On November 8, 2024, the spotlight shone brightly on the Frontwave Arena in San Diego, where the NBA G-League clash between the San Diego Clippers and the Portland Rip City Remix unfolded. While the players battled on the court, an equally exciting competition played out behind the scenes, showcasing cutting-edge broadcast technology that redefined how live sports are captured.
The production team chose the AIR One camera as their weapon of choice, a marvel of modern imaging that has quickly become synonymous with dynamic sports coverage. What set this broadcast apart was not just the camera itself, but its integration with a robotic gimbal system mounted on a Cartoni Lifto Twin motorized elevation column — an engineering feat designed to deliver smooth, high-angle shots with unparalleled precision.
From the moment the first whistle blew, the AIR One’s capabilities were on full display. Its gimbal-mounted design allowed for fluid, 360-degree pans, enabling the camera to track fast-paced plays from previously impossible angles. The motorized elevation column extended seamlessly, transforming sideline shots into towering aerial perspectives within seconds. This versatility meant that viewers at home experienced every dunk, fast break, and buzzer-beater with a level of immersion that felt almost cinematic.
What makes this setup revolutionary is its ability to operate with minimal manual intervention. The robotic gimbal system ensured consistent stability, even when the Lifto Twin column was fully extended. Gone are the days of shaky, handheld sideline footage; this was broadcast precision engineered to perfection. Operators could focus on creative framing while relying on the tech to maintain rock-solid steadiness, regardless of the court’s intensity.
The AIR One camera itself deserves special mention. Built for demanding live environments, it features ultra-high-definition resolution, lightning-fast autofocus, and advanced motion-tracking capabilities. In a game where split-second reactions are crucial, these features ensured no moment went unnoticed. Whether zooming in on a player’s determined expression or following the arc of a three-point shot, the camera delivered every frame with remarkable clarity.
The integration of the Cartoni Lifto Twin motorized elevation column added a new layer of adaptability. This powerful system boasts precise height adjustment, enabling the camera to shift seamlessly between ground-level close-ups and sweeping overhead views. Its smooth elevation mechanics eliminated jarring transitions, maintaining a continuous viewing experience that kept audiences glued to the action.
For broadcasters, this marriage of advanced camera technology and robotic support systems represents a leap forward in sports coverage. It’s a future where human creativity and machine reliability intersect, creating broadcasts that feel more like live sports documentaries than traditional game coverage. The AIR One’s performance at the Frontwave Arena showcased just how transformative such technology can be.
As the final buzzer echoed through the arena and fans celebrated another thrilling game, the production team behind the broadcast could take pride in knowing they had delivered a viewing experience that pushed the boundaries of what sports coverage can achieve. In an industry where innovation is constant and expectations ever-rising, this broadcast set a new benchmark.
The San Diego Clippers may have taken home the win, but the real victor of the night was sports broadcasting itself. Thanks to the AIR One camera, the Cartoni Lifto Twin motorized elevation column, and the brilliance of the production crew, basketball fans everywhere witnessed the game from perspectives once confined to the imagination — proving once again that in the world of live sports, the tech game is just as exciting as the game on the court.
About Cartoni
Cartoni is recognized worldwide as a leader in film & broadcast camera support. It is the only professional support company that designs, engineers, manufactures and assembles in Italy through its base in Rome. The company applies special attention to energy saving and environmental conservation and the only company that offers an unparalleled free, 5-year warranty on all fluid heads and pedestals. Since 1935, Cartoni has maintained its preeminent position by delivering superior technology and offering support products for a range of cameras from compact digital devices to large studio cameras. Its products include fluid heads, encoded heads, jibs & nodal heads, tripods, and pedestals.
For more information, visit www.cartoni.com/.
Contacts:
Cartoni USA
Steve Manios Jr
(818) 760.8240
steve@cartoniusa.com
International sales
Luciano Belluzzo
+ 39 335 5327108
Media
Linda Rosner
ArtisansPR
310.837.6008
Camera Accessories, Camera Control Systems, Camera Equipment, Camera Support, Camera Support Systems, Cartoni
