SMT 2025 Q1 Top 10 Highlights

As we kick off 2025, SMT continues to deliver cutting-edge technology and innovation for our clients across all sports. From building on our 34-year partnership with Tennis Australia to enhancing IndyCar broadcasts with our vector technology, our teams are making a global impact. We’re celebrating our 25th year powering THE PLAYERS with our largest LED deployment ever and marking other big anniversaries with our 25th year at Daytona and our tenth year providing graphics for NHRA drag racing. This quarter’s newsletter highlights these achievements and more—an enormous thank you to all staff for your dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of sports!

BROADCAST SPOTLIGHT: NHL FOUR NATIONS FACE-OFF

1. SMT powers historic Four Nations Face-Off

The NHL’s first-ever Four Nations Face-Off (Feb. 12-20) marked a major milestone in international hockey, bringing together the world’s top players for the first “best-on-best” tournament since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey—the same event that introduced SMT’s Puck and Player Tracking technology.

Record-Breaking Viewership

• Replaced the traditional NHL All-Star Weekend and became a must-watch event.
• Final game: 16.1M viewers across North America (9.3M U.S., 6.3M Canada).
• Most-watched non-NFL game in ESPN+ history and biggest NHL audience since 1973.

SMT’s Broadcast & On-Site Support

• Provided live and replay graphics to ESPN, TNT, Sportsnet, and TVA.
• Developed a custom graphics package featuring national team colors and crests.
• Supported on-site in Montreal & Boston + remote operations via ROOSTER in Durham.

SMT’s Broadcast OPTICS Platform

• Delivered real-time stats and analysis tools for enhanced coverage.
• Played a key role in the host feed broadcast model in which each broadcaster strategically integrated SMT’s graphics into their coverage. ESPN & TVA: Frequently utilized Puck Possessor, player highlight tags, and SMT Player Speed Replays. TNT: Featured SMT’s on-ice Power Play clock, Shot Speed Medallion, and live player tags. Sportsnet: Incorporated SMT Replay services into intermission reports.
• Presence and impact comparable to Stanley Cup Final-level production.

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT: FOX SPORTS AND INDYCAR

2. SMT brings RACEf/x to IndyCar for Fox

As IndyCar transitions to Fox, SMT continues its long-standing partnership with IMS Productions, enhancing race broadcasts with industry-leading technology. SMT has been a staple in IndyCar broadcasting since 1995, delivering cutting-edge graphics, real-time telemetry, and explainer elements that enrich the viewing experience. Responding to a request from FOX Sports, SMT adapted its NASCAR vector tracking system for IndyCar, marking a major expansion of its technology. SMT’s contributions to the IndyCar broadcasts included:

• RACEf/x Tracking System – Real-time data visualization for enhanced race analysis
• HUD (Heads-Up Display) – 3D virtual driver dashboard graphic that displays live driver metrics such as throttle, shifting, speed, degree of turns and tire G-force
• ISO Track Optical Pointers – On-screen indicators highlighting key race moments
• Ghost Car Technology – Used in qualifying for lap-time comparisons
• GEMStat Scoring & Data – Powering timing, scoring, and broadcast graphics

• Telestrator, Ticker, and AD Station – Additional enhancements that support on-site and international broadcasts, commercial break management, and production elements.

'Indy hasn’t used pointers for several years. We’re very excited to bring those back. Plus, a lot of the features that came out of the SMT universe over the period when Indy didn’t have pointers will now be brought to IndyCar, including the Ghost Car and the Heads Up Display. These are things we’re excited to bring out because they made a huge difference in NASCAR; we can evolve those tools for road courses and make them more specific to IndyCar.'

Zac Fields
SVP, Graphics Technology and Integration, FOX Sports

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: AUSTRALIAN OPEN

3. SMT secures three-year contract extension with Tennis Australia

Building on a 34-year partnership with Tennis Australia, SMT has secured a three-year contract extension through 2027, reinforcing its commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and services to enhance the tournament experience for players, broadcasters, and fans.

SMT’s involvement extends beyond the Australian Open to include essential support for the lead-up events: United Cup (Perth and Sydney), Brisbane International, Hobart International, and Adelaide International. With a team of approximately 20 staff onsite at Melbourne Park and an additional 10-12 supporting pre-tournament events, SMT managed over 1,000 matches, including AO+ events such as the Asia-Pacific Elite 14U, Deaf Championships, Intellectual Disability Championships, and AO Legends Cup.

New Innovations for Tennis Australia

As part of its renewed partnership, SMT introduced several innovative services:

• Practice Court Scheduling System: A fully integrated platform streamlining player practice schedules across all Tennis Australia events.
• Chair Umpire Scheduling System: A tool that optimizes umpire assignments while preventing scheduling conflicts.
• Start of Point (SoP) Service: A new system that reduces human error in match notifications and integrates seamlessly with SMT’s scoring ecosystem.
• Best Runner-Up Application: An automated tool to determine team advancement scenarios in real time for the United Cup.

Key SMT services also include scoring systems, serve clock and serve speed services, draw party presentation, AUS Open Vision (IPTV), and referee support.

With this contract extension, SMT looks forward to expanding its collaboration with Tennis Australia and continuing to elevate the tournament experience with innovative technology and expertise.

LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT: NFL

4. SMT powers the NFL’s biggest broadcasts: From Netflix’s debut to Super Bowl LIX

SMT kicked off 2025 with a major presence across the NFL’s most high-profile broadcasts, delivering cutting-edge technology and real-time data integration for Netflix’s Christmas Day debut, Nickelodeon’s Wild Card game, Prime Video’s exclusive playoff game, and Super Bowl LIX.

Netflix Enters the Live Sports Arena: On December 25, Netflix made history by broadcasting live NFL games for the first time, drawing record-breaking global viewership. SMT played a pivotal role in enhancing the broadcast, designing a dynamic score bug specifically for Netflix’s debut.

Behind the scenes, SMT’s remote operations team, led by Josh Berntsen and Charles Dallum, provided crucial support for the Houston game, including:

• 1st-and-10 lines: Virtual line-of-scrimmage and first-down markers for an immersive experience.
• Skycam Enhancements: Augmented visuals during dead-ball moments for added clarity.
• QBStat Machine: Real-time in-game player stats seamlessly integrated into graphics.

With over 30 million viewers per game across 218 countries, SMT’s expertise played a key role in ensuring Netflix’s first NFL broadcast was a success.

Nickelodeon’s Wild Card Game Brings the Slime: For the third year, SMT collaborated with Nickelodeon and CBS Sports to deliver the NFL Wild Card Game Live from Bikini Bottom, featuring the Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans. SMT’s SportsCG and QBStat systems powered an array of Nickelodeon-themed enhancements, including:

• Slime Zone: Virtual slime cannons celebrating touchdowns.
• Rope Line of Scrimmage: A playful, animated reimagining of the traditional marker.
• Best First Down Line Ever: A gooey, dynamic first-down animation.
• CatDog Down and Distance: A length-adjusting graphic inspired by the Nickelodeon classic.

By blending real-time data with Nickelodeon’s unique creativity, SMT helped deliver an engaging broadcast tailored for young football fans.

Prime Video’s Exclusive Playoff Game Showcases SMT’s Innovation: SMT reached another milestone in its partnership with Amazon’s Thursday Night Football during the 2024-5 season, culminating in the exclusive streaming of the Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens on Prime Video.

• Live Speed/Top Speed: The game marked the debut of new features integrated into Prime Vision with Next Gen Stats, TNF’s alternate broadcast. These innovations provided real-time insights into player performance, spotlighting standout plays like Lamar Jackson’s dynamic roll-outs and Derrick Henry’s record-breaking touchdown run, where his Gold Top Speed was showcased. These AI-driven overlays seamlessly highlighted key moments, combining real-time player tracking, game strategy analysis, and visually rich graphics. 

With record-breaking viewership, Prime Video’s third exclusive season of TNF delivered double-digit, year-over-year audience growth, averaging 13.22 million viewers per game, up 13 percent from 2023. The Wild Card game further cemented Prime Video’s success, showcasing next-generation innovations like Defensive Vulnerability, Defensive Alerts, and unique perspectives from High-Sky and All-22 camera angles. SMT’s full suite of graphics powered Prime Vision, offering fans an immersive and data-rich experience unmatched in streaming football coverage.

Super Bowl LIX: A Decade of Excellence: SMT continued its tradition of Super Bowl innovation, supporting FOX, Telemundo and the NFL Network. This year marked a milestone for SMT’s collaboration with Telemundo, as the network received its first-ever dedicated QBStat system for Spanish-language coverage. SMT’s on-site and remote teams worked seamlessly across all broadcasts:

• FOX: Delivered virtual 1st & 10 lines, operated by Charles Dallum (Low Sky Cam), Brandon Warren (High Sky Cam), and Quincy Marshall (Line Operator), plus SMART Tele enhancements.
• Telemundo: Provided QBStat support with real-time stat entry and integration.
• NFL Network: Supplied QBStat equipment for the Super Bowl World Feed.

With a record-breaking 127.7 million viewers tuning in, SMT once again set the standard for live sports broadcasting.

From Christmas Day to the Super Bowl, SMT continues to power the NFL’s most exciting broadcasts, enhancing the fan experience through innovation, precision, and creativity.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP

5. SMT expands technology footprint at THE PLAYERS with largest LED deployment yet

SMT expanded its role at THE PLAYERS with its most extensive LED deployment to date in addition to enhanced digital services. This year marks SMT’s largest-ever implementation of LED technology for the tournament, featuring 18 distinct LED builds across hospitality tents and on-course locations. Since 2001, SMT has provided video displays and content production for the PGA Tour’s premier event, delivering real-time scoring, video production, and interactive digital services to enhance the fan experience.

Among SMT’s key 2025 enhancements:

• Exclusive LED Provider for Comcast Business – SMT outfitted the Proud Partner Suite between the 9th and 18th greens and the second floor of the clubhouse with LED displays showcasing SMT’s TIPS broadcast. The clubhouse screen also supported meetings and guest speaker events throughout the week.
• Morgan Stanley Eagles Activation Ribbon – A new LED build featuring client-provided messaging and graphics through a dedicated URL page. SMT also integrated the Morgan Stanley Eagle Tracker within hospitality areas at holes 17 and 18, as well as The Grove.
• Expanded Digital Presence for Optum – Optum added an additional ticker LED installation in its Proud Partner facility, displaying custom graphics and scores with a focus on Optum Health’s player ambassador, Rory McIlroy.
• Custom Content for the Creator Classic – SMT provided video production for this new competition featuring golf media personalities, played on holes 10-17 immediately following the Caddie Competition, which SMT has supported for over a decade.

Returning SMT services included:

• The Welcome Wall – A 27-by-8-foot LED display greeting fans at the entrance, showcasing the primary broadcast feed and a multi-view Every Shot feature.
• Spectator Boards – Large 9-by-18-foot video walls in Sawgrass Square and The Grove, keeping fans engaged with curated player updates.
• IP Television Platform (TIPS) – 386 screens across the course, ranging from 32” to 80”, displaying 30-plus channels of live coverage, weather updates, and client-specific content.
• Media Center Display – A press-friendly scoring and leaderboard board that doubles as a branded backdrop for player interviews.

'SMT continues to elevate the fan experience at TPC Sawgrass with cutting-edge technology and innovative digital services. From real-time scoring and directional information to live video highlights and social media integrations, SMT ensures that spectators stay connected to every moment of the tournament. We’re excited for another incredible week of world-class golf at THE PLAYERS.'

Steven Wood
Director, Tournament Operations, THE PLAYERS

LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT: NHRA

NITRO is SMT's patented video overlay technology with virtual elements including: driver cards, finish line, sponsor logos, staging lines, speed tracker, Total Time, Launch Sequence and illustration of incremental times along the drag strip.

6. SMT marks 10 years supporting NHRA

The 2025 AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals kicked off the 74th NHRA season, marking a decade of SMT’s impact on the sport. Since 2016, SMT has enhanced NHRA broadcasts and in-venue experiences with cutting-edge virtual graphics and scoring solutions.

SMT has played a pivotal role in elevating the NHRA fan experience. When FOX Sports secured broadcast rights to 24 weeks of Lucas Oil Drag Racing in 2016, the expanded coverage opened new doors for SMT technology integration. SMT answered the call by introducing NITRO, its patented video overlay technology, bringing virtual graphics to the NHRA for the first time. Other key enhancements included:

• NITRO Virtual Graphics – Driver cards, lane sponsors, VIP (Video in Perspective), virtual finish line
• Scoring Graphics Overhaul – GEMStat/Live replaces FOX scoring graphics with a custom system
• New Visual Identity – Updated animations and refined graphics for a modern look

Innovations at the 2025 NHRA Gatornationals: SMT’s impact on the NHRA Gatornationals extended beyond traditional broadcast enhancements, rolling out new features for in-venue video boards and streaming.

• In-Venue & Streaming Upgrades – Added ladders, matchups, weather conditions, and lower-third results
• Complete SMT Integration – Unified graphics across broadcast, in-venue, and NHRA.tv streaming
• Stat Touch Screen Enhancements – Improved usability for production teams and on-air talent with real-time environmental data from weather stations at key track locations

Creative Advancements and Continuous Innovation: With the launch of a new graphics package last year, SMT’s 2025 focus has been on maintaining and refining its creative elements.

• Graphic Maintenance & Weekly Support – Ensuring consistency and quality
• Logo Fly Animation Enhancements – Improved transitions and visual impact
• Refined Driver Front Ends & Headshots – Enhanced clarity and presentation

BROADCAST SPOTLIGHT: DAYTONA 500

7. SMT debuts CARf/x at the Daytona 500, celebrating 25 years of race data innovation 

Congratulations to SMT’s motorsports team, led by Director of Motorsports Paulus Weemaes, on completing SMT’s 25th consecutive year supporting the Daytona 500.

This year marked a major transition with NASCAR’s new Enhanced Racing Data Platform (ERDP), shifting all car data sourcing to NASCAR. SMT successfully integrated this data into graphics, ensuring seamless delivery. Key SMT deliveries included:

• CARf/x Debut: SMT’s new CARf/x application, developed by SMT Engineering, powered all 3D pointers for live and replay coverage. The application performed flawlessly, reinforcing SMT’s leadership in broadcast graphics.
• ISO Track & GhostCar: SMT continued to provide in-car and aerial pointers, GhostCar technology, and a unified XML data stream supplying timing, scoring, location, and telemetry data for FOX broadcasts.
• OTD Analytics Powered by SMT Team Analytics: Formerly Team Analytics, this revamped tool now leverages Optical Tracking Data (OTD) instead of GPS-based vectors, giving NASCAR teams cutting-edge visualization and race analysis capabilities.

SMT remains at the forefront of motorsports technology, delivering innovative solutions that enhance broadcasts and team performance across all three NASCAR series.

LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT: LIV GOLF

8. SMT and LIV Golf: A historic partnership

SMT is providing its cutting-edge golf technology services for the 2025 LIV Golf season, including the opener held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—the first professional tournament played entirely under the lights. The event featured illuminated holes and a high-tech digital village. SMT’s ability to scale and innovate continues to solidify its role as a key technology partner for LIV Golf’s evolving vision.

SMT’s Partnership with LIV Golf

• Began discussions with LIV in early 2022 before its official event schedule was announced.
• Delivered key services for the inaugural event at Centurion Club, London (June 2022).
• Expanded role as LIV grew from a limited 2022 schedule to 14 events per season from 2023 onward.

SMT’s Core Services for LIV Golf

• Scoring & Data: Walking scoring, statistical tracking, and real-time TV/digital data feeds.
• Media & Graphics: Post-round reports, HTML leaderboard, and enhanced fan engagement tools.
• Fan Experience: Supporting LIV’s unique tournament format, including shotgun starts and music integration.

New Contracts: IPTV & LED Display Services

• IPTV Expansion: SMT won the IPTV contract in April 2024 after a competitive bid. Began U.S. event coverage in 2024 (Houston, Nashville, Greenbrier, Chicago, Dallas). Expanding to all 14 LIV events in 2025 with potential for expansion in 2026.

• LED Display Services: Secured LED display contract in December 2024 following an RFP process. Covers all U.S. LIV events in 2025, with potential international expansion in 2026.

NETWORK SPOTLIGHT: THE CW

9. SMT powers The CW’s Xfinity series debut with new graphics package

With The CW Network becoming the exclusive home of the NASCAR Xfinity Series, SMT played a key role in the CW's first NASCAR Xfinity Series broadcast, delivering all data and graphics remotely from NASCAR’s production hub in Charlotte. The season opener at Daytona was a major success, drawing 1.8 million total viewers—the highest since 2020.

New Graphics Enhancements:

• Horizontal Pylon Graphic: SMT’s Frank Ferro led the development of a new leaderboard format, which replaced the traditional vertical pylon with a bottom-screen "bumper" for enhanced widescreen compatibility.
• GEMLive Integration: The GEMLive application powers the pylon and other on-air graphics, offering seamless data integration.
• GEMStat Application: Managed real-time and historical NASCAR data, enabling richer race storytelling.

THOUGHT LEADER SPOTLIGHT: GERARD J. HALL

10. SMT CEO Gerard J. Hall joins industry leaders at SVG GFX Forum to talk tracking

SMT founder and CEO Gerard J. Hall spoke at the 2025 SVG GFX Forum, joining industry leaders to discuss the future of sports broadcast graphics on the panel "State of the Tech: Leveraging Today's Graphics Tools To Create Tomorrow’s Cutting-Edge Looks." Moderated by SVG Editorial Director Jason Dachman, the panel explored innovations in AR, real-time data visualization, and AI-driven production.

Gerard highlighted SMT’s OASIS framework, which structures sports data into three levels: data origination (Level 0), synchronization and unification (Level 1), and graphics presentation (Level 2). He showcased SMT’s AI-driven tools, including the NHL’s BUG HUG, which integrates player stats with on-screen graphics, and SMT’s vector tracking for NASCAR and IndyCar, delivering real-time, centimeter-accurate performance data.

He also discussed AI’s expanding role in sports production, detailing how SMT’s EIEIO engine classifies player movements and powers predictive analytics, such as the NFL’s TNF Prime Vision Defensive Alerts. The panel emphasized the growing impact of AI, virtual studios, and advanced playout systems in transforming sports broadcasts.

Events and Remote Teams

We are staffing 67 events this week. Safe travels to all!

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