Kangaroo TV Europe successfully completed the first test of the innovative spectator technology in the HSBC World Match Play Golf Championship. About 50,000 people attended the four-day tournament in Wentworth, England, which hosted 16 world-class players and was won by Ernie Els. The Kangaroo TV was distributed to up to 300 spectators daily for a total of close to 1,000 that had the opportunity to use the device amongst guests, sponsors, officials, Marshalls and general public.
The service was loaded with live video of the Tournament TV, BBC World Feed, updated scorecards, quick reference match-lists. Spectators roaming the course also had access to the BBC audio feed and "on-course radio" commentary.
"The European Tour is continually looking for ways to enhance the spectator experience," said Mark Lichtenhein, PGA European Tour Director of Broadcasting and New Media. "Kangaroo TV helped accomplish that goal by giving spectators at the course complete coverage. Users were excited about being able to anticipate the arrival of the players, having just seen the previous holes played on the Kangaroo TV. We’re grateful to HSBC for supporting the integration of this innovative technology into the Championship."
Tournament Director Senior Vice President, IMG, Marc Webster agreed saying, "Kangaroo TV was a benefit to users, who were able to drop into the live world feed, access the scorecards and get match-list updates from the green. Immediate access to player/event information, tee times, hole/course maps, and even weather forecasts, meant spectators didn’t miss a thing."
"This successful trial is another strategic milestone in the rollout of Kangaroo Media’s business plan," said Marc Arseneau, CEO. "It paves the way for potential partnerships in professional golf, which represents a significant market opportunity for our approach to content generation and our technology. Continuing to grow our portfolio with tier 1 sport properties continues to be our key focus."
"Match play and stroke play are perfect for the Kangaroo TV service. With multiple matches being played, viewers have the choice of which match to follow, and whether to walk the fairway or stand near a green. Kangaroo TV allows them access to all live play," stated Alain Charette, VP of Corporate Development and GM of Kangaroo TV Europe.
Kangaroo Media, a Canadian media company, calls its system "Kangaroo TV" simply because the device allows the user to hop between various audio, video and data options. Following this successful test, look for the Kangaroo TV service available to the public in future international major golf tournaments.
<font size=1>Source: CNW Group, The Canadian Press</font>
