more than 10 wireless POV cameras for real-time broadcast. MLB Network used its devices on the bullpen catcher and first-base coach during MLB’s All-Star Game last summer, and the Cincinnati Reds started doing the same later in the season. The Arena Football League also equipped coaches and referees with hat cams last year.
Former Bengals linebacker Dhani Jones is a co-founder of ActionStreamer, whose Pro Bowl work was its second foray into the NFL. ActionStreamer carried three referee POV cameras during an Eagles-Browns preseason game on Fox and used RefCams again during the Pro Bowl itself.
“We think about this as taking ‘Mic’d Up’ to the next level, giving fans an even more intimate, in-depth look into what it’s like to be an NFL player and teammate,” said ActionStreamer CEO Max Eisenberg in a statement. “Helmet cameras transport fans down onto the field, deepen their connections to their favorite players, and amplify the biggest plays and moments.”
SportTechie Takeaway
The full compilation of POV cameras gives a glimpse of the pro athlete experience, from throwing and catching passes to playing defense and signing autographs. Pro Bowl practices are a perfect proving ground for the technology, and the NFL wisely has begun using its oft-maligned version of an all-star game for tech demos. This year the NFL also tested its real-time tracking interface during the Pro Bowl.