Left The 1948 Olympic Games in London were the first Games to be televisedOLYMPIC GAMES BROADCASTING HISTORYSenior Managing Executive Officer of Panasonic. "This is the first live 3D Olympic Games and it is a new era of broadcasting."The Olympic Games has always been a pioneer in the development of TV broadcasting technologies, and has been on the cusp of innovation since the first live over-the-air broadcast was introduced in London in 1948. There is no doubt that the Olympic Games will provide some of the best content for the 3D market in the future, and that 3D TV will drastically change the way we experience this great sporting event in our living rooms."In addition to live 3D coverage, OBS will also expand its commitment to High Super Slow Motion (HSSM) from Beijing 2008 and Vancouver 2010 by utilising more than 40 HSSM cameras to provide stunning replays that will show more detail than ever before.OBS also plans to implement a number of innovative camera systems as part of its overall production plan, utilising a number of different technologies to enhance viewers' understanding of the Olympic sports. These include point-of-view cameras for several events and wire-cams suspended 100 metres above the rowing venue at Eton Dorney.In another innovative move, OBS - in partnership with UK host broadcaster BBC and Japanese national broadcaster NHK - will film part of the 2012 Games in Super Hi-Vision, which is predicted to be the next format of television. Offering 16 times the quality of HD and an unmatched audio experience, Super Hi-Vision provides a crystal-clear wide camera angle shot that gives the audience the experience of actually being at an event. This exciting new format will be trialled during the Games, with coverage of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies being broadcast live to four specially commissioned Super Hi-Vision cinema screens in the UK.Ticket holders at BBC Scotland's HQ at Pacific Quay, Glasgow, the National Media Museum in Bradford and the Radio Theatre at the new Broadcasting House in central London will be able to enjoy the coverage on huge 400-inch screens, while a smaller Super Hi-Vision cinema using a 150-inch plasma monitor will be created within the International Broadcast Centre at the Olympic Park itself.The development of innovations such as 3D coverage, HSSM cameras and Super Hi-Vision underline OBS's commitment to providing the RHBs with the highest quality coverage, using the latest technologies."I personally am proud of what OBS achieved at the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, but gain more satisfaction from having witnessed each one of the OBS staff demonstrate an immediate desire to produce even better coverage from London," says Romero. "I presume that is what keeps us all motivated and wanting to come back Games after Games - the belief that we can do better next time and the realisation, Games upon Games, that we do indeed achieve such desires."OBS has been able to shape its plans for London by drawing on past knowledge and experience from previous Games," continues Romero. "Once again we will incorporate new technological enhancements designed to not only relay the passion of competition to the watching world but to also achieve more with less."With the eyes of the world truly on London this summer, the 2012 Olympic Games are set to provide yet another watershed moment in the history of Olympic broadcasting and, with 3D coverage being offered for the first time ever, the action is sure to look better than ever to those watching at home. ?OLYMPIC REVIEW 55BROADCASTING