3D Modeling Technology from Harris Corporation Delivers Animated Graphics for NBC's Olympic Broadcasts

Business Wire, Feb 7, 2002

Business & Entertainment Editors/Sports & High-Tech Writers

Olympic Winter Games 2002

SALT LAKE CITY & MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 7, 2002

Viewers who tune in to NBC's 17-day television coverage of the XIX Olympic Winter Games will come closer than ever to actually being there -- thanks to next-generation, three-dimensional (3D) urban modeling software developed by Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS). Television viewers watching NBC's coverage of the Games will experience 3D fly-throughs of course descriptions of the mountain venues.

"We're very excited to be able to offer these high-resolution graphics and 3D animation," said Neil Wright, producer/graphic designer for NBC Olympics. "Our goal is to make viewers feel as if they are part of the Olympic experience -- no matter where they are -- and the Harris RealSite product is helping us make that possible."

RealSite(TM) is a sophisticated suite of tools that uses imagery from multiple sources and sensors -- such as satellite and aerial photography -- to create very high-resolution, geospatially-accurate 3D models that cover large areas. The models are accurate to within one meter or less. Harris' InReality(TM) visualization software provides scene navigation and analysis capabilities. The tools are also used in defense, security, and municipal infrastructure applications.

"We are extremely pleased that this Harris technology is being applied within the context of a major international event, such as the Olympics," said Bob Henry, president, Harris Government Communications Systems Division (GCSD). "This is another example of how Harris is successfully applying technology that was developed for government use to commercial applications."

Harris began work on the Olympic modeling project last summer, when NBC identified specific landmarks and locations for possible use in the network's coverage. Modeling of the Salt Lake City area was completed first, including landmarks such as the state capitol, the Mormon Temple and several thousand other buildings. Modeling of many of the Olympic event locations, particularly those hosting the Alpine events, was completed in December of 2001 and early January 2002, following the first snowfalls.

Once completed, the models were processed through Harris RealSite's texture mapping application and translated into the Alias/Wavefront(TM) Maya(R) format, which is used by NBC artists to create fly-throughs, animations and other special effects.

NBC also used Harris RealSite models last fall to create 3D representations of "Ground Zero" and the damaged areas surrounding the World Trade Center. The models were included in an MSNBC special titled "Out of the Rubble."

Harris GCSD conducts advanced research studies, develops prototypes, and produces and supports state-of-the-art, highly reliable communications and information systems that solve the mission-critical communications challenges of its military and government customers, as well as provides the technology base for the company's diverse commercial businesses.

Harris Corporation is an international communications equipment company focused on providing product, system, and service solutions for commercial and government customers. The company's five operating divisions serve markets for microwave, broadcast, network support, tactical radio, and government systems. Harris has sales and service facilities in more than 90 countries. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at http://www.harris.com.