The Problem: Broadcast-Grade Slow Motion With No Operator
Horse racing finish lines need slow-motion replay that feeds directly into live broadcast. RaceTech, which provides technical infrastructure for UK horse racing, needed a camera system that could do this autonomously: trigger on motion, record at high speed, enter playback mode, and output clean 50Hz Full HD over SDI to the OB truck. No operator at the camera. Remote management over Ethernet only when needed.
Why Off-the-Shelf Wasn't Enough
The CrashCam Mini 3510 had the right form factor and SDI output. At 1,000 fps it captured sufficient frames to resolve photo finishes clearly. But during field testing at HD resolution, RaceTech found two problems: the SDI output displayed a small image surrounded by a large black border, and the signal was not consistently 50Hz. Both were disqualifying for broadcast integration.
RaceTech also evaluated the XSM paired with IDT’s Time Capsule processor, which delivers 12G SDI at 4K. Prohibitively expensive for multi-venue deployment. The solution had to work at 1080p, at scale.
The Firmware Fix: CrashCam Mini POV
IDT developed a new firmware variant, the CrashCam Mini POV, specifically for this application. Two changes solved the problem. Maximum resolution was set to 1920×1080 using the full sensor area with downsampling, eliminating the black border. Priority shifted from Ethernet to SDI output, delivering consistent 50Hz. The result: a broadcast-native high-speed camera that operates without human intervention.
From One Venue to Fifteen
RaceTech installed the first system for Sky Sports Racing in 2019. By 2023, twelve systems covered major UK venues. In 2025, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) requested coverage for Irish tracks. David Rudeforth, IDT’s UK Director, developed rapid-deployment weatherproof enclosures integrating the camera, monitor, and all connections into a single case. Setup time dropped from 90 minutes to under 10. Three mobile systems launch in 2026. Current deployment: fifteen systems across two countries, delivering automated slow-motion finish replays for Sky Sports Racing and RacingTV.
CrashCam Mini POV Specifications
1920×1080 Full HD · 1,000 fps · 3G-SDI 50Hz output · Ethernet control · Video-based trigger · Autonomous record and playback · Rated 200G shock, 20G vibration
