NBC Sports Adopts Nippon TV AI Tracking for Real-Time Vertical Broadcasts
NBC Sports partners with Nippon TV to use viztrick AiDi, an AI tracking tool that crops live sports broadcasts vertically for mobile users in real-time.
The era of rotating your phone to watch sports is ending. According to reports from Nikkei Asia, U.S. broadcaster NBC Sports is set to deploy a specialized AI system from Japan's Nippon Television Network to bridge the gap between traditional TV and mobile viewing. This technology enables the instant conversion of horizontal stadium shots into vertical mobile-friendly clips without human intervention.
The Tech Behind NBC Sports Nippon TV AI Tracking: viztrick AiDi
At the heart of this innovation is viztrick AiDi, an AI tool that utilizes advanced facial recognition to track specific athletes in real-time. Unlike basic cropping methods, this system intelligently identifies the most relevant action on the field and reframes it for a 9:16 aspect ratio, ensuring the player stays centered and the energy of the game remains intact for mobile users.
Meeting the Demand of the Shorts Generation
The move reflects a broader industry shift toward mobile-first consumption. Announced on January 14, 2026, JST, the deal positions NBC Sports as a leader in tech-driven engagement. By catering to the viewing habits of younger audiences who favor TikTok and Reels-style content, broadcasters hope to recapture attention spans that have drifted away from traditional 3-hour long broadcasts.
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