Liberty’s Media revolution is set to look to the past for inspiration with a return to the trackside Fanvision system, previously ditched in 2013.
The system enables spectators to see a live feed of the race on a hand held device, further enhancing the experience by allowing fans to watch the race beyond their vantage point at the circuit.
The system was a huge hit for spectators during the time it was used but contract negotiations with FOM and Bernie Ecclestone ground to halt, effectively killing off the feature at races. Fanvision announced the cancellation at the beginning of 2013 saying:
“We have, for some months, been trying to find the basis of an agreement between FanVision and FOM in order to continue providing the service in F1 in 2013.
“Unfortunately it is now clear that we are not going to be able to agree terms with FOM and very reluctantly we have to confirm that we won’t be in F1 in 2013. It’s a big blow for us.”
Well now it looks set to make a return to the circuits with Fanvision actively seeking new employees for the coming 2018 season revealing that “FanVision and Formula One are working closely together to provide a best-in-class fan experience through FanVisions return to the circuit during the 2018 season with a revolutionary new product. Deeply integrated with Formula Ones Broadcast Operations, the FanVision system will be set up and operated at each event on the Formula One calendar.”
Was it kangaroo TV the last time they rolled it out? I tried one at Silverstone but in all honesty I preferred my pit lane scanner 😉 I did have high hopes for the Liberty era but given what they could have done to improve our sport I am losing hope, halo..engine rule and grid shake up.
I hope the old units are compatible, mine is being in storage since Austin 2012
Unlikely I’m afraid
I can imagine that track wise there’s a need for entertainment. Make it so. Give the people a bang for their overpayed buck.
I have to agree. We understand 2018 fanvision will be very highly developed compared to what we had before
Smartphone anyone?
Smartphone for many is not a solution. AT&T charges me $10 a day for day pass which gives me Internet access in over 100 countries. The problem with many venues that you have over crowded cell towers and Internet access is very slow at tracks. Maybe the next generation 5G will increase the capacity but we are a few years away and requires new phones.