NEW TECHNOLOGY POISED TO CHANGE SQUASH VIEWING EXPERIENCE
[Link to the new VS Multimedia coverage of the Bermuda Open]

Virtual Spectator, a company committed to the improvement of sports viewing experience through use of innovative technology, announced today the introduction of its newest product, VS Scorevision for squash, developed in conjunction with Bermuda Squash and available immediately for internet viewers for the remaining sessions of the Bermuda PSA Masters Event, which is sponsored by Virtual Spectator. The VS video releases will be available this afternoon, immediately, while the VS Scorevision (which involves a free download applet) will be available as of tomorrow morning.

The new VS Scorevision internet application for squash viewing will be introduced tomorrow [link] . (photo © 2006 Fritz Borchert.)

"We feel that squash offers a terrific potential for audience enthusiasm worldwide," VS spokesman Curtis Worthy told SquashTalk today.

"Last year we introduced some new video streaming technology for squash at the Bermuda PSA event. This year we are focusing on live match statistics (through VS Scorevision) as well as video match reporting clips, which are intended both for the internet viewing audience as well as for world media outlets to pick up. We have designed all this technology to work with the I-Pod and other mobile technologies as well.

VS ScoreVision(TM), uses award winning interactive technology that combines real-time scores, player statistics, an updated tournament draw and video updates with unparalleled expert commentary provided by none other than the “Voice of Squash”, Mr. Robert Edwards.  VS ScoreVision(TM) can be downloaded free at www.vssquash.com.  

This collaboration highlights the blending of the expanding role technology plays in sports and the expertise only true veterans can provide, ultimately giving squash fans the best of both worlds.  Squash statistic enthusiasts will have plenty of information to analyze and digest, whilst more entertainment focused viewers can take in video updates and archives on the events and high powered match-ups of the tournament. 

Virtual Spectator unveils its multimedia coverage of the Bermuda Open this afternoon on the internet . (sample screen from www.vssquash.com.)

VS Scorevision has been designed so that a third ("spare") referee, or other expert viewer, enters scores and a variety of match statistics as they happen (such as unforced errors, winners, and the like), providing all these statistics, live, online as a comprehensive profile of a squash match as it develops. These tools are designed to both enhance the live viewer's experience at the venue, as well as to build some more compelling interactive displays that will draw the internet audience to "watch" in a virtual way professional squash online in growing numbers.

"We see a lot of exciting potential with these innovative media products," said SquashTalk publisher Ron Beck. "We have a large, committted, and growing audience of readers of SquashTalk, and they are waiting for the right, compelling multimedia products to interest them in following competitive squash online, live."

Project Executive Curtis Worthy is coordinating the efforts of Virtual Spectator(TM).  He stated, “VS ScoreVision(TM) is a combined effort of a variety of teams diverse geographically and in media expertise such as interactive, HD film and audio, marketing and computer animation.  Virtual Spectator(TM)’s project model is fashioned to match varied media needs to international projects such as the Virtual Spectator(TM) Bermuda Masters.”

“VS ScoreVision(TM) is truly a model of the future in squash news.  As information becomes more diverse and on demand, the way we present our sport must follow that course.  VS takes experts in our game, with personal background knowledge and a true passion for squash and combines the future of sport technology, Virtual Spectator(TM), to give the fans an unparalleled experience.” stated Robert Edwards, presenter at the Bermuda Masters and the announcer on the VS Bermuda Masters online video services.

SquashTalk is going to be publicizing the Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters pilot project as widely as possible over the next few days to maximize the worldwide squash audience's exposure to this new product.